Moose Hunt Application Question

[Shoot2Kill]

Hello all...the person I usually put in for the moose hunt with moved out of state...he was a friend that was willing to just go on the hunt but not be the trigger man. Of all my friends that I could now put in with, it would be a coin toss as to who actually fills the tag and I'm not trying to sound selfish here, but if it's a once in a lifetime tag I'd like to be the one to fill the tag.

So my question is this....I have friends that would be willing to go on the hunt just to go along if their name was not drawn so can I put in with my wife to make the group of 2 but then have someone else go on the hunt? Thx...

[Crow Hunter]

Not legally, or ethically, in my opinion. a moose hunting party in Minn consists of 2-4 legally liscensed hunters. If only one person in the hunting party had their name on the liscence they would be hunting illegally, I believe. The DNR also rightfully only expects experienced big game hunters to put their name in. All persons on the liscense also have to show up at a mandatory orientation meeting if they get drawn. I personally have applied many, many years without getting drawn. Since it is very hard to get drawn I think we should all go about it the right way, so that everyone applying according to the rules has an equal chance to get drawn.

[lichen fox]

I'm not sure if there is an exception to Big Game rules for Moose hunting but here are a couple exerpts from the regs regarding..."assisting" someone to "take"...

“Taking” Defined

“Taking” means pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping,snaring,

angling,spearing, or netting wild animals; or placing, setting,drawing,or using a net, trap, or other device to take wild animals. Taking also includes attempting to take wild animals or assisting another person

in taking wild animals.

• A person may not take or tag deer without the appropriate license or

permit. The term “taking” includes attempting to take deer, and driving,

spotting, or otherwise assisting another person in taking deer.

So, if all that applies to Moose as well...I would say no also.

[Shoot2Kill]

Not legally, or ethically, in my opinion. a moose hunting party in Minn consists of 2-4 legally liscensed hunters. If only one person in the hunting party had their name on the liscence they would be hunting illegally, I believe. The DNR also rightfully only expects experienced big game hunters to put their name in. All persons on the liscense also have to show up at a mandatory orientation meeting if they get drawn. I personally have applied many, many years without getting drawn. Since it is very hard to get drawn I think we should all go about it the right way, so that everyone applying according to the rules has an equal chance to get drawn.

Thanks for the reply, that's why I asked. I'm just asking these questions and bringing things up to spark some conversation before the app is due, not pointing at anyone...I'd just like to hear others thoughts on MN moose hunting.

I'm not trying to cheat the system or not be "ethical" but if I'm not going to physically apply with you, how does my wife putting in for the tag with me and not going if we're drawn affect your chance of being drawn? Just asking.

I've only been here 4 years, but from what I've seen, some areas don't take forever to get drawn...2 people I know that put in for the canoe only areas were drawn within 3 years....this is my 3rd year so I'm hopeful and that's why I'm asking now before the app is due.

My wife and I lived in Alaska for 5 years and killed moose, caribou, black bears, and grizzly...she's more experienced at big game than 90% of the people that will apply for this hunt but currently doesn't have the desire for 10 days in the bush by canoe if by chance we're drawn so that is why I was thinking of alternatives but if that's they way it is, then that's the way it is.

The part about experienced big game hunters...I had to chuckle when I read that in the regs..... thinking about the MN deer hunters that think they qualify as "experienced"....no offense to anyone. This doesn't apply to all but I've seen and heard about many "experienced" MN deer hunters apply thinking it would be great to shoot a moose. Some of these guys that think they are even remotely experienced with how to handle a moose (terrain where they can live, sheer size, getting it out, meat handling) because they've deer hunted their whole life will have another thing coming to them once the moose is on the ground, so "experienced" has many meanings. I've also heard the road hunter stories...IMO, it doesn't take much experience to drive the road system of the unit you drew, get lucky, and get as close to the moose as you can with an ATV and haul it out.

So here are some questions for anyone - say you put in with just one other person and that person cannot go for some crazy reason...2 scenarios...#1 - because of the sheer demands of handling a moose on the ground and going solo is not the best idea, would the DNR in that circmstance let another person go with you? Or if #1 is a no, #2 scenerio - if you drew a canoe in only area how many people would go solo so the tag is not wasted? I'm guessing they can't stop you from going solo, but will the DNR allow that? It could still be done; it would suck, but it can still be done.

[Shoot2Kill]

I'm not sure if there is an exception to Big Game rules for Moose hunting but here are a couple exerpts from the regs regarding..."assisting" someone to "take"...

“Taking” Defined

“Taking” means pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping,snaring,

angling,spearing, or netting wild animals; or placing, setting,drawing,or using a net, trap, or other device to take wild animals. Taking also includes attempting to take wild animals or assisting another person

in taking wild animals.

• A person may not take or tag deer without the appropriate license or

permit. The term “taking” includes attempting to take deer, and driving,

spotting, or otherwise assisting another person in taking deer.

So, if all that applies to Moose as well...I would say no also.

Perfect, thanks!

[Crappie Rage]

I don't see where it says another person cannot help you once the animal is "taken". I would say your wife or buddy or brother could come along and assist you once the animal is down. Why not?

If they are going to be calling and spotting and telling you where the animal is, I would think that is against the law. But if they are back at camp and have breakfast ready for you when you come in, where is the harm in that? Then they come help you take your animal apart. Again, I don't see that as being illegal. If they help paddle the canoe in and go fishing, don't they have the right to be in the Boundry Waters if they want?

Personally, I don't see this as a moral or legal problem.

As far as applying with someone who will not hunt....the apply with 2 hunters is a stupid rule to begin with. I am sure more than 50% of the applications come in just like you are planning. If they don't want that to happen, don't make 2 guys share one moose license.

[Shoot2Kill]

I don't see where it says another person cannot help you once the animal is "taken". I would say your wife or buddy or brother could come along and assist you once the animal is down. Why not?

If they are going to be calling and spotting and telling you where the animal is, I would think that is against the law. But if they are back at camp and have breakfast ready for you when you come in, where is the harm in that? Then they come help you take your animal apart. Again, I don't see that as being illegal. If they help paddle the canoe in and go fishing, don't they have the right to be in the Boundry Waters if they want?

Personally, I don't see this as a moral or legal problem.

Very valid points as well.

[Crow Hunter]

"I'm not trying to cheat the system or not be "ethical" but if I'm not going to physically apply with you, how does my wife putting in for the tag with me and not going if we're drawn affect your chance of being drawn? Just asking."

How does someone applying along with a person that will not participate in the hunt affect my chance of being drawn? Very simple. If you do not have at least 2 people that intend to participate in the hunt, per the rules, you should not apply for the drawing. I am not yelling at you, or telling you what you should do, but you asked for opinions. I gave you mine. Another person said they thought it is stupid to have to have at least two people in the hunting party, but I think you spelled the reason out very well why there should be; the work involved if you get an animal on the ground. I myself would not want to rely on someone that has nothing invested (tag money, time off from work, etc.) to be available to help me getting a moose out of the woods. Also, if we could apply as individuals, the chance of drawing a tag would be cut in half, if not more. I am 55 and have been applying most years since I was in my 20's. I would like an even chance at drawing, that's all. As for going solo, it is my understanding that you don't get a tag unless all in the party show up at the mandatory orientation session, which is up north somewhere. If i am incorrect, someone please correct me... Good hunting to all.

[89Bronco]

Shoot2Kill--- I did exactly what you want to do. My wife and I applied to make it a group of two and I went on my own. At the place where I was staying, I met another guy who did the same thing. He happened to have one of his nephews there in case he got anything.

Nobody can help you take the moose, but once it is down, the hunt is over and the MN National Guard can help you get it out if you have connections. A few phone calls after I got mine and I had 3 helpers who knew what they were doing help me pack mine out.

The CO at our moose class (which my wife did attend) said anyone can be with you taking pictures, videos, etc.---but they cannot be carrying weapons, or scouting or guiding. Maybe that's changed in the last couple of years but that's what I know. Good luck...it's a blast!

[Archerysniper]

89Bronco is 100% right just cause they apply with you dosen't mean they have to hunt. Any one can be with you but like Bronco said they cannot help to take the moose that even means they cant paddle the canoe if you are hunting. If you get drawn they will explain everything in the orientation class,there is no reason not to apply with your wife and nothing ethically wrong with it either.

[jkcmj]

Does it decrease your chance of being drawn if you change partners? My wife and I applied the last couple years and now are divorced.

My (ex)inlaws were drawn for boundry waters area their 2nd year and took a nice moose.

[Shoot2Kill]

Shoot2Kill--- I did exactly what you want to do. My wife and I applied to make it a group of two and I went on my own. At the place where I was staying, I met another guy who did the same thing. He happened to have one of his nephews there in case he got anything.

Nobody can help you take the moose, but once it is down, the hunt is over and the MN National Guard can help you get it out if you have connections. A few phone calls after I got mine and I had 3 helpers who knew what they were doing help me pack mine out.

The CO at our moose class (which my wife did attend) said anyone can be with you taking pictures, videos, etc.---but they cannot be carrying weapons, or scouting or guiding. Maybe that's changed in the last couple of years but that's what I know. Good luck...it's a blast!

Thank you very much - that's great info.

[Shoot2Kill]

"I'm not trying to cheat the system or not be "ethical" but if I'm not going to physically apply with you, how does my wife putting in for the tag with me and not going if we're drawn affect your chance of being drawn? Just asking."

How does someone applying along with a person that will not participate in the hunt affect my chance of being drawn? Very simple. If you do not have at least 2 people that intend to participate in the hunt, per the rules, you should not apply for the drawing.

That still does not affect your chances of being drawn in the least, because whether I apply with my wife or apply with a friend, which I will do one or the other, it's still just one application. You and I may not even be putting in for the same zone (chances are if you're applied that long and have not drawn, you're not putting in for a canoe in only area), so in all reality, you and I are never even competing for the same tag therefore not even remotely affecting your chances at being drawn.

Good luck to you, I really hope you do get a tag at some point.