chapter 328

Moose

9/23/2013

can't dodge the dart

I successfully bagged this moose completing a lifelong bucket list item of seeing and photographing a moose in NY State. Saw them in Canada while fishing and had sought them out near Indian Lake in the deep Adirondacks where they breed, but to no avail. To my surprise the opportunity knocked right here 3 miles from home in Clifton Park. I had not written this down as a bucket list item, in fact haven't written any down yet, though I should. Having a written goal helps, but s--- happens, serendipity happens.

Don't know this guy's full life story but one was spotted in Corinth, 40 miles north, at the beginning of September. This one was most certainly spotted in Rensselaer County and Mechanicville, 15miles east, last week and at exit 8 near McDonalds 3 miles away near the Northway I-87. Apparently he's 2 1/2 years old, 600 pounds and on the fall rut season looking for fun.

Was driving around the area looking just about to give up when these officers vehicles were spotted at some guys house. Two news media had just arrived approaching the officers so I just sort of walked with them to blend in. We were kept 120 yards back as the moose was peacefully lying down beyond the Blue Spruces lining a driveway. It's a slight dot about 2/3 over from the left side and in the hardwood tree line.

My remarkable camera zoom revealed Mr Moose at peace resting and just keeping an eye on on us. The DEC dart team arrived a half hour later and plotted their strategy. The boot guy had a dart gun and the shotgun guy, DEC Biologist Ed Reed, was apparently for backup in case of a bull rush. They snuck up around the left side thru the brush as two decoy guys went in the open to the right to get the attention of Mr Moose. One shot to the front shoulder did the trick with the drug taking effect to drop him after a few minutes. They had a trailer to haul him away, and he's now back to the heart of the Adirondacks and all is well, for the time being.

My paparazzi buddies sneak into the backyard as Abigail Bleck from TV Channel 13 interviews an ECO after getting my story and email for photo uploads. I don't want to say I'm a TV celebrity now, but they did catch my best side. Their video was in their prime time news feature.

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