Maine Moose with bow or Blackpowder?

[justhuntitall]

Ive been sending for a Maine moose tag for 5 years now hopefully here in the next couple years Ill get one . Iam troubled on what to use bow or my Night Muzzleloader .

What loads do you guys use in your blackpowders and do they let you use scopes on your blackpowders?

What poundage and what broad heads do you guys use to shoot Moose?

[T_in_PA2]

I wouldn't bother with it until you get drawn in the lottery. Chances of that are pretty slim.

[JsmesB67]

I've been putting in since 1985 and have yet to be drawn. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to practice with both weapons and then make your choice. Good luck...!!!!

[vtbuckrulrss]

let me give you some advice: use the biggest, baddest thing you have handy. i got drawn in vt this year. i asked an uncle of mine, who used to live and hunt in alaska, what to use. he thought my .06 would be just fine( it was), but that i had to step up my bullets. i ended up buying federal premiums, nosler tipped, 180 grains. found a cow moose, standing at 60 yards or so, broadside. she took the first chunk of lead with a shrug of her shoulders. she took the second the same way, then she crossed the stream. the third one caught on the opposite side, quartering away from me, and she finally went down. imagine this, the first two double lunged her, about four inches about from each other, yet she was still on her feet. like a lot of people have told me, keep flinging the lead until they go down, you don't want to have to chase one. leave the bow and smokepole to home, come ready for some work. and apply for n.h., you stand a better chance in the draw than you do in maine.
Pat

[JsmesB67]

My experience has shown me that moose aren't especially diificult to kill it just takes them a long time for them to realize they're dead.
Their lungs are huge so it takes a long time for them to fill up with blood. I've killed two big Canada bulls and I killed both of them with centerfire rifles. If I were to ever get drawn in Maine I wouldn't hesitate to take a Muzzleloader. If time wasn't a factor and I had all season to pick my shot I would consider the bow... One thing you could consider doing is going with the bow and have your subpermitee carry your muzzleloader. You could always grab the M/L if the ideal bow shot doesn't present itself. Just an idea....
Jim B.

[justhuntitall]

Thanks guys for the info if it does take me that long to get a tag maybe it will be the smoke pole.

What was the shortest amount of years it took to get a tag Anyone?

[T_in_PA2]

I can honestly say that I know a non-resident that got pulled the first year he applied. That's like winning the lottery.

[moosehornhunter]

Hi,
Just figured I would throw my two cents in on this one...I am a registered guide in Maine, and like others have said before regarding getting a tag....don't hold your breath. A friend of mine just died in his eighties and never got one. Second, if you do get a tag, leave the bow and muzzleloader at home. It's a world class, once in a lifetime hunt with some absolute monster bulls roaming around. Don't leave anything to chance. Your shot will range from 30 to 500 yards. Bring a cannon. The problem is not killing them, it's where they land. You want them to drop when you hit them, in the road if possible, cuz there ain't no dragging these jokers. And it would realy stink to see a 70" bull 350 yards out and not be able to get a shot. Also, the season is only one week, and thats not alot of time. Just my two cents....

[ccobbett]

I am not sure I agree with the rifle mentality. I am also a Reg. Maine Guide and I would encourage you to use a bow or muzzleloader. Our guide service holds the new state record with a bow. And I can tell you it was the most fun you can have with you cloths on. We glassed from the top of a mountian that took 2 hours to hike. Called in 1 small bull to bow range before spoting a giant 3 hills over. We hike 3 miles to stalk withing 31 yards and the hunter made a great shot. It took two saws, 2 atv's and 7 hours to get down. Wouldn't change a thing. If driving the old logging roads and rifle hunting is what you want, more power to you. Do what makes you happy. But don't be afraid to challenge yourself if you want.