Caribou Hunt for first timers?

chasingcoues

Member
Jun 25, 2014
59
0
Gentleman,

I am trying to plan a Caribou hunt in AK for 2016. I was wondering what some good starting points would be to plan this hunt... (where in AK, prices, guide recommendations, tag prices and etc.) any tips to help accelerate process would be great. It's a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start.

Thanks,
Justin
 

smalls13

New Member
Sep 26, 2011
16
0
Oklahoma Panhandle
When I went we flew out of Kotzebue and booked the hunt with Northern Air Trophy. We had a good hunt but I would not recommend them. It was the most unorganized operation I've seen. Northern Air was so far behind when we got there that Jesse with Golden Eagle Outfitters actually flew us out and dropped us off. He was top notch. While we were hunting a pilot with Northwestern Aviation stopped in our camp. Their operation seemed top notch as well. My boss that I went with had used Northwestern Aviation the year before but they were booked, so we went with Mat at Northern Air. My boss had nothing but good things to say about Northwestern. We took all of our own gear and did a seven day drop hunt. If i remember right it was about 5,000 per person. That included all of the airfare to and from the Oklahoma Panhandle.
 

BigSurArcher

Very Active Member
Mar 3, 2011
513
2
N. CA
Don't be intimidated, it's not that bad to plan once you get started. I started putting together our September trip last November, and 9 months was more than enough time to iron out all the details. We did a drop hunt out of Kotzebue in Unit 23, non-guided. There's a thread on here somewhere with pics. I've got an app in now for 2015 Moose in the same area.

If you're doing a drop, get a spot reserved with a pilot the previous October/November. The good ones book up quickly.

The biggest hurdle is the logistics of getting your harvest home. Most years Alaska Airlines stops allowing antlers as checked baggage around Sept. 1st. Plan to ship antlers home in a big box. We brought up a stack of empty rubbermade 30gal totes, checked as one luggage piece on the way up. We filled them with our boned out meat and paid extra baggage fees for each on the way back. It wasn't bad at all and they were totally cool with it. As long as the meat is inside a tied garbage bag inside the tote.

If you're looking to do the Haul Rd. thing it will be cheaper and easier to plan. I was going to do this, but I'm glad we went the bush plane route. That was incredible and we were miles upon miles from any other hunters the whole time.

The WACH migration has been later and later each year for the past few. I'd recommend going no earlier than Sept. 10th. It will be cold, but that's what you want in order to see good animal movement. Also the bugs will be dead and meat will keep well.

Post up some more specific questions, I'd be glad to help answer them.
 

AKaviator

Veteran member
Jul 26, 2012
1,819
1,084
The western arctic caribou herd (WACH) is not only migrating later, it's numbers are falling fast. I would expect to see some changes in the regulations come into effect by next season, so keep informed on that.

Send me a P.M. if you want and describe what type of hunt you may be looking for; fly-in, rifle, raft trip, etc. I'm sure I can help you get something planned that would work out for you. Would you be driving up or coming on commercial airlines?
 
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alaska2go

Active Member
Oct 20, 2012
274
133
Canon City, CO
The western artic herd is 50% of what it was 10 years ago. It has being hammered because the Mulchatna heard is all but gone. The north slope offers a pretty good bush hunt with many transporters to get you there. Fly into fairbanks, rent a truck , drive up to the north slope and go hunting. Hunting the haul road in my opinion is not that great but getting flown out to hunt is awesome. several options and adventures to be had..