Outfitter: Holman, HTA

Location: Victoria Island - NWT

Dates: April 1 - 5, 2015

Species: Muskox

Equipment: Rifle / Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag, Trijicon 2.5 - 10 x 56mm scope, Hornady 150 gr. Superformance ammo
Bow / Hoyt Carbon Spyder Turbo at 74lbs, Easton Axis arrows, Wasp Archery 100 gr SharpShooter(COC)heads
Gear / Sitka Gear - Extreme Cold Weather clothing (worked awesome) Leica 10x42 binos


Having just returned from the arctic, I was reflecting on my most recent hunt and thought I would post a quick report as well. This was my second trip to the frozen north, having done a polar bear hunt some dozen years ago. Frankly, its a special place and I honestly find it to be one of the most incredible/adventurous destinations on earth. Africa will always have my heart, but in my opinion it fails in comparison in the adventure departure - when compared to the arctic.

The Inuit people have an extremely interesting culture, one that still relies largely on subsistence hunting/gathering. They are very familiar with the land, the animals and where to find them. Unlike most places, things in the arctic can get dangerous in a hurry. Its crucial to have guides who are experienced in such harsh conditions.

My guide Patty, with an arctic fox caught in one of his traps while we were out hunting.


Arriving in Holman to -20 below temps was a bit of a shock to the system, but we were quickly escorted to a local family's B&B where we spent the night. Yep, snow and cold - wow!!!


Jake - Cameraman/Producer for VISION QUEST, and our hosts, prior to the beginning of the hunt.


Before heading out for the hunt, we visited with the local game warden, purchased our license/tags and looked over the map. Looking below, you'll see the community of Holman. We went 40 miles east of Holman, traveling on the pack ice of Prince Albert Sound, near the Prine Albert Islands.


Camp was nothing fancy, but plenty warm!!! I brought a -30 rated sleeping bag, and not once did I get inside my bag at night. These little huts were well insulated and really held in the heat. Frankly, it was too hot!!!




Prior to the hunt, Sitka Gear wanted us to try their newest Extreme Cold Weather clothing, and as mentioned above - I was really impressed. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant - knowing that once you're there you can't just run out and pick up some more clothing. But was I ever wrong! Never once did I get even remotely cold, in fact I only wore the outer shell on day 1, day 2 & 3 I left it at camp - it just wasn't needed. Good boots are obviously a must too, and I used caribou skin mittens over my liner gloves. Most of the time face mask / goggles were necessary too, especially when riding on the skidoo. I took off the goggles to shoot, and the face mask for pics - otherwise it was always on.




THE HUNT:
My plan was to hunt two bulls, one with a gun / one with a bow. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I decided on Day 1 to hunt with my rifle. It took us roughly 4 hours / 40 miles on machines to locate the first group of muskox. The guides didn't carry binos, so I actually spotted the muskox roughly 5 miles away. They are not exactly difficult to approach, and the bulls will often bunch up and face off with a perceived threat. I think they do so rather than running for miles, in an attempt to save valuable energy/calories, but that's just a guess.

I was able to approach to within 50 yards or so, took the best bull of the two - and had my first muskox in the snow! It was late in the afternoon, the wind was whipping thus I was pretty bundled up for the hunt/pics.




On day two it was time for the bow. Honestly, no special prep was really needed other than to keep the bow outside in the cold to avoid condensation build up and later freezing. Same with the gun for that matter.

Within an hour of camp we located a group of 4 bulls together. Again we closed the distance, and I frankly was surprised at the tolerance of these guys. Although a bit testy, and constantly wanting to faceoff with me - they did let me approach to within 20 yards. Making even a shot with a bow, not too difficult. The only real issue was determining the shot placement/location. They have so much hair that you can't see the shoulder, you can't see the brisket line, etc. So I did have to shoot him a couple of times as the first shot was a bit low - although exactly where I was aiming. Despite their appearance, they are not that big. roughly 15" from spine to brisket line, that's all.




I was impressed with arrow penetration, with a pass through as you can see. The Wasp Broad head performed flawlessly.




Would I visit the arctic again, you bet!! In fact, I think I have already decided what my next trip to the north will be

nice report in a great land.

Congratulations Aaron, I really enjoy those hunts up there.

Me too Wade, me too!!

Nice trip and report. I have always wanted to hunt muskox... need to get it on the calendar!

Aaron,

what your guides thought of your specific clothing?

what was the extreme temperatures you met?

always interesting to hear when someone tried to in our northern part.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
Aaron,

what your guides thought of your specific clothing?

what was the extreme temperatures you met?

always interesting to hear when someone tried to in our northern part.

Phil

Phil - The guides said nothing of our clothing to be honest. I think it got to as low as -20 farenheit, never was I remotely cold.

Really cool hunting adventure. I've had such good luck with all my Sitka Gear, it's what I would go with for a cold ass Arctic hunt like that.
Thanks for posting Aaron

Aaron, how big are those Muskox?

The ones I saw in a local museum were tiny (mule deer are bigger) and I was blown away on small they were in reality.

Nice job, buddy!

quote:

Originally posted by Bvekenya:
Aaron, how big are those Muskox?

The ones I saw in a local museum were tiny (mule deer are bigger) and I was blown away on small they were in reality.

That's the interesting thing, they are NOT very big. I would say they are a bit bigger than a mule deer, but not much. They are all hair!!!

quote:

Originally posted by just-a-hunter:
Really great report, Aaron.

I really appreciate you putting time into all the wonderful reports you post here despite having the show.

Thanks and continued good luck on all your hunts.

Todd

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bvekenya:
Aaron, how big are those Muskox?

The ones I saw in a local museum were tiny (mule deer are bigger) and I was blown away on small they were in reality.

That's the interesting thing, they are NOT very big. I would say they are a bit bigger than a mule deer, but not much. They are all hair!!!

Thanks Aaron, that's what I thought when I first saw one - a true "wooly bugger"

Wonder what they taste like?

Bvekenya......... they taste good. I just had some on the BBQ from the bull I shot up there (was hunting the same time as Aaron........ we just did not cross paths). The meat was nice and tender and much like beef according to my wife.

As to size. The muskox on the arctic islands are Greenland muskox, which average a bit smaller than the barren ground muskox on the mainland parts of the NWT and Nunavut, both in body size and horn department.

Without getting into too much typing I will tell you that there can be a big difference in body size between an average run-of-the-mill everyday bull and an old bull with good genetics. There can easily be a 150 to 200 pound difference on the hoof. Mature bulls, in good body condition, in that area probably run in the 450 to 650 range. Big mainland bulls are larger and most will be between 550 and 750, a few crack 800.

April is getting into the area of 6 months of winter for these beasts. Probably a few pounds lighter than peak body weight for the year.

Great report and pictures Aaron. Very interesting and unique hunt all around, big congrats.

Nice trophies Aaron!