Priority 16 moose, 402?

[Full Curl Earl]

Was thinking about this high priority I have in moose. When I initially began banking on a certain area, 16 years ago, things often change. Zones that were great then are now over run, or humans have encroached. It's like long term stock investments.
I had originally started applying for 402, back up in the Pass. At the time you needed about 5 Prefference points, lol.
Many years ago I had seen two incredible mountain bulls that made my jaw drop.
I'm getting no younger, and life has been tough and reminded me that time is precious. it's time to begin my search for a giant bull.
I know there are not many bull tags given, 14. Looks like a 17 is required last year, so make take a couple more years to draw.
Has this area gone down in regards of quality? Are there still B&C buls roaming the divide up there? Or should I be looking somewhere else?
I will be dedicating the entire bow and rifle season to this tag.
Any ideas sure would be appreciated!

[Jjolg123]

I see a fair bit of nice bulls bit most in places I wouldn't shoot a moose. Area gets hit hard by natives as well.

[Fur]

Seen some crankers in 316. The general archery tag was pulled 5 years ago so less pressure for sure. Solid grouse population also.

Ive got pics of a huge bull I seen there, this was after the general tag got pulled so He may still be out there! Ill try and dig up the pic.

[Full Curl Earl]

Yeah but 40 tags are given and you can draw that zone with a priority 5.
Maybe a prairie bull is what I should be looking for?

[Jack fish hunter]

Originally Posted by Full Curl Earl

Yeah but 40 tags are given and you can draw that zone with a priority 5.
Maybe a prairie bull is what I should be looking for?

I was going to say a buddy of mine was goose hunting around provost, he said the amount of moose around there was just unreal. Lots were big too.

[Newview01]

Originally Posted by Jjolg123

Area gets hit hard by natives as well.

Many of the far southwest zones have a lot of moose but still have well over a decade of draw priority because of legal, undocumented moose kills.

[LKILR]

I was drawn in 402 two years ago on P17. I got a bull that scored 170. There are B&C Bulls in the zone. It's a tough area. If you don't find the one you want during the rut then your chances of getting a big one are greatly reduced. Them Bulls live in the middle of no where and there's tonnes of bush for them to hide. Do you have horses? If so I totally recommend 402. I would take an unsecessful hunt in 402 over any prairie hunting. But that's just my preference. If you do draw the tag in 402 and you want a helper PM me. I know zone better than anyone else I know. And I have horses. The other nice thing about 402 is there will be only 10 other moose hunters to compete with.

[winterhawk44]

I have hunted that zone a lot and know it very well. There are some Booner Bulls there for sure. It will be a tough hunt but very rewarding.

[Newview01]

Originally Posted by LKILR

I was drawn in 402 two years ago on P17. I got a bull that scored 170. There are B&C Bulls in the zone. It's a tough area. If you don't find the one you want during the rut then your chances of getting a big one are greatly reduced. Them Bulls live in the middle of no where and there's tonnes of bush for them to hide. Do you have horses? If so I totally recommend 402. I would take an unsecessful hunt in 402 over any prairie hunting. But that's just my preference. If you do draw the tag in 402 and you want a helper PM me. I know zone better than anyone else I know. And I have horses. The other nice thing about 402 is there will be only 10 other moose hunters to compete with.

Do you find a lot of griz in there?

[Big Grey Wolf]

In 402 you will be hunting shiras moose the small country cousin to the larger Canadian moose. Suggest you go furthur north if you want large antlers.

[LKILR]

Originally Posted by Newview01

Do you find a lot of griz in there?

Yup!! But I've never had problems with them around a kill and I have had to leave a few dead animals over night.

[Birdy]

Buddy and I saw what I'd call a monster last September abt as high upslope as you could go in 402. Big enough to make me consider the 16/17 year wait.


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[marlin1]

last time I hunted there was .... 20 years or so ago . biggest moose I ever saw harvested and bulls everywhere . Times change , people come , haven't been since . best of luck with whatever you choose . Seems bull moose could be a once in lifetime draw so make it count

[slopeshunter]

Originally Posted by marlin1

Seems bull moose could be a once in lifetime draw so make it count

Last years draw report shows all bull tags in 402 were drawn using 17 points.

[mightybuck]

Just a side note any suggestions for a priority 10 bull moose for my wife. She shot her first moose 10 year ago and wants something bigger than a paddler bull. Hunted 166 last season saw more moose than mature mule bucks. Do you think 166 is a good zone to burn a priority 10 tag on for her? Oh yeah she is a fair weather huntress that doesn't like minus 20 so sometimes my days are limited

[Full Curl Earl]

Back to the original post.
I think I'm decided on 306, as I have about a 50/50 chance this year to draw the tag. I've got some intel on the unit, but can never have enough thats for sure.
Any suggestions sure would be appreciated! Want to put together a hunt that worthy of a 16 year wait.
Thanks to everyone who has PM'd me.

[Alfiecat]

Beautiful country. Lots of g bears. Was up there last year and going back again this summer to scout. Moose is a moose for meat. Trophy I agree with some of the other comments. Head North young feller

[Full Curl Earl]

Young feller, thank you! Been a long time since someone called me that. Lol
Ive hunted Moose in the North most of my life, Bow and rifle. Big bulls are hard to find anywhere I suppose.
Any suggestions where folks have seen moose in 306?

[Full Curl Earl]

Does 306 have any decent water that hold moose?