Thunder Bay moose hunter Fred Hilliard began hunting more than thirty five years ago. By his own admission, he was not very successful in those early years. With help and guidance from some of the older and wiser veteran moose hunters of his time, he slowly gained the skills that elevated him to the status of “successful” hunter.
Fast forward to 1990 and you’d find Fred embracing a new adventure; he was bringing up a new generation of big game hunters. He spent that summer showing a group of young kids from his neighborhood how to fish. As fall approached he thought it would be educational for the group of youngsters, whose hunting experience was limited to grouse, to be exposed to the challenges of moose hunting. The four boys that joined him that fall were as green as green gets. Having all come from families that had only hunted small game, it was up to Fred to educate and mentor these youth. The fall started with week after week of scouting trips and endless stories of how the animals would react in all the different hunting situations. A true advocate of stalking, Fred taught the group to walk quietly and when they thought they were going slow enough they were instructed to slow down even more. Fred explained that the secret was to hunt where the moose live and try to see and hear them before they detected you.
Opening day finally arrived. The hunting area, west of Thunder Bay, was scouted well. The stand sites were chosen and Fred sent everyone out with explicit instructions on what they had to do when they got to their station. That first morning came with success. A large bull with antlers of 54” was taken by the young group of hunters. Every piece of advice Fred had given had fallen into place that day. Fred’s hunting party was born.
Each and every year the same group would get together. They would scout the locations, set up camp, share endless stories and hunt moose. From the day of the first hunt the group never looked back, together they had many unproductive days but sooner or later they would always be rewarded with a successful hunt. As the years passed with the changing seasons, new rookie members were invited to join the party; a neighbor’s son, a brother-in-law and a neighbor from the summer cottage lake. Each was introduced to the moose hunting crew.
Fred took them all under his wing and walked with them, showing them all the tell-tale signs the wilderness had to offer. He would carry his gun every morning knowing full well that it would never come off his shoulder. He hunted with each newcomer, guiding and mentoring, until they all had a successful hunt behind them. Only after he felt comfortable in their ability, would he move on to help the next member of the group. Fred’s proudest moment came when his oldest daughter joined the hunting ranks. There, in a group of all male hunters, was Fred’s fondest protégé. Each morning he would walk with his daughter into the cut-over area, looking, waiting and watching. Success didn’t come easy but when it did, Fred was the happiest father in the world. With his guidance, his daughter downed a small spike bull; the first of many that he will never forget.
The 2008 hunting year started off no different than any other; the usual group got together for the opening weekend of rifle season in the Ontario moose hunt. Fred spent all his time tutoring one or another of the newer members of the party. Success came to the group of moose hunters but when it did, Fred was off in the distance and could only listen in on the action. As November rolled around with an unfilled bull tag in hand, it was decided that another group hunt was in order. The Northwestern Ontario weather had gotten colder, the lakes had a heavy skim of ice and there was a smattering of snow on the ground. Many things had changed from opening weekend. One of the most unusual aspects was that Fred was alone for this November 15th morning hunt, while the rest of his party went in different directions that day. It was a rare occasion for Fred to not have a “moose hunting apprentice” in tow, but he would make the most of it.
For the full story, please see the 5th Edition of the Big Game Records of Ontario
The Foundation for the Recognition of Ontario Wildlife
1217 Division Rd Indian River, ON, CAN K0L 2B0
phone: 1-705-742-0148 e-mail: inquiry@frow.ca