AK Caribou Hunt

[Dwesson]

I am in the initial stages of planning a Caribou hunt for 2019. I'm a novice hunter, but would be going with an experienced hunter (but no AK experience specifically). I have a couple questions:

1. Any recommended services/guides?
2. DIY/drop off vs fully guided? I know there can be a huge price discrepancy here, but if we've got a reasonable shot at success on our own I'd lean towards that.
3. Ballpark budget?
4. Min time? I was thinking 5 days.
5. Any gear you wished you would have taken and/or would not go up without.

Thanks for any advice and your time.

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[11Charlie]

So your going to Alaska for a Caribou hunt and not hunting caribou with an AK right?

 

[LuckySG]

So your going to Alaska for a Caribou hunt and not hunting caribou with an AK right?

That was what caught my attention. I have a neighbor that recently closed his shop to move down here. I will point him your way or get you two talking if at all possible.

 

[Dwesson]

So your going to Alaska for a Caribou hunt and not hunting caribou with an AK right?

If you can get me near one I'll shoot it with whatever you suggest

 

[bbbass]

I hope you get some answers in this thread.

My buddy lived in Wasilla and hunted everything up there, including 'Boo. Do you have an idea of what area you wish to visit? Or just anyplace you can harvest one?

 

[Dwesson]

That was what caught my attention. I have a neighbor that recently closed his shop to move down here. I will point him your way or get you two talking if at all possible.[/QUOTE

That would be awesome, thanks!

Ya'll know there's Caribou in Canada too, right!?

 

[LuckySG]

That would be awesome, thanks!

Ya'll know there's Caribou in Canada too, right!?

There were a few at Seven Dees nursery this past Sunday, think i want two!

 

[Dwesson]

I hope you get some answers in this thread.

My buddy lived in Wasilla and hunted everything up there, including 'Boo. Do you have an idea of what area you wish to visit? Or just anyplace you can harvest one?

I'm not partial but was looking at both Brooks Range or Forty Mile heard.

 

[bbbass]

I'm not partial but was looking at both Brooks Range or Forty Mile heard.

I'll pass along your request for info. I know less than zero about it other than I love the taste of Caribou!!

 

[Dwesson]

I'll pass along your request for info. I know less than zero about it other than I love the taste of Caribou!!

Much appreciated!

 

[bbbass]

Much appreciated!

Done. Will let you know if I hear back.

 

[Barnguy]

Best go prepared for big bears. They should be a priority in planning your camp, meat storage, food storage, etc. If you hunt some distance away from rivers (salmon runs) that time of year you'll see less bears but they can still be moving through. Good Luck!

 

[bbbass]

Since your exerienced companion has no Alaska experience, I'd say go with a guide if you can afford it. I have been up there a time or two, just not hunting, and it is rugged! A very different thing than local hunting and you'll likely be far away from any help.

If dropped off, make sure you have a radio that reaches back to the pilot/whatever. In any case, bring an EPIRB or GPS emergency beacon. Rent a sat phone too!!! Don't rely on the guide, if any, to have a working unit of beacon or phone.

As far as I know, it does not take a heavy rifle caliber to bring down 'bou. 270, 7mm-08, 308, and of course 30-06 are all good. Do bring a bear gun JIC.

 

[Barnguy]

Sat phone with solar charging unit might save yer' bubblegum in bad situations.

 

[bbbass]

So many hunts, so little time! Alaska Hunting Maps by Species, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Edit: change species to caribou.

 

[Barnguy]

Bowhunted extensively in Quebec before the herds there crashed in number. Thinking now of hitting the Brooks Range herd. I learned by bowhunting in Quebec that the Caribou there typically moved with the wind. That's contrary to most game, reason being is that their primary predator was wolves. They approached herds from behind so the Caribou could smell them as they moved with the wind. Made for great ambush type set ups as they didn't smell you in wait ahead of them. Any other big game I've hunted, not so much. AK Caribou probably are more like hunting typical big game when it comes to scent. If you go it will be great experience. Northern lights will keep you up nights. It's like camping under the neon sign at the topless joint...

 

[bbbass]

neon sign at the topless joint...

Good dreams!!

 

[Barnguy]

HA! Might have to take along a local "companion"...

 

[Dwesson]

Since your exerienced companion has no Alaska experience, I'd say go with a guide if you can afford it. I have been up there a time or two, just not hunting, and it is rugged! A very different thing than local hunting and you'll likely be far away from any help.

If dropped off, make sure you have a radio that reaches back to the pilot/whatever. In any case, bring an EPIRB or GPS emergency beacon. Rent a sat phone too!!! Don't rely on the guide, if any, to have a working unit of beacon or phone.

As far as I know, it does not take a heavy rifle caliber to bring down 'bou. 270, 7mm-08, 308, and of course 30-06 are all good. Do bring a bear gun JIC.

As much I'd like to save some money by going DIY I think for the first time for both of us out in that kind of back country, what you're saying makes a lot of sense.

I would definitely not be out there without a sat. phone to communicate with the transport service or emergency services. As far as rifle goes I was thinking this would be a great excuse for me to finally get a lightweight rifle that can take most NA game, was thinking 300 win mag (I know overkill for 'bou, but I reload so figured i could download it and go with lighter projectiles).

 

[bbbass]

HA! Might have to take along a local "companion"...

Yah, gotta stay warm. Three "dog" nights?