Practicing Zen In The Art Of Moose Hunting

The following appears in the January issue of Alaska Sporting Journal:

BY BRIAN WATKINS

Shoshin. That was my mantra for the 2024 hunting season.
Shoshin is a Zen Buddhism concept meaning “beginner’s mind.” It’s the idea of approaching a subject with an open attitude, eagerness and without preconceptions, as if you were a beginner all over again. It’s a counter to the closing off of our minds as we gain knowledge and expertise. I believe the best hunters practice shoshin without even realizing it.

In the last couple of years, I have lent my knowledge and experiences as a hunter more to educating others. I try to teach others how to be more successful as I bring beginners into the hunting world. It’s a rewarding feeling to help them and give them experience, and it’s much easier for me to tell them than it is for them to learn the same through their own errors. They also say the best teachers learn the most as they teach.

My mind is forever open to new ways and to adjusting myself. Last year I was able to help my friend Dave on another moose tag, this one for an area just minutes from home. (Previously, we worked together to score him a big bull in 2023’s season; Alaska Sporting Journal, December 2023.)

We were able to hunt evenings after work and mornings on weekends. The tag was for an area neither of us had been to before, so we had a lot to learn. Shoshin stuck in my head as we struggled to find moose. It became a case of listen, learn and ask questions.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE shoshin? First, explain a theory to yourself or someone else. Dave and I talked about how to hunt these moose. It was a warm fall. Do we sit and call or move and find the moose?

The area was flat and lacked an easy spot to glass from. We would call and move. I knew not to do it, but we got antsy. We talked about it every evening as we failed to turn up moose. We knew the moose would respond as the season progressed, but it was a short season that ended as the rut came into full swing. We decided it would be best to sit still and call, even with the boredom of the strategy.

Another strategy of shoshin is to argue with yourself. Why are we where we are? Is our strategy successful? How can we do things differently? We would change where we called based on the wind. We would call where we saw the most sign. But was this effective? How could we create success? It’s a constant battle I always have.

I would go back and forth on cow calling and bull grunting. I would look at maps for better areas. Success is synonymous with being open to change. Finally, I saw a spot where there was a lake that looked great. It had marsh, grass, willows and spruce. Those three environments are great for moose because they provide food, cover and protection. After seeing a lot of sign in one part of the unit, studying the map led us to this area.

Look to the stars. It’s important not to get wrapped up in your own ego and be willing to look for guidance.

We were new to the area; new to the heat of a warm fall; new to the low-lying terrain of this tag. At a loss, we reached out to area biologists for insights. One biologist suggested that we stay away from cow calling, keep the bull grunts to a minimum and just scrape. I had heard of just scraping before, but it didn’t give me visions of success. I had to remember the magic word: shoshin.

WE WENT OUT FOR the early-morning hunt and set up to call. Other hunters had surrounded us as we called before sunrise. I knew it was other hunters by the sounds they made while calling. One had what sounded like an axe he was chopping at a tree with (later it was determined to have been a hockey goalie stick he was whacking a tree with). Another had an ear-piercing cow call.

We moved further away and got to a small rise off the swampy bottom. I took the advice of the biologist and scraped a nearby tree every 15 to 20 minutes. We sat and waited. The morning grew older and we contemplated leaving.

I recalled how, nearly a decade prior, one of my friends told me that moose have a “second feed.” He talked about how he noticed moose move right at first light and again around 11 a.m. as the season moved along. Again, it’s a willingness to be open minded.

I told Dave we should sit until the second feed. I had just gotten done scraping the tree when I heard a branch snap. I motioned for Dave to get ready. A moose came directly to our scraping. He held up about 30 yards away. I let out a couple soft bull grunts.

The bull came within 7 yards, a yard closer than the bull from the previous year! I told Dave to take his time and wait for a broadside shot. He sent an arrow in the perfect place and had his second bull in back-to-back years!!

AS SUCCESSFUL AS I have been in Alaska, I know I still have a ton to learn. It’s important to never stop learning and always keep an open mind, and to learn from those around you. New hunters have past experiences that can help you grow.

Don’t be afraid to call a friend, biologist or someone else who loves the outdoors. I know Facebook groups have those who respond to questions with vigorous insults, but get past them and post your questions.

Keep learning and growing. Shoshin. ASJ