A River’s Edge Moose Hunt

Hunting on opening weekend in Northwestern Ontario

It was opening weekend in Northwestern Ontario, and I was sitting in an old cutover along the edge of a river just as the sun was breaking the horizon. As I waited, watching intently, I heard the unmistakable whining bellow of a cow moose calling, and shortly after, a responsive bull grunting back.

With a serious pulse of adrenaline, I started to move closer, trying to pinpoint exactly where they were courting each other. I knew my dad and brother-in-law Jay weren’t far off and, thanks to the technology of the Garmin Rino radio/GPS, we were able to communicate silently via texts to coordinate a quick plan.

It turned out that Jay was sitting on a hilltop watching this same cow calling. There were two bulls close by but out of range and concealed in heavy brush. Dad and I met at the river, where I perched in the bow of a canoe while he paddled me toward the moose. Jay guided our progress as he watched us close in via his GPS. In a rapid sequence of events, Jay watched the bulls, spooked by our paddles, stop their sparring and walk to the river, the smaller of the two getting there first. As we rounded the last bend, I saw a black shape moving through the brush. I raised my rifle and steadied myself as the canoe slowed. When I saw the antlers and the bull’s chest clear the brush, I had my shot, and moments later, we had our moose lying along the river’s edge.

Tom Armstrong and brother-in-law Jay after a successful river’s edge moose hunt in Northwestern Ontario
Tom Armstrong and brother-in-law Jay after a successful river’s edge moose hunt in Northwestern Ontario. (Photo credit: Tom Armstrong)

Moose hunting in Northwestern Ontario offers great opportunities, albeit there is a limited number of tags. By utilizing the group application system or by using an outfitter with outfitter tags, hunters can target adult moose. There is nearly unlimited access to Crown land in northern Ontario, with a vast network of logging roads and lake and river systems to camp along and to hunt from.

For less primitive lodging options, visit visitsunsetcountry.com for a listing of accommodations and outfitters where you can base your hunting adventure.

About Tom Armstrong

Tom Armstrong is an outdoorsman living in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and as an ardent angler, hunter and sportsman, he has turned this passion for the outdoors into a hobby as an Outdoors Writer and Photographer.

Recommended Articles

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Moose Calling Tips

Learn How to Call Moose

Goose Hunting

Southern Ontario is Prime Habitat, Offering Prime Hunting

Grouse Hunting in Sunset Country

You won't have trouble reaching your ruffed grouse limit here

Grouse Hunting Outfitters In Ontario’s North

The pros and pros of heading north for grouse

Prince Edward Divers

Some of the Best Hunting in Ontario

Long Point Bay

Ontario's Prime Duck Hunting Grounds

A Beginner's Guide to Hunting in Ontario

Everything a first timer needs to know.

Nipigon Moose

Where 60-inch Racks are Taken Each Year

Understanding the Whitetail Rut

Simple tactics for a successful deer hunt.

Trophy Deer Hunts in Thunder Bay

Gord Ellis reveals one of Northwest Ontario's most overlooked trophy hunts.

Becoming a Trapper

What you need to know and consider before you become licensed.

Ground Blind Hunting

Late November Hunting for Deer in Northwestern Ontario

Techniques for an Ontario Moose Hunt

Popular methods to use on a big game hunt.

Algoma Country Grouse - Exploring a New Region to Hunt

Going for a bear hunt, and landing grouse limits everyday

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

The Secret Life Of Grouse

Locate roosting locations, food sources, and predator signs to help you find more grouse this fall.

Close Encounters with Ontario Bruins

Tom Armstrong and his wife participate in the Ontario Spring Black Bear Hunt

Moose Hunting in Ontario

Ontario is one of the best places to fulfill the dream.

Northwest Deer

Four Places to Hunt in Sunset Country