There have been a number of moose sightings this week on the Gunflint Trail. On my last day of guiding on Saganaga Lake, we saw two young bulls wandering through the marsh near Seagull Creek. They were quietly feeding on swamp grass until disturbed by the vehicles who stopped for a look. Bulls are more cautious around humans than the cows, I thought, as they slipped into the woods to hide.
There has also been a cow and calf duo spending some time grazing at the moose pond near County Road 81. The moose should be in rut now, which is why we might be seeing more of them each week, and soon they will begin to congregate like families in traditional areas along the Gunflint Trail.
Every winter we see different herds that establish territories near Swamper, Iron, and Seagull lakes. They must choose these areas for a reason, but I could not tell you what that reason would be. I just know they end up staking claim here for a large portion of the winter months.
Winter is the only time of year that the moose gather in small herds, I think for protection from predators, and an exciting time to witness them in the wild. Seeing a moose is always a gift but it is particularly special to see a herd of them together in their natural habitat.
Fox and ruffed grouse have also been common spectacles on the Gunflint, along with a variety of small migrating birds. The fox patrol the roadsides in search of road kill, which is plentiful this time of year with the migrating birds that feed on the highway and act as if they have never seen a vehicle before. These small birds, that I have affectionately named hood ornaments, scatter too late and often fly directly into the grill of a vehicle rather than simply move to the side. If natural selection is true, it would suggest that these birds are good breeders since they clearly are not good survivors.
Now that the boat is covered and we are ready for the snow to fly, it is time to do some traveling with my family. We set a course for Iowa this week to show our children Halloween in my home town of Waukee, and to enjoy the remaining days of autumn. Hay rack rides through farm country and petting zoos are top priority while enjoying an extended fall in the flatlands. The fall color season up north is great, albeit too short, but the variety of colors to the south of us is pretty spectacular as well, especially in 60-degree weather!
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
Leave a Reply