Close encounters of the herd kind

COLFAX - With hunting season open around Whitman County, hunters are out-and-about, traveling through the area looking to score.

Currently, modern firearm general deer seasons for Whitetail deer is open from Oct. 14-27, the same goes for mule deer.

Among some of the hunters in the Whitman County area was Michael Martin.

Martin, who has been hunting for 21 years, started in 2002.

He was hunting specifically Whitetail deer when a moose stumbled across Martin near Kamiak Butte.

This was not the first time he has interacted with the moose and their herd. As Martin explained, he travels every morning to his hunting spot and sees the moose and his family.

Martin shared a video on his Facebook of the moose coming within yards of him, then scurrying away out of the shot.

Martin explained that he first saw the moose about 500 yards away from him, and noticed it kept walking towards him. He stayed in his position and waited for the moose to walk by.

"I was so scared when you're amazed by his size, I could feel him walking next to me!

Martin said that he shared the video with the intent for people to see his encounter, and to show the beauty of the wildlife in the area.

"I didn't tag a deer this year yet, I've only encountered these moose almost every single day. If that's all I get out of this year's hunting season, I will be extremely grateful," said Martin.