Hunting a family affair for Buckleys
By Kathy McCarty
Hunting season was a family affair this year, as two generations of the Buckley clan set out in search of big game, hoping at least one of them would be lucky enough to get a moose. As luck would have it, three cousins were successful in their venture, bringing down a bull and two cows for their efforts.
Ryan Buckley, 17, the son of John and Suzanne Buckley, of Westfield, was the first to succeed, getting a bull Sept. 23 while hunting with his cousins and uncles at the Smith Farm just off the Noyes Road in Limestone.
“Patrick (Buckley), who’s a Maine guide, was drawn to participate in the restricted hunt for landowners and guides that took place in September. He got three guide permits and gave them to his nephews Ryan Buckley, Shane Buckley, 16, son of John and Suzanne, and Michael Webber, 12, son of Tony and Debbie Webber of Farmington. Ryan was the first to get his moose,” said Bob Buckley, Patrick’s brother.
According to Bob, the family had been going up nights and mornings to the same location hoping to spot a bull.
“We had to hunt in certain fields. The earlier hunt was designed to reduce moose in farmers’ fields. We spotted the bull in a broccoli field,” he explained. “This was the second one we’d seen. He came right out to our call. We arrived at 5:15 a.m. and kept calling. Ryan got him around 6:50 a.m.”
The Buckleys are no strangers to outdoor recreation, having several guides in the family.
“We’re all master guides who enjoy hunting and fishing,” said Patrick.
Bob said all his nephews who were legally able to hunt got permits this year.
“My brother Aaron’s son Ben, who is 13, also got picked for the regular hunt,” said Bob.
Ryan’s bull was the largest of the three moose the Buckleys claimed.
“It had 12 legal points and weighed in at 808 pounds. I got it with a .270 Winchester,” said Ryan, who’s been hunting since he was 12.
This isn’t the first successful hunt for Ryan.
“I’ve gotten five deer, including one that weighed over 200 pounds. I also hunt birds,” he said, noting his family will have plenty of meat this winter.
Not to be outdone by his brother, Shane got his cow the next day.
“Both animals were taken during the early morning hours in the same area of the Noyes Road,” said Bob. “Of the three who took part in the early hunt, Michael was the only one who didn’t get his moose. He’s young and got a bit excited. He’ll have better luck as he gets older.”
Rounding out the Buckley success story is Ben, son of Aaron and Laura Buckley of Westfield.
“Ben shot a 405-pound cow on Oct. 14 at around 9:30 a.m. in Harvey Siding,” said Bob.
Patience paid off for the young man, according to his uncle.
“After seeing 14 bulls in the first three days of the hunt, and having a cow-only permit, Ben remained confident that he would get his moose. After all, he was hunting with a very seasoned hunting party,” said Bob.
This marked the first moose for each of the boys, who are now looking forward to adding a little venison to the freezer.
“My brothers and I have been hunting for years. We’re happy to be teaching the next generation how to hunt and be safe while doing so. It’s a great way to spend time with family,” said Bob. “It’s a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.”
BEN BUCKLEY is shown with the cow moose he got in October while hunting in Harvey Siding.
SHANE BUCKLEY is pictured with the cow moose he got while hunting with family in September in Limestone.
SUCCESSFUL HUNT — The Buckley family had a rather successful moose hunting season, with Ryan Buckley being the first to succeed. Pictured from left are: Patrick Buckley with his nephews, Ryan and Shane Buckley, of Westfield. The moose was taken during a family hunt in Limestone.
