Self Guided Alaska Moose Hunt

[swashington2128]

Looking for some experience and guidance. I am wanting to set up a self guided moose hunt up in Alaska in the next few years. My preference would be to get dropped off out in the bush and do a 2 week float hunt down a river with 2 other people. I have looked into a few outfitters that do this sort of thing and it can be a pretty reasonably priced adventure. Especially when you look at the duration.

I am looking for anyone who could give me some of their wisdom or experience on this. I am brand new to the out of state hunting trips this year so learning from someone else's experiences would be appreciated.

Also any opinions on what caliber. I am a huge fan of Ruger and was looking at the 375 RCM. Particularly because it is the only big bore caliber I can get in a left handed model. That would be a back-up. Getting a bull with the bow would be my first choice.

Thanks all,

[Sitipaw]

Give me a call; 907-388-9768...I live in Fairbanks and spend considerable time each year on float hunts in Alaska as private individual. 

[trophyhunt]

You also might check with JoeE on here, he did that trip last year.

[JoeE]

I did an 11 day float hunt this year out of Fairbanks. Flew in, floated the river out. It was the best hunt/adventure I've ever been on. Shoot me a PM and I'll share some info with you.

[whacker1]

I have been considering a float hunt for a period of time.  If you are on day 5 and shoot a moose, how do you deal with the meat?  Is it a race to float to the take out to get the meat to a cooler?

this is the one part of the logistics that I have always been curious about.

JoeE, what were total costs or what should someone plan for costs or budget?

[huntnnw]

build meat caches when you stop and use powdered citric acid and put on the meat and use a tarp to keep meat covered

[Skyvalhunter]

Some air charters will do a meat pickup for you if you arrange it. Rent a satellite phone. Also arrange with a meat cutting place to have your moose cut up before hand. Had an experience where I was asked if I made an appointment and was turned back by several processors. Luckily found a guy that felt sorry for us. Just on a side note Larry Bartlett is booked out 2 years in advance. 

[swashington2128]

Great info guys, I will definitely contact those who can help. One of the things I have found in my research as a way to deal with meat was a recommendation to bring sufficient waterproof bags like you would use while camping to hold all the meat. When not floating put the meat in those and submerge in the river with rocks. I think the average temp of the rivers up there were supposed to around 55 degrees which is plenty cool to keep it good for a few days. Any input on whether that is a good idea or not?

The other part is having to select an outfitter that can pick meat up at various times; however, from what I have read it mostly depends on the river. The outfitters know the rivers and have specific locations where they know they can safely land and take off. That seems to be the limiting factor. So floating with a bull in the boat for a few days is a real possibility.

One more question to those who have done this before. Any opinions on what a good number of people would be, 2 or 3? I can see having too many would make this a logistic nightmare and too few being dangerous.

[MountainWalk]

Staying tuned.

[swashington2128]

Since I posted this I might as well say that I am wanting to plan this for 2017 so I am fully prepared and funded for the trip. I don't have anyone in mind yet to go with me so if there is anyone out there that would seriously want to do this PM me. From what I can see this is an investment of $5-7K.

[lastmk8]

PM me when you have time, I'll get back to you this weekend at some point with some of my thoughts.  We are planning the same trip also. 

[swashington2128]

PM me when you have time, I'll get back to you this weekend at some point with some of my thoughts.  We are planning the same trip also. 

Sounds good, I am in the process of moving to a house in Silverdale, will PM in about a week.

[actionshooter]

I have done the trip a couple of times now.........if you have any questions PM me. Also if you plan to drive up, I might be able to save you some $ on a raft rental.

[addicted2hunting]

I have been wanting to do this exact thing for some time now... curious what something like this costs?

[JoeE]

I spent about 4k.

[swashington2128]

I have done the trip a couple of times now.........if you have any questions PM me. Also if you plan to drive up, I might be able to save you some $ on a raft rental.

Driving up would be nice but it adds 10 days to the trip. I've done the ALCAN a few times and it is long driving. Gotta pay attention on that road especially up near the Yukon. By September the road work should be winding down farther north which could ease the time.

$4K - 6K is what I was figuring from my research which is completely reasonable when you think about being able to make it a 2 week trip if you want.

[actionshooter]

I have done the trip a couple of times now.........if you have any questions PM me. Also if you plan to drive up, I might be able to save you some $ on a raft rental.

Driving up would be nice but it adds 10 days to the trip. I've done the ALCAN a few times and it is long driving. Gotta pay attention on that road especially up near the Yukon. By September the road work should be winding down farther north which could ease the time.

$4K - 6K is what I was figuring from my research which is completely reasonable when you think about being able to make it a 2 week trip if you want.

I spent 7 days going up and 4 days coming back, yes it takes time for sure but it is one of thee coolest drives I have ever done (once you get through most of BC). With that being said, I'm not quite ready to go back yet.
 For cost, my 1st hunt was roughly 10K, ( we went to a pretty extreme place) and the 2nd was $4500 with a buddy who lives there. Anyone who gets by with less cost and is successful, congrats!