Quick Answer
During the rutting season, bull moose in Ontario can be called using loud, consistent bugling and raking sounds, typically made with a bull elk call or a homemade device, best between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM when they are most active.
Choosing the Right Habitat
When calling bull moose, it’s essential to focus on areas with suitable habitat, such as willow or alder thickets, near water sources, and in areas with good visibility. This allows you to locate the bull and make an effective call. In Ontario’s boreal forests, look for areas with recent moose sign, such as tracks, scat, or rubs, to increase your chances of success.
Effective Calling Techniques
To call bull moose, use a loud, consistent bugling sound, typically between 5-10 notes in length, with a duration of 2-3 seconds per note. You can also use raking sounds, which mimic the bull’s antlers rubbing against trees, to attract the bull’s attention. When using a bull elk call, start with a single, low-pitched bugle, then gradually increase the pitch and volume to simulate a bull responding to another’s call. Practice your calling technique before the hunt to ensure you can produce a convincing bugle.
Timing and Patience
Bull moose in Ontario’s rutting season are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, so plan your call sessions accordingly. Begin calling between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when the bulls are starting to become active, and then again between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when they are most vocal. Be prepared to wait for an extended period, as bull moose can be unpredictable and may not respond immediately to your call. Keep moving and adjust your calling strategy as needed to increase your chances of success.
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