Alaska Caribou Hunt

[jager]

I haven't seen much talk about this among hunters...anywhere.
Bought tags for two caribou before the price increase.
Booked a transporter for a Brooks Range caribou hunt, hotel, airfare, car rental, gear. lots of $$$ considering...
After all that, the state has changed the limit in the area to one caribou and they won't honor a refund on the second tag.
Granted, you can use the tag for a lesser animal, But there are no lesser species available in that area. Wolves yes, but I already bought two of those tags!
I'm very happy to be able to go, but I was counting on two bulls, 1. for the meat AND the chance at a bruiser (after the first one goes down).
If there were a rational explanation for the reduction I would be okay with it. There isn't.
The herd numbers (western arctic) are stable and strong. It's is apparently, the subsistence groups that are stirring the pot, saying the non-residents are taking too many caribou. Residents can take 5 per day!! Ummmmm.
Im wondering if anyone here is also in this 'boat"?
Im not cancelling. Maybe whining a little...just disappointed.

[elkboy]

Probably out of the question logistically, but can you fill the second tag in a different unit? If your tag is for a given unit for a given year, and the state of Alaska won't honor it or refund it, then that is a pretty bad deal IMHO. Really sorry to hear of that!

[jager]

I'll have plenty of time since I scheduled for ten days in the bush.. less the flying and no hunting because of the flying.
I could fly to another area after I potentially harvest the first bull, but that would not be cheap!!
Cant hunt within 5 miles, either side of the Dalton highway which I'm driving up, so thats out of the question. Im certain I'm out of luck.
Im just really surprised that the state would intentionally stick it to the non-residents. I don't know why that is so surprising?!

[jmscon]

Alaska has been sticking it to non residence in the commercial fishing industry for years and has been sued and lost because of it!

[spin05]

Well thats a bunch a crap.   We are going this year and also bought our tags in december. We only bought 1 tag thou after last years bad weather canceling our hunt.  I firgured lets get our 1 caribou down and get out before the snow hits

[meatwhack]

Can't you archery hunt off the Dalton just no firearms? 

[jager]

Correct, archery only. They don't want you shooting holes in the pipeline.

[Muleyslyr]

Wow that sucks. Sounds like a bum deal. I guess make the most of the one tag you do have and just suck up the cost of the second. I admire your go at it though...A hunt I've wanted to put together and do for some time.