October 15, 2012 at 12:01 pm
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Unity College students check harvested moose for winter tick load. (Photo Credit: Regional Biologist Chuck Hulsey)[/caption]
The morning of October 8th in Eustis, Maine dawned with a seasonable chill and a slight breeze rustling brightly hued leaves. Those folks who were lucky enough to be drawn for an October moose tag were taking to the woods with blaze orange, moose calls, and high hopes. I was arriving at Pines Market in Eustis to meet with our Regional biologist in that area, anxious to see proud hunters and big bulls in trucks and on trailers. The measuring tapes, knife, and pliers were ready to go. We just needed some moose.
We were not disappointed. Around 8:30 am the first beaming hunters arrived with a beautiful, healthy looking moose. After checking to make sure the hunters had appropriate documentation, such as hunting licenses and the moose permit, we set to work. Biologists work tirelessly over every moose brought into check stations statewide to obtain valuable biological measurements, teeth for aging, and tick load assessments.
Biologists also use moose at check stations to teach small groups of college students studying environmental sciences about the various methods used to monitor population health and management.
The antlers are measured from one point of one side to the point directly opposite on the other side to determine antler spread. The number of points was counted and beam measurements were taken by measuring from the base of the antler up the back edge to the top of the back point. These antler measurements are used in conjunction with moose age and body weight to determine general nutrition and health. Good nutrition is required for large, healthy antler growth.
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I show Unity College students how to measure antler spread. (Photo Credit: Regional Biologist Chuck Hulsey)[/caption]
The canine tooth on the bottom jaw is pulled quickly and efficiently and placed in a vial filled with a liquid preservative. The teeth will be sent to our Bangor research and assessment crew where they will be readied for slicing, staining, and reading. In moose older than 1 year, the only sure way to determine age is to study a thin sliver cut from the root of the tooth.
Winter tick load is also checked by counting the number of ticks along four 10 cm long transects on four different areas of the moose: the rump, ribs, shoulder, and neck. These tick checks have been ongoing in this area of the state for about six years to monitor tick populations and the effect of winter ticks on adult moose.
In the first two days of the October week hunt, 25 moose were checked and registered at Pines Market in Eustis. All but one, we were happy to see, had very light tick loads and all had dark, thick, healthy coats. Most weighed between 700 and 800 lbs dressed, with a handful in the 600 lb range and a handful in the 800 to 900 lb range.
The largest antler spread that had been registered as of 7:30 pm on October 9th was 60 inches wide on a healthy bull that weighed 790 lbs. This was the second bull taken in this area for a particular family group that had 3 generations present on the hunt. One of the youngest members of the group was drawn for one tag, and one of the eldest members was drawn for the other. Many other family members who were not drawn were along to watch and rejoice in what would certainly be a memorable week for all three generations present. Seeing their joy and bonds strengthened by the hunt were enough to make anybody proud of Maine’s rich hunting heritage and the valuable traditions being passed down and respected through generations.
Unity College students check harvested moose for winter tick load. (Photo Credit: Regional Biologist Chuck Hulsey)[/caption]
The morning of October 8th in Eustis, Maine dawned with a seasonable chill and a slight breeze rustling brightly hued leaves. Those folks who were lucky enough to be drawn for an October moose tag were taking to the woods with blaze orange, moose calls, and high hopes. I was arriving at Pines Market in Eustis to meet with our Regional biologist in that area, anxious to see proud hunters and big bulls in trucks and on trailers. The measuring tapes, knife, and pliers were ready to go. We just needed some moose.
We were not disappointed. Around 8:30 am the first beaming hunters arrived with a beautiful, healthy looking moose. After checking to make sure the hunters had appropriate documentation, such as hunting licenses and the moose permit, we set to work. Biologists work tirelessly over every moose brought into check stations statewide to obtain valuable biological measurements, teeth for aging, and tick load assessments.
Biologists also use moose at check stations to teach small groups of college students studying environmental sciences about the various methods used to monitor population health and management.
The antlers are measured from one point of one side to the point directly opposite on the other side to determine antler spread. The number of points was counted and beam measurements were taken by measuring from the base of the antler up the back edge to the top of the back point. These antler measurements are used in conjunction with moose age and body weight to determine general nutrition and health. Good nutrition is required for large, healthy antler growth.
[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignright" width="300"]
I show Unity College students how to measure antler spread. (Photo Credit: Regional Biologist Chuck Hulsey)[/caption]
The canine tooth on the bottom jaw is pulled quickly and efficiently and placed in a vial filled with a liquid preservative. The teeth will be sent to our Bangor research and assessment crew where they will be readied for slicing, staining, and reading. In moose older than 1 year, the only sure way to determine age is to study a thin sliver cut from the root of the tooth.
Winter tick load is also checked by counting the number of ticks along four 10 cm long transects on four different areas of the moose: the rump, ribs, shoulder, and neck. These tick checks have been ongoing in this area of the state for about six years to monitor tick populations and the effect of winter ticks on adult moose.
In the first two days of the October week hunt, 25 moose were checked and registered at Pines Market in Eustis. All but one, we were happy to see, had very light tick loads and all had dark, thick, healthy coats. Most weighed between 700 and 800 lbs dressed, with a handful in the 600 lb range and a handful in the 800 to 900 lb range.
The largest antler spread that had been registered as of 7:30 pm on October 9th was 60 inches wide on a healthy bull that weighed 790 lbs. This was the second bull taken in this area for a particular family group that had 3 generations present on the hunt. One of the youngest members of the group was drawn for one tag, and one of the eldest members was drawn for the other. Many other family members who were not drawn were along to watch and rejoice in what would certainly be a memorable week for all three generations present. Seeing their joy and bonds strengthened by the hunt were enough to make anybody proud of Maine’s rich hunting heritage and the valuable traditions being passed down and respected through generations.Categories