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| far right Mark Dufrense |
In the News
“Forever Locked”
The Story of the Battling Bull Moose of Fowlertown
Many dedicated hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts take to the woodlands of New Hampshire in search of the shed antlers of deer and moose. Some of the most persistent “Shed Hunters” have become well skilled at knowing when and where to find the prized drops of bucks and bulls. It is a rewarding experience to find a large moose or deer antler. Successful shed hunters across the state have gathered impressive collections of drops of all shapes and sizes, but for one fortunate sportsman, a find in the fall of 2003 represents one of Mother Nature’s most powerful and rare events in the wild kingdom.
On October 9th, 2003, Ray Deragon, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, spent the day scouting a remote tract of woodlands in the Gile State Forest, Springfield, NH. While walking along an old trail, Ray approached an area that caught his attention because he recognized the strong odor in the air of some animal that had died recently. Ray had discovered something that few have seen. Two large bull moose had engaged in a fight and died. Bulls fight during the rutting period to vie for breeding privileges with receptive cows in the area. During the battle, their two massive sets of antlers had become inextricably locked. Unable to separate from one another, the bulls, exhausted, stressed, and unable to eat or drink, eventually succumbed to nature.
Ray then contacted Conservation Officer John Wimsatt and explained what he had discovered. The men returned to the area to take a closer look. CO Wimsatt estimated that the moose had been dead for approximately one to two weeks. The two mature bulls had likely clashed antlers during the last few days of September. It is rare for battling bulls to permanently lock racks. But in this case, unusual palmation and fate contributed to the permanent locking of the antler sets. Once tightly locked, the bulls hopelessly tried to separate and eventually died.
As the two continued to examine the carcasses, the question surfaced as to what to do, or not do with them. Coyotes, other predators, and ravens had heavily fed on the main bodies of both moose. Decomposition was well in progress. But, what did remain in unspoiled condition, was a mass of entangled antlers that was unlike anything the two had ever seen. CO Wimsatt photographed the scene to document the event. The men then carefully removed both heads of the moose while maintaining the tightly locked antlers. One bull sported a 53-inch spread while the other displayed an impressive 61-inch spread! The antlers remained permanently locked and have never been separated.
Over the following months, much discussion was taking place regarding what to do with this natural anomaly. After consultation with Ray, several taxidermists, biologists, and staff at Fish and Game Headquarters, the decision was made to preserve this natural event in an effort to create a unique educational display.
In January 2004, a fundraising campaign was started to raise funds to finance the creation of a life-size, full body, museum quality taxidermy display depicting both moose, as they likely appeared, engaged in their final battle that permanently locked their antlers and ultimately caused their untimely deaths.
During the October 2004 moose hunt we were able to obtain three quality moose skins as donations to the project. Two bulls were exceptional. One dressed out at 825 pounds the other at 870 pounds. Both moose were taken in the Pittsburg/Clarksville area. A third bull dressed out to 650 pounds and will serve as a backup.
During the winter, spring and summer of 2005, Mark Dufresne of Nature’s Reflections taxidermy worked tirelessly to create the mounts. A steel exhibit base was created by Northeast Steel Fabricators. Extensive habitat work was completed and wildlife artist Ryan Jacque created a design image for the project. Bryan Flagg, publisher of the Northcountry News created a website, graphics designer Chris Scott of CS Marketing and Design and Lenny Charron of Great Northern Signs created the graphics for the display trailer. CO Wayne Saunders, CO Jeremy Hawkes, and many other volunteers provided the necessary logistical support to make this endeavor possible. Special thanks goes to Lisa Bell for her countless volunteer hours and support.
This life-size taxidermy display is mobile and will travel to a variety of shows and exhibits. It is a one-of-a-kind, museum quality attraction and educational exhibit that will serve to support the mission of the NH Fish and Game Department.
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