An angler shot and killed a cow moose that he claimed charged him on the North Tongue River near Bear Lodge Resort on Saturday, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The cow had two young-of-the-year calves, which game wardens had to euthanize because they couldn’t survive without their mother, Game and Fish said in a statement released Tuesday.
Game wardens responding to the scene found the cow already dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agency, which didn’t release the angler’s name.
“The game wardens interviewed the angler who said he had encountered the moose at close range in thick willows. He fired multiple shots at the moose when she became agitated and charged him,” Game and Fish reported.
The report didn’t specify what type of firearm was used.
Moose Are Stealthy In Willows
Run-ins with moose are a serious concern, particularly this time of year when cow moose are protecting young calves, an avid angler and a seasoned moose photographer said.
Wyoming photographer Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven has captured countless images of moose in and around Grand Teton National Park.
He’s been charged before, and on one occasion was treed by an angry cow moose.
Noted Wyoming outdoorsman Paul Ulrich frequently fishes in moose country.
With thick willows lining the banks, and numerous bends in creeks and springs, it can be all too easy to get close to moose without realizing it, he said.
He’s never been charged but has had a few close encounters.
“A few times, I was absolutely petrified,” he said. “They (moose) can move through those willows with seemingly zero noise.”
Twin Calves Are Rare
Vangoidtsenhoven said the moose shooting was “sad news.”
He added that the twin calves are rare among moose.
“I haven't seen many twins myself. They can happen when the cow is well fed, I understand, but is still rare,” he said.
Ulrich said he felt bad for the angler who shot the moose and agreed that it was particularly sad that the calves were also killed.
“I’m confident he did everything right,” Ulrich said. “Inevitably if you fish long enough in Wyoming, you’re going to have an encounter like that.”
Watch Out For Protective Mamma Moose
Vangoidtsenhoven said he opposes carrying firearms for defense against moose.
“Carrying a gun in a situation in which you put yourself voluntarily and in which you are aware of potential dangers, like hiking or angling – especially during moose calving season when it's best to avoid moose habitat like dense willows – shouldn't be allowed,” he said.
“Especially since more effective self-defense methods like bear spray are available which don't result in needless loss of life,” he added.
He also said he wondered if warning shots fired near the cow moose might have deterred it while sparing the animal’s life, along with her calves.
The Game and Fish statement on Saturday’s incident mentions bear spray.
“Consider carrying bear spray while recreating. It can be an effective, nonlethal deterrent in a conflict situation with moose, bears or other wildlife,” according to Game and Fish.
Ulrich said he always carries bear spray and/or a firearm when he’s out in moose and grizzly country.
Fishing in moose country, particularly going solo, requires keen situational awareness, he said.
“Moose can be the most dangerous creature on or near the water right now,” Ulrich said.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
