FORT KENT, Maine — Two out of state hunters each bagged a big bull moose in Aroostook County on Tuesday and both said they are hoping to return to northern Maine again for future hunting expeditions.
Ralph Young of New Harmony, Indiana, and Joe Derosa of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hunted with guides from Track Down Kennels and Lodge, based out of Wallagrass, when they shot their respective moose.
Joseph Derosa of Pennsylvania poses with the big bull moose he felled in District 1 in northwestern Aroostook County on Tuesday, Sept. 25. (Linda Derosa)
Young, 60, dropped a 790-pound bull in District 2 at Big Brook with the guiding expertise of Track Down’s Kevin Pelletier.
“We had seen seven yesterday and we’d passed three bulls but I wanted something paddled and this one fit the bill,” Young said, referring to the antlers shortly after the hunt.
This was not Young’s first time hunting in northern Maine. He shot a bear here in 1994 and a moose in 1996. Young, who hunted with his son and subpermittee Jason Young, said he will add the antlers of his newly netted bull to his trophy room back home.
“I enjoyed it; it was a good hunt for the money,” Ralph Young said as Pelletier skinned his prize.
Jason Young said the family is looking forward to more than just the moose’s horns.
“It provides a lot of meat,” he said.
“We’re gonna take it and get it processed and probably have some steaks and some ground, it’s very good meat,” Ralph Young added.
Joseph Derosa hunted alongside his wife, Linda Derosa, with the help of Track Down guide Brian Cain, a former state game warden. Cain guided Derosa to a 652-pound bull in Big 20 Township out near Estcourt in District 1.
The 59-year-old Derosa too is no stranger to hunting in The County, having dropped a bear 15 years ago, also with a guide from Track Down.
“It’s an excellent place. I’d come back again,” Derosa said. “It’s the best lodge around.”
“They have good food,” Linda Derosa added.
Joseph Derosa said he too plans to have a trophy mount and to eat the meat.
Joseph Derosa said he has been sending in for a moose permit for 15 years and was excited to finally get drawn. He plans to continue entering the moose lottery.
“We have a great time here at Track Down Kennels. I hope I can come again,” he said.
