Caribou Hunt Advice

[BlackRiverTaxidermy]

Looking to go on a caribou hunt in possibly 2022 or more likely in 2023. One of my bucket list animals and would like to get educated on hunt types, outfitter/guided hunt options, and do’s and dont’s. Thought I would start here…For those that have done it or have recommendations, booking suggestions, or knowledge in the area let me know! I have some general knowledge talking to clients.
To be more specific too…looking for either guided or drop camp options on woodland or tundra species with rifle or bow…not opposed to being with other hunters or groups as well.
Thank you and looking forward to seeing what this produces
Joel-

[RightPlace-RightTime]

Definitely following

[kentrek]

I could answer a few questions potentially...not an expert but I've been through the motions

Random thoughts

I purchased the hunt via an auction and was able to save a few bucks..but thats not always the case with auctions so be careful

Dont stuff your gun case with a bunch of random stuff...might be a yard sale when they open up your case to inspect things..they pulled our foam out and really didn't handle our rifles as I'd prefer so I would consider wrapping the guns in maybe a bubble wrap next time ?

Be packed before you leave Seattle...don't get to the Hanger in ak and have a bunch of work to do...if you can get out same day that would be nice

Bring a pool noodle for antler tips...taping antler tips on a few bulls was kind of a pain...do antler prep exactly as airline or transporter says...I know some didn't pay attention and I think probably struggled to get there horns home

Expect heavy heavy winds...so what ever tent you use have solid tent stakes..like big ones

Gut your Caribou asap...evidently they have a bunch of acid and bloat very fast

Bring a spotter...you might be trying to judge Caribou from a few Miles out with a potential shooter right in front of you...kind of nice to know what's coming down the trail

If you go through kotz get to the airport as soon as it opens on your return home...that airport was a *censored* show and I'm glad someone gave me that tip

Bring an ultra light chair

I would bring a decoy next time

Be as organized as possible and ready for anything..versatility is king but that goes for every hunt

Hope this helps

[fishngamereaper]

Jump over to the out of state hunts section. I tried to write a fairly detailed account of my recent hunt in AK. More than willing to answer any other questions.

[BlackRiverTaxidermy]

Thank you both. Will get a hold of ya fishandgamereaper

[actionshooter]

I have hunted caribou a few times but it's been 5 years since the last time.....
 So giving you specific info isn't going to do much good... the one thing about caribou in AK, is that the herds are always changing.  They change routes, size and to a small degree, location. Basically if someone went 10 years ago and saw 5000 caribou doesn't mean they will be there now...Lots and lots of research.

[Tjv28]

We went with Arctic Air. You don’t need a guide to hunt caribou in Alaska. PM me for any further info

[lokidog]

I went with Willow Air, but 29 years ago. Dropped us off at a little lake by float plane that put us where they knew there were some animals. There were not as many as expected but still got two really nice ones. Came back 5 days later. We had mild weather in September, people before us were delayed three days coming out, us three days going in. They lost most of their meat as they used cheesecloth and tucked it under the tundra... maggots can go through cheesecloth. 

We used white plastic garbage bags after air cooling. I would use fine mesh game bags now and the kitchen bags. We double bagged and put it along the lake so water was splashing on it to keep cool, submerging would work great for a really waterproof bag. We did not lose any meat, animals shot 2nd and 4th days.

Bring a fishing rod, most of the lakes have char and grayling. Don't be afraid to drive up, it is a pretty easy three day drive to anchorage. Froze the meat in quarters and still had to let it finish thawing a few days after returning home to butcher it up.

I would love to get back up there again some day.

[arrowflinger]

Tagging along as we are going Sept 15ish 2023. 

[Pathfinder101]

We had an excellent hunt with 40 Mile Air in 2016.  Was my oldest son's graduation gift, first time to Alaska for both of us.  No guide needed where we went.  The only problem might be getting a spot.  They only take a limited number of clients each year.  I think you have to call in the second Monday of December to try to get a spot. 

[ASHQUACK]

Grab a bow and drive the haul rd.
Spot caribou from road get in front of them and stick a bull.
Ah, if only it were that easy. We used an air boat out of the dead horse area. Stupid long story about the trip, but we almost lost a hunter to the "big" River, met a few really cool Alaska State Troopers
Watched about 6 thousand Caribou migrate right through our camp. I shot mine 6 feet from my tent at about 359 yards. I wished I had my bow because I could have taken a 2nd one easily right by the pipeline. Saw a plane crash and helped rescue some folks from a steep deep rocky canyon. We went 3rd week of August and had rain, wind, snow and more rain. I think in the 12 days we hunted there was about five minute that there was no weather.
All in all a great adventure, and I'd love to go do it again

[cem3434]

Get in touch with wags on here and see if he is still taking hunters out of Adak. 

[hal]

hunted Osprey Lodge 9 years ago. Its a local herd with plenty of animals. The have a main lodge that you can hunt out of or they will fly you out to a spike camp with super cubs. They have a great cook in main camp with Lindal Cedar cabins. They will also fly over you every day the weather permits and drop off fresh made meals as well as pick up your meat that you post on the landing area. They fly you out of Anchorage to their own runway. only downside was that you can only bring back 70 #'s of meat without the use of another plane. If you tag out fishing is available. The supplied the equipment.
Secret: some camp sites have 4 wheelers that are disabled until you rent. Much easier getting your animal to camp. Tough walking although is looks like a cake walk. We did not know about wheelers so colapsed a few lungs getting the animals to the landing strip. Great bunch of people. They are strict on weight both in and out.