Another Fall come and gone.....

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year...and that will likely never change.  Fall in Alaska takes on a sense of business and urgency - but even when the pressure is on to stock up the freezers for the winter, every day carries a level of excitement to it that makes it a joy to be outside.  Taking in all the colors and smells this time of year brings, frosty mornings in quiet meadows, slipping through the spruce and the willows in that dead, still silence that only comes when snow is falling in the woods, cruising down the river with honking geese in the air above you, and cool, fresh air that lets you know that winter is just around the corner...  "Great to be alive" just doesn't cover it.  :)

This fall, of course, was another great one.  Though I vowed to get a bull with the bow or not at all this year, with the goal of getting Sarah her first bull being our plan, it was not to be.  It quickly became evident that she was not going to get out much, if at all...and it wasn't long after that when I heard "What are you doing, you need to quit messing around with the bow and get some meat in the freezer?!"  And so, after only getting out a few times with the bow, I once again began toting the rifle with me.  In terms of calling bulls in, this year was a slow one.  Nothing like last year, when it seemed bulls everywhere were going out of their way to introduce themselves.  But, as they say, "You can't make the kill if you're not on the hill..." and after putting some time in, one bull made the mistake of showing himself on the river bank for a second too long, and it went 'Bang.'  A fleeting window is all you need, if you stay ready.  I remember pappy telling me that a few thousand times or so. Among other things.... Thanks, dad.  This moose steak's for you.  :)

Though the situation did not allow for video. or even many photo opportunities, I managed to snap this one of the bull shortly after he hit the ground.  Funny, I think he kind of looks like a whitetail in the picture...those briars are taller than they appear. :)


The shortest pack I've had on a moose, excepting one.  Here he is in the boat, minus ribs, brisket, and pelvis.  Headed for home around 10pm, with a clear, starry sky overhead and the Yukon smooth as glass.


Got some pics of him back at home the next day.   A 51"-er this time. 
 



As always, after the fun of moose season, comes the WORK of moose season.  But now there are brats, sausage, burger, roasts, ribs, and jerky in the freezer.  Mmmmmmmmm
 



As I planned on saving the head for a possible beetle project at school, (still rotting away in the back yard as I write this, actually...)  There was a chance for a photo op with me, Warren, and Sarah's dad, Sam, who came to visit:




Also, while Sam was here, we just murdered the Spruce 'chickens'.  Even had the best one-afternoon total I've ever been part of, with 11 Spruce grouse and one Ruffed Grouse:




Another fall come and gone.  More great memories made.  Making those memories in the present always seems to take me back to others made in the past, and fuels the fire to make more when the next season comes around.  Speaking of which, I've got some traps to get ready...  :)