Got back last night from seven days out in the Alaska Range hunting Moose. Temps were in the -20 range when we left, and for the first day there. Spent first two nights in a tent in a drainage where we expected to see Moose. After two days we had saw nothing, so we moved over a valley. Spent the rest of the time hunting out of a gold camp. Nice warm bunk house at night.
Once we moved over to the second valley we went up to the head of the valley where the Moose had moved, above treeline. Once high we got on to sloped plains for miles and miles. Highest thing around was brush, only ankle high. Anything moving within five miles could be seen. Maybe that is why the Bulls moved up there. We saw a lot of Bulls, but they were already moving when we saw them. Could not get to within 1000 yards of one. We did find what we thought was a Black Wolf on a gut pile. Don (Old geezer like me) and I were able to get to within 600 yards by sliding down a ditch that ran that way. Don's first shot went right over the animal. It raised up high and looked around, I thought it looked funny for a Wolf. That gave Don a second shot. Don connected with a 600 yard shot, on a black Fox. First time I have ever seen one like that.
Friday night I rolled my snowmachine twice coming down off the mountain. I ride a big Ski Doo 800 SWT with 24" wide track. This thing is big and heavy. First time shook me up, but I was OK. Had to have help getting it right side up. Second time I was thrown about 20ft. Landed on wind packed snow hard as concrete, right on my right shoulder. Pulled something in my shoulder, at the outer end of the clavicle. Talk about sore, gosh that hurts. Lying on the snow on my back, I was able to use my legs and push the machine back onto it's tracks. Saturday I stayed in the bottom of the valley, watching the rest ride the ridges. Maybe I could spook something up to them, or they could run it down to me. No luck.
Sunday, my partner Dan, (young Air Force person) spoted two Moose butting heads part way up a moutain. Dan climbed up above them but was unable to locate them when he got into position. One slipped by him and went over the ridge above. The other one hid, and stayed hid till after dark.
As we drove home a fox crossed the road in front of us. I stopped the truck got out and grabbed my Handi Ultra in .223. I squalled like a rabbit and it stopped looking back, fatal mistake on Mr. Foxes part. Nice Cross Fox.
Day or two to rest up and I will be going out again. Living the life I always dreamed of, just wish I had done this at a younger age. Old age stinks.
