Syracuse.com - Tales from the Woods: Bull moose surprises hunter in treestand

[HuntingNY-News]

"The moose decided to give my dad the show of his lifetime. It walked around the treestand and rubbed its antlers on the ladder."

By Mike O’Connell

“My father, Ed O’Connell, of Rome, is 86. He has hunted for more than 70 years and has seen most of the wildlife that New York state has to offer.

“On Oct. 22, my dad and I were hunting at our camp in Highmarket, located in Lewis County. About 8 a.m., dad heard some noise in the distance approaching his treestand. Naturally, he assumed his position in anticipation of seeing a buck coming his way.

“To his surprise, he saw a bull moose with antlers that were an estimated 30 inches wide. The moose decided to give my dad the show of his lifetime. It walked around the treestand and rubbed its antlers on the ladder.

“He lingered under my dad for close to 10 minutes before he disappeared into the woods. My dad called me on the walkie-talkie and asked me to guess what he just seen below him.

“I knew it was not a deer because I did not hear a shot. My second guess was a bear. My dad then told me about his encounter with the moose.

“As my dad climbed down his treestand and made his way to his ATV, a thought crossed my mind. I hope these are not the only antlers my dad sees this hunting season.

“But what a wonderful adventure. I just wish he had brought his camera that day. "

Mike O’Connell lives in Marcellus. Have a hunting tale that’s unique, instructive or just funny? Send your story to [email protected]. Keep your stories to 300 words or less.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog