After talking for a couple of years about a moose hunt with Bob, in 2021 I decided to cash in 18 years of priority and drew a license for bull moose. A horse-assisted hunt was the only practical way to access the deep and remote basins of the mountains, where Bob’s experience with the area and his horses really shone. Mark was recruited and eagerly joined us as a friend, hunting partner and moose caller. Our plan was for a 7 day hunt.
What follows is a brief story of this fantastic trip.
—-
Dave
“The trails of the world be countless,
And most of the trails be tried;
You tread on the heels of many,
Till you come where the ways divide;
And one lies safe in the sunlight,
And the other is dreary and wan;
But you look aslant and the Lone Trail,
And the Lone Trail lures you on.”
-Robert W. Service
The Crew:
Bob – horseman and chef
Mark – rock collector and moose talker
Dave – greenhorn and itchy trigger
Day 1:
We meet at Bob’s acreage to load cart, horses and gear into two trucks with horse trailers. After a quick tutorial by Bob on how to saddle and load horses, I am forced to put my fear of large animals aside and trust Strawberry, my transportation for the week. Leaving the trailhead at around 2pm, we make good time and meet the staggering views of a high mountain pass by 6pm, our spirits lifted by the sight of 5 snowy-white mountain goats at the pass. Darkness envelops us for the last hour of our 35km ride and we reach camp in the snowy blackness of night.
To be continued…