Initial Planning

Once the initial excitement of choosing a moose search as our venture wore off, we realized that careful and particular planning would be necessary in the successful completion of this trip.

 That is why we called a group meeting on September eleventh to discuss some of the more detailed aspects of our upcoming trip.  At this meeting, we all contributed our thoughts concerning which methods of finding and safely encountering moose would work best.  

There was a general consensus that we should travel north to find moose, but disparity as to how far north.  Some members of the group felt that an hour away would be sufficient, whereas some thought that our chances of seeing moose would only increase as we traveled farther north and so it might be a good idea to go into northern Maine.  However, since traveling far north would be more demanding in time and money, we agreed that a nearby forest-and-wetland-area would our first choice.  

We also discussed whether we wanted to conduct the search by foot or by canoe.  This was an easy decision, though, as October is part of the mating season for moose, and it would be safer to encounter one in water than on land.  

Another topic covered was that of where and how to look for moose.  Some research that one member of the group had done revealed that moose are often found in wetlands and along rivers.  In addition, my dad had told me stories of seeing moose raise their heads out of the water for breath before going back under to chew on the vegetation at the bottom of the river.  This information strengthened our earlier decision to search by canoe.  One group member also suggested that we look into methods used by hunters to attract moose, such as a moose call and moose scent.  Depending on the price and availability, we may purchase these items.