Last fall while elk hunting here in North Idaho I came across this beautiful specimen of moose hood. Not having a moose tag in my pocket, I could only study and observe. I got to watch him for about a half an hour before he faded into a nearby alder thicket. I had ample time to study his rack and facial features.
Upon arriving home that evening I did the best pencil sketch I could do from memory. The next day I packed my sketchpad and rifle back into the location and drew in parts of the actual back round again in pencil. Several weeks later, I went over the pencil drawing with pen and ink using the pointillism technique, erasing pencil drawing after completion of the ink drawing. The whole process took about 12 hours- I day that because people who look at my work often ask, “gosh how long did it take you to do that?”
I did several sketches of this moose also for future reference. It is important to do this while your subject is still fresh in your mind. A good subject is a good subject. Oftimes worth doing again at some point in the future. Good sketches bring details back into focus.
During the mating season the bulls can be aggressive. However the cows with small calves in the spring can be down right dangerous. If you happen upon a cow or calf while hiking in springtime, back off, turn around, and give them time to pass.
I truly believe you are nearly in as much danger as with a grizzly encounter. Remember this, it is that important.
On the other hand I’ve never met a moose I didn’t like. So I’ll apply for a tag again this year, with high hopes of getting drawn.
Thanks for viewing my Bull Moose.