Opening Day Tag

For over 30 years, Dad has entered into the Maine Moose lottery. In all those years, for every year he has not been chosen, the next year he receives more and more entries. This year was his lucky year, chosen for a Bull Moose tag for district 16 (at our house). Dad began scouting early, seeing plenty of sign, he sat in his tree stand opening day, and around 4:00 this evening, he pulled the trigger on a 600 lb. cow moose.

Congratulations were in order - but first... we needed to drag this enormous animal out of the woods. She was in about a mile through marsh, swamp and thick brush, and daylight was dwindling. We utilized everything we had... a couple four-wheelers, two and a half hunters (Colby is the half hunter), and, well.... me :)

We managed to drag her out to a clearing, and knowing the rest of the journey out of the woods and down to our house was considered "easy" - BJ and Dad took a moment to re-position the moose and discuss the hunt. In this split second - BJ reached in and gave Dad a congratulatory hug - I was thrilled to have captured this bonding moment.

In a way, I almost feel as though I have passed the "test" and am allowed into their exclusive club... if only to capture moments like these. I don't mind, It warms my heart to see them share their love of hunting with Colby, and with me.

Congratulations again Dad!