Fall Canoe/Hunting Trip

**red lake** · 10-09-2009, 11:21 PM

This week was my first week off work in over two years. I got a moose tag but for an area that is not easily accessible. So off I went in early October in my canoe to find a moose in Northern Ontario.

The road in was a tad over grown.
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Did a pile of damage to my truck.
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Loaded up and ready to go.
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A water fall on the Berens River.
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My son standing in just about the very spot he fell and broke his wrist about 30 minutes later.
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The falls seemed to be flowing at about half capacity which resulted in a very cool section of a a major water drop you could walk through and around.
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We began setting up camp and my son fell. He came to me crying and I knew it was broken. I could just tell by his reaction. I gave it 5 minutes to see if he was not hurst as bad as I thought, but he was still in distress. So it was 4 hours to get back to town and to the hospital, by canoe, through the bush, 70km down a gravel road and then 30 km of paved road to get to the the hospital.

I carry a SPOT with me when my kids are with me but not when I am alone. I considered it when it happened but not life threatening so I decided it was just as quick if I paddled out.

Hospital up here sucks large so needless to say we spent Monday night and Tuesday morning there and still nobody looked at the xrays until Thursday.

Tuesday afternoon I headed back out solo
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The weather was cold and rainy from about an hour after I got to camp. I cooked up the grouse I shot on the way in for supper. First day out I usually feel kind of blah, so after supper under the tarp around 3:30pm I went to the tent for 5 pm. I laid there and read listening to the rain...all night! It was cold, barely above freezing. I was surprised it did not snow.

Next two days was on and off again of snow showers. The blue skies did make an appearance but that meant the temperatures dropped. I paddled up and down the creek looking for moose but no luck.
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I had a heck of at time getting a fire going after the first night because everything was so wet. I pride myself on the one match fires but I have to admit I did struggle this time. But I still ended up with a blazing fire that I cooked bannock over

Judging by the camp site I picked there were some FN there hunting moose in the weeks previous.
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Today I awoke to a fresh blanket of snow, but still no moose.
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I headed home with no moose but was somewhat grateful. Getting a moose out of there would have been a job bigger than I was willing to do. I did plink 4 grouse on the way home so it was not all lost.

This trip also gave me a chance to test new gear. I had my entire kitchen bag stolen this summer so I ended up replacing all my gear. Some stuff was not replaceable and some stuff was upgraded. Overall a good trip on the periphery of tripping season.

But as always, once I get back I start thinking about the next trip.

**COWBOYSURVIVAL** · 10-09-2009, 11:42 PM

Looks like Dad had his work cut out for him! I am guessing your son went home to Mom. It'll be a lesson well learned that should carry him further in life......see my post about raising a Cowboy it'll probably ring true for you and should give all Dads a lift! Anyhow your post makes me want to see more of the northland! good Post!

**Winnie** · 10-10-2009, 05:52 AM

Great pics RS. Hope your son is OK. Boys generally bounce at that age, shame he missed out on time with his dad.
It never ceases to dismay me how folk can leave their litter behind. Whats wrong with packing your rubbish out with you?

**crashdive123** · 10-10-2009, 05:59 AM

Nice pics. Sorry about your son - hope he is doing well.

**tipacanoe** · 10-10-2009, 08:10 AM

I have never been on a moose hunt, and after seeing how you planned on getting it done, I would say 99.9% of the moose hunters in Maine have never been on a moose hunt either. In Maine if the moose isn't on the road when it is shot, the hunters have their 4 wheelers, blocks and tackle, 4 other guy's to help. You should be commended for taking your son and doing the old way, and having a heck of an experience. I do hope his recovery goes well, he is lucky to have you as you him.

**Rick** · 10-10-2009, 08:38 AM

Thanks for sharing the pics. Hope your son is A Okay and is left with only the memory and a good story for later in life.

**ClayPick** · 10-10-2009, 09:55 AM

Too bad your son took a tumble, at least he’ll have bragging rights with the cast. I’m SOL on moose hunting this year. There is a draw for the licences and my number never came up. A rutting bull moose has to be about the most crazed and unpredictable thing on the planet, at times I don’t mind not seeing or getting one either. LOL! I noticed you have a barrel and harness, what do you think of it? Thanks for the look at the Shield.

**FVR** · 10-10-2009, 10:01 AM

Great pics, kinda makes me sorry I sold off the canoe.

Sad about your son, but hey, it could have been alot worse. Makes you think about accidents in the outback. And good footing.

I think planning is the best part of the next trip.

**rebel** · 10-10-2009, 10:25 AM

Thanks for sharing the story and pics. I hope your son is doing well.

**red lake** · 10-10-2009, 10:34 AM

I have two barrels and for many years only one harness. A cheapo I bought on ebay. I hate it.

However...... I recently purchased a Ostrom Barrel Harness made in Thunder Bay by Bill Ostrom http://ostromoutdoors.com/backpacks-...s-c-21_28.html $199 for the harness was worth every cent.

I can now carry my canoe pack on top of my barrel with very little effort. Likely close to 80 pounds. The barrel itself is quite heavy because it carries all my food. Actually the barrel is more like the kitchen cupboard with many staples. Flour, Sugar, Spices, Instant Potatoes and Rice, Pasta, Instant Sauces, Oats, Dried Fruit, Juice Mixes, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Jam.

Kid is okay, not a bad break. He was disappointed his trip was cut short.

**ClayPick** · 10-10-2009, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the link. I just figured out what i want for Christmas.

**hunter63** · 10-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Great post!
Great pic's, hope the boy is doing well, and you returned safe.
I gotta tell ya, that you have bigger nads than I do, to go after moose solo, by canoe, no less.
I done a couple of deer hunts by canoe, and just the logistics of hauling it out was a real pain, even with a buddy.
My hat is off to you.

Thanks for the link, cool stuff.
They make new trucks everyday, good to see a truck that actually got off the pavement.