My hunting partner Tony gave me permission to post these pix from his recent 2013 Kenai Mts Caribou hunt. This is a drawing hunt and a lot of work, especially solo as he did this time. He's done this hunt a couple times. He's actually taken an even bigger bull a few years back.
His story. He was planning a later hunt because he couldn't take time off work as someone else at the office had that week reserved. Then the guy came in and said he was changing his time off so all of a sudden there as a window of opportunity. Now, Tony is a guy who likes to have everything planned out ahead of time including contingencies, being ex military. I'm usually the fly by the seat of your pants partner. But this time, the weather was right and Tony grabbed the opportunity. He drove down and hiked in, camping at tree level. He planned on hiking on in the big ridge to where he'd hunted before the next day. Then he got looking around and spotted a small bull. Being in his late 50's Tony decided not to spit in Providence's eye if he could take the bull this relatively easy. As he was glassing things out He spotted another set of antlers. A bit larger set of antlers, so he got set up and waited. at almost dark, the bull stood up and gave him a shot and it was all over. Well, except for the pack. He got the bull gutted and half skinned out to let it cool down, then got some sleep. In the morning, three packs and he had the meat and gear back to the trail. Then it was a matter of getting it to the truck. He was one tired but satisfied puppy when he finished.
Not bad for a seat of your pants hunt. Being familiar with this hunt helped him immensely. It pays to get out there off the road, even if you are a "past your prime" hunter. I have nothing but respect for his success.
Resting at camp.
