We all know that moose season in Ontario is just about to get fully underway and in anticipation of this event, I have located a fantastic article on the importance of the call. The call is an often misunderstood and misused hunting necessity that can be the determining factor between success and an empty freezer. Take some time to check out the article below, originally posted by The North American Sportsman page. Also check out the other various informative articles they provide :
The Rut & The Art Of Calling
During the first part of September, the rutting season begins. The rut generally starts about the time leaves turn color and may last from a month to six weeks. Both sexes become extremely active, travelling far more than at any other time of year. The bull shakes off his easy going ways and starts to roam outside his home territory. Instead of being a lethargic, detached creature, he is suddenly deranged by the urge to reproduce.
Prior to the rut the velvet is rubbed from their antlers, turning them into gleaming weapons. Once the rut has begun, this animal becomes stately and arrogant — with a very short temper. Anything, including hunters, that gets in his way is fair game.
A sexually active bull will travel far and wide in search of cows. Where normally he would quietly retire, he now becomes a beast with a mission; crashing through timber grunting challenges to all. He may fight, but it will invariably be with a bull of similar stature. A young bull often hangs around a more mature bull who has already collected a cow. He’ll keep his distance and will run off if seriously challenged. The transformation that takes place during the rut is a big help to hunters — it keeps bull’s on the move and lowers their usual guard. Read on…..