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[maineguide]

Does anyone out there call to get a shot at a moose?

[dougw]

10-19-02, 2:30 PM I called in a 900lb. bull with a 61" antler spread. Only 10-permits were issued for our zone in VT; first time open in modern times. Used two cow calls on a "BUCK EXPERT" moose call, one call on a homemade can/string call, followed by a third cow call. Bull came running in, my son and I partnered up each scoring hits. Meat's in the freezer, antlers are being mounted. GOOD LUCK!!!

[ This Message was edited by: dougw on 2002-10-26 12:42 ]

[bitmasher]

Congrats on the bull, Doug. I can't imagine packing 900lb of meat!

On the home made can/string call, do you think that part of your call sequence worked at all? I have heard the string needs to be wet when it is pulled through the can.

[dougw]

Not sure if the call sequence had an effect but it brought the old boy running in. The string does have to be wet. You don't actually pull the string through when calling.The wet string hangs out the bottom of the can;running your forefinger&thumb along the string makes the sound. Luckily an experienced co-worker showed me how. New VT record also(65" spread) taken in my zone; biggest this season 938lbs. taken up north. Thanks.

[bitmasher]

Thanks for the info Doug. I had the "can/string" calling explained to me once, so I didn't know exactly how it worked.

I imagine that was quite an adrenline rush when the bull came in!

[maineguide]

dougw, what kind of string do you use?
I was wondering if nylon would work

[bitmasher]

Just guessing but I don't think nylon holds water well. May want to shoot for cotton based string. Just a guess...

[dougw]

maineguide: I used a regular flat bootlace taken off an old pair of Sorrels. I experimented with several kinds of fabric and shapes (including rawhide)but this seemed to work best. I haven't tried nylon so I don't know how it would work. I also wrapped the outside of the can with one layer of duct tape on the recommendation of a co-worker who had some experience in this area. I'm still experimenting myself and would be interested in hearing your results. Good luck.

[rwp]

I've heard of using a can to call moose. Can anyone explain how to make one? What size can works the best? How long should the string be? Is there a certain way one must hold the can. Thanks

[dougw]

rwp: I used a 2.4lb coffee can. Punch a small hole in the center of the bottom. Take a bootlace (I used a flat cotton one) and tie a knot on one end. Run the string through the hole in the can from the inside out; the knot will keep it from pulling all the way through. Wet the string and hold it between a thumb and forefinger. Run your fingers along the string (which should be hanging out the bottom of the can) while holding the can's opening in the direction you want the sound to travel. By experimenting you can find the best point on the string to start. I also wrapped the outside of the can with duct tape. I used a combo of a commercial call and can call to bring in a bull. Friends of mine who taught me how to make and use the can call have called in or gotten moose to answer the can call by itself. It's best to experiment and find out what will work best for you. Good luck...let me know how you make out.

[rwp]

Thank You, Now how much duct tape does one wrap around the can? And is it's used to cut down on the vibration. I tried using diferent size cans and the smaller one worked the best. Thanks again

[dougw]

I put one layer of duct tape around the outside of the can. It seems to give it a little deeper tone. The larger can seems to project the sound louder but smaller cans probably would be o.k. too. Check out http://www.sherryfelix.com/MOOSE.htm for recorded moose vocalizations.

[rwp]

Thanks Dougw: I'll give them both a try. I called in a moose this year using vocals, but I don't feel that my voice carries vary well. Another trick I used was a shoulder blade from last years moose to rub on small trees, sounds like a bull thrashing brush and that seen to carry very well. Any way using both we got a nice Bull, about 1000 lbs. Thanks again

[maineguide]

Thanks for all of the info guys.
Will give it a try in the future.

[bitmasher]

Maineguide, if you give the can calling a whirl, I would be interested in hearing how it works out.