Anglers and large wildlife often find themselves in closer proximity than any of the parties involved are comfortable with. While you’re out fishing, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for wild animals in the area.
I bring this up because the Game and Fish sent out a message recently about a confrontation between a fisherman and a cow moose. The angler had been working through the willows around the North Tongue River, and he was surprised to come face-to-face with a large cow moose. The moose instantly became agitated and charged the fisherman, who took the logical next step of pulling his gun and firing at the moose. He reported the incident to the Game and Fish, and an investigation found that the cow moose had been bedded down in the willows, along with two young-of-the-year calves. Unfortunately, the cow was killed, and without their mother, the calves would not have survived, so the Game and Fish had to euthanize them.
This incident may not have been avoidable, and there’s a risk of things like this happening when we’re out in the wilds. But you can reduce the chances by being extra vigilant when you’re in the backcountry. Moose are big, but they’re designed by nature to fit in with their surroundings. This is especially true in the early morning or late evening, when their dark coloration makes them surprisingly hard to see. And this time of year, moose, elk, and even deer can be aggressively protective of their young. And of course, bears are also dangerous when they’re surprised.
Keep your eyes and ears open, and make noise when you’re wandering through the brush. If you see critters, give them a wide berth, as well as an escape route, not only for your safety, but for theirs, as well.
