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 silently communicate 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 using an outfitter and 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.

Related Articles

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

A Bear Hunt That Keeps You Coming Back

Returning to the place that landed us two giant bruins, 5 years later!

How to hunt black bears

How to Scout locations, Bait & Place a Tree Stand

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Enjoying Wild Game

Experts at dry-aging Canadian AAA beef, and renowned for their game meat selections.

Becoming a Trapper

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

Kincardine Turkey

James Smedley visits Bruce Peninsula in sight of Turkey.

Understanding the Rut

Simple tactics for a successful deer hunt.

Bear Hunt Experience

Ontario is the destination for black bear hunters.

Spring Bear Hunt at Olive the Lake

A return trip to Olive the Lake in Northeastern Ontario results in a big game hunt to remember.

Techniques for an Ontario Moose Hunt

Popular methods to use on a big game hunt.

Bush Walking for Grouse

Stepping off the trail for a better hunt

Up Close & Personal Bear Hunting

Harvesting a bear up close is very challenging but rewarding.

Uncovered Trophies

Sharing an overlooked Northwestern Ontario hunting spot.

Turkey Lessons

Never Underestimate a Wild Turkey

Moose Hunt Magic

Hunting moose in Ontario can be an incredible experience.

Ontario's Largest Moose by a Female

A father and daughter's big game hunt in Ontario.

Moose Hunting in Ontario

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

Hunting Turkey

Lots of Options in Grey Bruce County