Best moose caliber

[darren_southard]

Hello everyone, was hoping someone can help me out. I was drawn in this years moose hunt in Vermont, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good moose call/video to purchase to learn how and when to call? And also what would be a good caliber, Ive read how more moose have fallen to a .30/30 then any other caliber, it all depends on placement, which is so true BUT id rather have odds in my favor and dont want to be under gunned. I love lever guns and hunt alot with my marlin .444 and .45-70, but also have bolt guns from .30-06 , .338. and .375 H&H, I dont want to be over gunned just dont want to be running around the woods of vt. after a wounded moose ,as long as I did my part and the bullet does its part, both for me and the moose! Any help would greatly be appreaciated Thanks Darren

[Sheridan]

It seems to me it's your choice.

Up close and personal with the lever guns or from a far with your bolt guns.

Then just pick the right bullet with good penatration.


Have fun !

[Jeff Ovington]

focusing on a bullet that does the real work for the game your hunting and marksmanship are the things you should continue to think on to make your decision.
All cals you mentioned are good choices.
I personally choose my 3006 over my .338 on my moose and elk hunts because of my marksmanship and handling performance with it.
With the right bullet choice ( (180gr. MRX) I currently use) I have had no problems with wondering if I'm under or over gunned.As far as calling I just use a call someone made me from birch bark, and mimmick a cow in heat or bull sound through it.
Carlton and Primos make videos that may work for you , but it took me a couple of years of mastering the technique I use, from being in the field and actually picking up the various sounds that moose made.
These videos really didn't help me out but they were something to watch.

[salukipv1]

340 Wby
375 H&H
416 ...
458 Lott

[hurricane1]

Hi Darren,

Congratulations on getting drawn!

Here's a call that has worked well for me on five moose hunts.

http://www.buckexpert.com/languages/...Elowres2k9.pdf

It's one of their reeded mouthpiece/detachable plastic cone models. The accompanying instructional CD was a big help. Well, that and a pile of practicing.


I'm guessing here but I think in Maine more moose have been dropped by 30-06 cal than anything else. I use a 7mm Rem mag with 180gr bullet.

Obviously, the habitat you'll be hunting in is another determining factor in your gun selection process. Will there be some large clearcuts or agricultural fields like we have in northern Maine, or will you be in the tight woods? The average shot distance on the hunts I've participated in has been 50 yards, although during scouting a lot of moose were seen up to 300 yds away.

Here's the State of Maine's take on gun selection :

(From Maine Fish and Game Moose Hunter's Guide)
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_pe...ide_FINAL2.pdf

(Good reading, regardless of which State you're hunting in.)





quote: "Making The Kill:

You should make every effort to kill your moose instantly. This requires use of the proper firearm and the ability to hit vital areas. To have greatest assurance of making a clean kill, only the larger cartridges are recommended.

NOT Recommended

.243 or .244 (6mm)
.303 Savage
.38-40 Win.
.250 (.250/.3000)
.30-30 Win.
.32 Win. Spec.
.38-55 Win.
.35 Rem.
.25-06
.32 Rem.
.44 Mag.
.351 Win.
.257 Roberts
.32-40 Win.
.44-40 Win.
.30 Rem.

Recommended
.270 Win.
.30-06 Sprfld.
.308 Win.
.284 Win.
.444 Marlin
.280 Rem.
.30-40 Krag.
.348 Win.
.303 British
.8mm Mauser
7 x 57 mm.
.300 Sav.
.358 Win "

[moosemike]

I've shot Moose with the 30-30, .30-06, and .450 Marlin. The .450 Marlin did the best job. That was the only Moose I ever shot that reacted to the shot. I'd go with your .444 or .45-70 but the .30-06 does work well too. You don't need cartridges like the .338 WM and .375 H&H because Moose aren't terribly difficult to kill. The Bull in my avatar was taken in Danville VT with my 30-30 Marlin using 170 grain Silvertips. That was sufficient for the purpose too. You don't need to buy a call, you just need to learn to make the sound off of you tube videos and get yourself a 2 or 3 liter pop bottle and cut the back end off.

[moosemike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36q8s...eature=related


Here is one on cow calling.

[moosemike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9epi...eature=related


And a good example of the Bull grunt.

[cantrap]

My preffered cal is the 300 in wsm, your 3006 is good but if it was me i'd grab your 338. I guess it all depends on the conditions, is it open, thick brush, thick bush, water hunting, doging, stand hunting? All cal have thier place in certain conditions.

Good luck

Mike

[vermont bowhunter]

darren a 30-30 will kill a moose but they take a ton of punishment and still stay on thier feet,,we had a guy hit one 5 times with a 30-06 last year and it stiill was on its feet ,not for long of course.what unit did you draw we might be able to help ya..here we dont use calls all that much.mostly hunt the marshy stuff and when you shoot keep shooting as long as you have bullits and its still on its feet...use 180 grn bullits or bigger,and dont forget this isnt a deer you need to think about getting it out and cutting it up...its a big chore..so check around..and get help...if your in the north east i can help