Post by: Machias on March 26, 2018, 01:39:11 PM
Post by: lewy on March 26, 2018, 02:26:28 PM
Post by: jmscon on March 26, 2018, 03:10:10 PM
Post by: jmscon on March 26, 2018, 03:13:07 PM
Post by: Machias on March 26, 2018, 03:27:59 PM
Post by: Machias on March 26, 2018, 03:29:57 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 26, 2018, 03:59:12 PM
I don't know much about the terrain and the boots best served for that terrain, but I'd look hard at a stiff pair of leather mountain hunting style boots. Whatever you choose, I'd get them now and start putting miles on them so they're broken in when the real work begins. I had a thread about pac boots and hiking a while back and that thread convinced me they're great for keeping your feet warm but not great for hiking in.
Post by: jackelope on March 26, 2018, 04:08:30 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 26, 2018, 04:09:40 PM
Post by: Machias on March 26, 2018, 04:28:00 PM
Post by: spin05 on March 26, 2018, 05:51:29 PM
@spin05
My son and i hunted Brooks range last september. Spent our time in a set of Kuiu guide gear with one item as back up and some extra layers. No bugs in sept for us. Far as boots we just wore our reguler danners around and did great. We took a set of Wiggys waders but never used them but where always in our packs. We hunted south side of brooks so kinda of a diffrent animal then where your going.We did bring a cheap head net. Bring lots of parachute cord . We ran out. We had a blast. Migration was late and we didnt kill anything till the last days and we were not suppose to be there. Were only still there due to bad weather. We both shoot .270 win. My son shot his at 135 yards lying it its bed. I shot mine at 255yrds up on a mountain. your 30.06 will be fine. We only caught some pike no grayling. spoons like a silver canadian wonder did best on the pike.
Post by: lokidog on March 26, 2018, 06:28:44 PM
As far as lures, Panther Martin spinners (Yellow body with red spots and silver blade is my favorite) seem to work really well, you could also bring some flies and a casting bobber if you get into Grayling. A couple of Little Cleos would be good so you can cover some water, especially if windy, I like the 1/3 oz blue/silver ones. Arctic Char are delicious any way you want to cook them. The Grayling are good as well, fried or grilled.
I would always have a headnet along, I like to use them even here in WA during early archery season. They weigh next to nothing and take up little space.
I would love to get to AK again some time for Caribou.
Post by: tchoutacabouffa on March 26, 2018, 06:55:43 PM
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Post by: ASHQUACK on March 26, 2018, 10:14:15 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 27, 2018, 05:21:00 AM
Post by: idaho guy on March 27, 2018, 10:26:39 AM
Post by: Machias on March 27, 2018, 09:26:31 PM
Post by: Duckhunter14 on March 28, 2018, 10:24:38 AM
The Meateater also had an episode on hunting caribou you may find some tidbits in that one too.
Hope you take lots of pictures and share with the HuntWa crew. Love to do the same trip one of these years!
Wish you the best of luck. I bet you're getting excited.
Clint
Post by: Machias on March 29, 2018, 10:31:27 AM
Post by: TeacherMan on March 29, 2018, 10:44:07 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 29, 2018, 11:54:37 AM
Post by: Tbob on March 29, 2018, 02:12:28 PM
I did a moose/caribou combo way out in the brooks.. I would definitely bring some hip waders for sure! I wore mine most of the time as the Tundra was suuuuper wet and boggy. We crossed rivers and creeks all day everyday and without them I’d have been completely screwed. I brought my nice leather hunting boots and they were completely soaked (from the top stepping into a hidden bog) within the first two hours of the trip.
We had some really cold weather too! I’d make sure your sleeping bag and pad are up to the task as well! I’d bring the bug headnet for sure as they weight nothing and take up zero space for just in case, but while we were there it was just the little tiny biting flies that got to us the first few days, then everything was frozen solid! Have a safe trip man!
Oh, I’d bring a few xtra pairs of warm socks too. The little chemical hand warmers were life savers too!
Post by: Machias on March 29, 2018, 03:10:53 PM
Post by: nwwanderer on March 29, 2018, 03:48:52 PM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on April 01, 2018, 10:06:03 PM
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Post by: Machias on April 02, 2018, 08:52:07 AM
Is your .30-06 stainless? If not it seems like time for a new gun
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Nope and I agree!!! :) :)
Post by: nwwanderer on April 02, 2018, 06:15:49 PM
Post by: Machias on April 02, 2018, 09:32:38 PM
Post by: lewy on April 03, 2018, 06:24:17 AM
Post by: Kazekurt on April 03, 2018, 06:47:39 AM
Post by: Machias on April 03, 2018, 08:16:47 AM
I've hunted the two rivers you'll be hunting 4 times since 2011. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. Bugs usually aren't bad in late August or early September but can be if the temp is above 50. Make sure your rain gear is quality rain gear! Are you rolling with the guide service that works that area or going in with friends?
Thank you! PM returned, we are going with guide that works that area.
Post by: Machias on April 03, 2018, 08:17:11 AM
Hey Fred what did the air fair run you if you don't mind me asking?
$1320
Post by: Machias on April 03, 2018, 10:31:49 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 03, 2018, 11:27:20 AM
Post by: Machias on April 03, 2018, 12:51:51 PM
P.S. Purchased my Alaska Hunting License, 7 Day Fishing License, Caribou and Wolf Tags today!! :) :)
Post by: Machias on April 13, 2018, 01:08:34 PM
Post by: spin05 on April 15, 2018, 05:33:32 AM
Post by: Machias on April 17, 2018, 11:31:19 AM
Some of the areas you dont need a wolf tag. Its like a depradation zone. There free to residents and non-residence. But you got yours now so too late i guess
I don't think this area is one of those, but I could be wrong. if anyone knows please let me know, the other three guys have not yet bought their tags...maybe I can save them a little bit of money.
Post by: benhuntin on April 17, 2018, 02:27:01 PM
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Post by: Machias on April 17, 2018, 03:09:00 PM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on April 18, 2018, 11:45:22 AM
Anyone recommend a good spotting scope for this trip? I've never had one before and would like to get some recommendations. Thanks in advance!Just saw this one. I'd go with the vanguard endeavor HD.
Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Angled Eyepiece Spotting Scope with 15-45x Magnification https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJFAYM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ji51Ab8AN1T96
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Post by: Machias on May 23, 2018, 08:40:10 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on May 23, 2018, 09:09:56 AM
90 days out!!!!!!
Looking forward to what you get and the story you share. :tup:
Post by: Machias on May 24, 2018, 01:34:37 PM
Post by: Machias on May 24, 2018, 01:54:44 PM
Anyone recommend a good spotting scope for this trip? I've never had one before and would like to get some recommendations. Thanks in advance!
I should have updated everyone, I got a really nice Leopold Gold Ring Scope from a HuntWa member. it's perfect for my upcoming trip!!
Post by: MikeWalking on May 24, 2018, 03:24:01 PM
Heading up there at the end of Aug. For some of you guys that have been up there, can you recommend gear that made your hunt more enjoyable or was downright necessary? Do you think a Pair of White's Pac boots would be a good choice? What type, if not, would you recommend? What lures should I take for fishing? Any way recommended for fixing fish that we do catch? What caliber do you recommend...is my 30.06 suited to that environment (tell me no, so I have to buy a new rifle...and then recommend a good caliber! :) ) How are the bugs during late Aug and besides a Thermocell do you recommend a headnet? I appreciate any and all advice, thanks!
I've done 5 solo backpack trips in the Brooks Range. Didn't have the $$ to hunt that far from home. I wore my Pacs for all of them. Cabela's Trail Runners? Not sure if they're still offered. I caught good size Grayling on almost every cast with my favorite frog pattern lure, in fact they hit everything offered but a foam spider. I liked to cut them into 3rd's and stand them up in a few inches of water with a good goop of clarified butter and seasoning for a quick boil.
One 2 week trip I killed 10 mosquitos, passed on the OFF. Other years they were like black rain. OFF seemed to work better up there too.
Bring a small radio, you'll be surprised at what you get.
Post by: Machias on May 25, 2018, 05:54:28 AM
Post by: Machias on July 24, 2018, 08:31:13 AM
Post by: Ieatelk on July 26, 2018, 01:19:14 PM
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Post by: milldozer on July 26, 2018, 01:26:34 PM
Post by: Machias on July 26, 2018, 03:04:05 PM
Post by: Machias on July 26, 2018, 03:04:28 PM
We are leaving the 22nd of August to head up to hunt with Ryan as well. PM me if you want to chat...
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PM in bound! :)
Post by: tchoutacabouffa on July 26, 2018, 07:00:51 PM
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Post by: lewy on July 26, 2018, 08:31:28 PM
Post by: Machias on July 26, 2018, 09:58:32 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 27, 2018, 05:49:53 AM
Post by: Machias on July 27, 2018, 08:02:25 AM
Post by: lewy on July 30, 2018, 03:28:28 PM
Post by: Machias on July 30, 2018, 03:49:57 PM
Hey Fred, I sent you another pm.....Josh
:tup:
Post by: anglinarcher on August 15, 2018, 06:41:29 PM
Post by: Machias on August 15, 2018, 07:28:32 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on August 15, 2018, 08:55:56 PM
Post by: Machias on August 16, 2018, 08:20:34 AM
Post by: birddogdad on August 16, 2018, 08:34:47 AM
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on August 16, 2018, 09:00:57 AM
Post by: Machias on August 16, 2018, 09:09:49 AM
so i think i read a non resident closure enacted up there, hope its not in your area! cant find link but it was brooks range area i recall....found the article, may not be in your affected area but here :
:yike: Trying to give a guy a heartattack!!! :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on August 16, 2018, 09:34:29 AM
Post by: Machias on August 16, 2018, 09:35:24 AM
You have a GREAT fall as well!!
Post by: birddogdad on August 16, 2018, 10:04:14 AM
so i think i read a non resident closure enacted up there, hope its not in your area! cant find link but it was brooks range area i recall....found the article, may not be in your affected area but here :
:yike: Trying to give a guy a heartattack!!! :chuckle:
haha! not really the intent but long ass trip to find that the state had a fart and closed stuff.... just for the non res crowd.....
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 16, 2018, 10:17:21 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on August 16, 2018, 02:49:42 PM
Post by: WACATHUNTER on August 17, 2018, 12:50:45 PM
Post by: Machias on August 17, 2018, 01:08:23 PM
Post by: lewy on August 17, 2018, 11:59:42 PM
Post by: Machias on August 19, 2018, 08:08:21 AM
Post by: ASHQUACK on August 19, 2018, 09:21:07 PM
Post by: Machias on August 20, 2018, 07:53:02 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 21, 2018, 12:44:39 PM
Post by: hunter-4-life on August 21, 2018, 06:36:47 PM
Post by: Machias on August 22, 2018, 01:37:16 PM
We expect a full writeup with a massive pic dump Fred! Be good for it!! :tup: :tup:
Will do!!! :tup:
Post by: Machias on August 22, 2018, 01:44:01 PM
He also just posted on his FB page that the second group has already tagged out!
Said the migration is off to a better start than last year but much colder so far. Weather looks great for my first two days up there. partly sunny, upper 40s and 5 mph wind.
Post by: jackelope on August 22, 2018, 03:38:06 PM
Post by: h20hunter on August 22, 2018, 03:39:16 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on August 22, 2018, 03:53:31 PM
Post by: Machias on August 22, 2018, 10:14:22 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 23, 2018, 05:19:58 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on August 23, 2018, 05:39:35 AM
Post by: Machias on August 23, 2018, 08:14:48 AM
Post by: elkrack on August 23, 2018, 08:37:08 AM
Post by: Machias on August 30, 2018, 07:41:47 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 30, 2018, 07:44:25 AM
Can't wait to hear about it!
Post by: X-Force on August 30, 2018, 07:56:13 AM
SUCCESS!!! :IBCOOL: :tup:]
Can't wait to hear about it!
:IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
:) Cant wait
Post by: Machias on August 30, 2018, 08:29:20 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on August 30, 2018, 08:38:38 AM
Did you eat some in camp?
Congrats.
Post by: jackelope on August 30, 2018, 08:46:53 AM
Can't wait to hear the story.
Post by: boneaddict on August 30, 2018, 08:51:26 AM
Post by: yakimanoob on August 30, 2018, 12:05:31 PM
Post by: X-Force on August 30, 2018, 12:07:28 PM
Great way to spend the fall! Excited to hear the details
:yeah:
Post by: Timberstalker on August 30, 2018, 12:33:22 PM
Post by: Matth on August 30, 2018, 12:41:37 PM
Post by: saylean on August 30, 2018, 01:13:34 PM
Young bull.
Stoked for you Machias!
Awesome work!
Post by: Jpmiller on August 30, 2018, 07:20:53 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on August 30, 2018, 07:29:51 PM
Hope to read the details soon.
Do you have multiple tags?
Post by: lokidog on August 30, 2018, 11:43:08 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 10:34:48 AM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 10:50:10 AM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 11:05:53 AM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 11:15:34 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 02, 2018, 11:40:28 AM
First off, congrats! Glad you took a nice bull, and glad you were able to fix someone else’s mistake while doing it!
REALLY appreciate your review. Me and another guy were considering a hunt with the same outfitter over the next few years and were on the fence. Honest reviews from upstanding individuals such as yourself help the next guys make educated decisions.
Curtis
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 04:36:27 PM
Last nite in camp.
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 04:45:36 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 04:48:38 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 04:53:52 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:04:00 PM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 02, 2018, 05:10:28 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:11:10 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:11:51 PM
Did we just see the inside of your mouth?? :chuckle:
Coat pocket!! :chuckle:
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:17:34 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:23:12 PM
Post by: Machias on September 02, 2018, 05:39:36 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on September 02, 2018, 07:15:28 PM
Did we just see the inside of your mouth?? :chuckle:
I thought the same thing :chuckle:
Post by: buggy on September 03, 2018, 02:25:39 PM
Post by: JoeE on September 03, 2018, 03:42:53 PM
I’m glad you had a successful hunt and experienced Alaska. It gets better every time.
Post by: Machias on September 03, 2018, 08:18:42 PM
Post by: Machias on September 03, 2018, 08:30:14 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/85125ea09a2c86f3b81b803dd81dd22a.jpg)
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 04, 2018, 07:02:03 AM
Post by: JeffRaines on September 04, 2018, 08:16:58 AM
Am I missing something? That kind of looks like the $40 tent I bought for my kids to play "camping" in the back yard with.
Not to mention that boat in the background! Thats a pool toy!
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 04, 2018, 08:17:51 AM
Am I missing something? That kind of looks like the $40 tent I bought for my kids to play "camping" in the back yard with.
Not to mention that boat in the background! Thats a pool toy!
I think that is literally a $40 Challenger raft
Post by: JeffRaines on September 04, 2018, 08:20:30 AM
Am I missing something? That kind of looks like the $40 tent I bought for my kids to play "camping" in the back yard with.
Not to mention that boat in the background! Thats a pool toy!
I think that is literally a $40 Challenger raft
It is.
I mean, I'm sure it worked fine for fording the river there. I have an even cheaper one I used for fishing alpine lakes(15 bucks on amazon) until I broke down and bought a alpacka. For the record, I still have the $15 raft. It still doesn't leak. I just would expect a little more.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 04, 2018, 08:26:38 AM
They sure do seem to experience some successes... They're probably just really focused on the "unguided" part of the agreement.
Post by: Machias on September 04, 2018, 11:33:20 AM
Am I missing something? That kind of looks like the $40 tent I bought for my kids to play "camping" in the back yard with.
Pretty much. The gear is not higher end stuff and some of that I understand...some of it, like the kitchen gear, fishing gear..etc...was disappointing. One of the guys on the trip brought up a very valid point. The outfitter essentlially provided the transportation in and out for us and our gear and the transportation of the meat out. That's what he covered. The rental gear was provided by another company, which is run by his family member. On the gear end a little thought and slight improvements would have made it a much better experience on that front.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 04, 2018, 11:50:40 AM
We had troubles with gear and the outfitter. He made us wait at the ramp twice for 4 hours each time going in and out, we were in an airboat wreck, he gave us a soaked tent and no cook stove for 2 days, our tent was better than yours was, cabelas alanak, but during the blizzard the wind nearly destroyed it. Also there is no way to keep it warm since they have mesh windows you cannot close, water would condensate on the mesh and drip on us all night on the inside of the rain fly.
Long story short, Ryan had a lot of bad luck this year with boats (sunk 1 another catastrophic breakdown). He was trying as hard as he could but with our service we will look for another hunt next time we do caribou.
We did harvest some animals, and had a great trip once we were in. The camps were way to close together, we hiked 60 miles in 7 days of hunting and ran into other hunters from other camps daily.
I kept a detailed journal of our experience, I'm undecided how I'm going to post the trip yet when I finish the article.
Post by: cbond3318 on September 04, 2018, 11:58:24 AM
And thank you for an honest review, I think a lot of people , myself included, have such a romantic view of hunting Alaska, honesty as yours keep them in check and really save some serious heartache. :tup:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 04, 2018, 12:05:31 PM
I just did the same hunt, I believe you were right below us on the river, we did hear your 7 shot fiasco when you harvested your bull. 5 shots all at once and then 2 more a few minutes later.
We had troubles with gear and the outfitter. He made us wait at the ramp twice for 4 hours each time going in and out, we were in an airboat wreck, he gave us a soaked tent and no cook stove for 2 days, our tent was better than yours was, cabelas alanak, but during the blizzard the wind nearly destroyed it. Also there is no way to keep it warm since they have mesh windows you cannot close, water would condensate on the mesh and drip on us all night on the inside of the rain fly.
Long story short, Ryan had a lot of bad luck this year with boats (sunk 1 another catastrophic breakdown). He was trying as hard as he could but with our service we will look for another hunt next time we do caribou.
We did harvest some animals, and had a great trip once we were in. The camps were way to close together, we hiked 60 miles in 7 days of hunting and ran into other hunters from other camps daily.
I kept a detailed journal of our experience, I'm undecided how I'm going to post the trip yet when I finish the article.
Please do. It really helps. And there are untold amounts of people who lurk, and learn from these writeups as well.
Post by: Machias on September 04, 2018, 01:12:19 PM
I just did the same hunt, I believe you were right below us on the river, we did hear your 7 shot fiasco when you harvested your bull. 5 shots all at once and then 2 more a few minutes later.
We had troubles with gear and the outfitter. He made us wait at the ramp twice for 4 hours each time going in and out, we were in an airboat wreck, he gave us a soaked tent and no cook stove for 2 days, our tent was better than yours was, cabelas alanak, but during the blizzard the wind nearly destroyed it. Also there is no way to keep it warm since they have mesh windows you cannot close, water would condensate on the mesh and drip on us all night on the inside of the rain fly.
Long story short, Ryan had a lot of bad luck this year with boats (sunk 1 another catastrophic breakdown). He was trying as hard as he could but with our service we will look for another hunt next time we do caribou.
We did harvest some animals, and had a great trip once we were in. The camps were way to close together, we hiked 60 miles in 7 days of hunting and ran into other hunters from other camps daily.
I kept a detailed journal of our experience, I'm undecided how I'm going to post the trip yet when I finish the article.
Looking forward to your write up. Congrats on the animals your group harvested.
Post by: Rainier10 on September 04, 2018, 01:21:43 PM
I will say this about guided trips and I think it relates to this one as well.
I have been on a few guided trips. When the hunting or fishing are on fire nothing else matters. When the hunting or fishing are not so hot all the little things seem to matter way more. What bugs me is the little things are what you can control. The guide can't control whether the fish are biting or the animals are there. They can control the food that you eat, the gear that you use and the transportation to and from the hunt. I have been skunked on trips before but everything that was in the guides control was exceptional and nothing to complain about. I have been on others where the hunting was great and what the guide did was not up to par but the hunting or fishing was so great it didn't matter and then I have been on trips when the hunting or the fishing was terrible and those are the ones that everything is an issue and having the stuff that can be controlled not be right just really adds salt to the wound.
Post by: jackelope on September 04, 2018, 01:30:50 PM
I just did the same hunt, I believe you were right below us on the river, we did hear your 7 shot fiasco when you harvested your bull. 5 shots all at once and then 2 more a few minutes later.
We had troubles with gear and the outfitter. He made us wait at the ramp twice for 4 hours each time going in and out, we were in an airboat wreck, he gave us a soaked tent and no cook stove for 2 days, our tent was better than yours was, cabelas alanak, but during the blizzard the wind nearly destroyed it. Also there is no way to keep it warm since they have mesh windows you cannot close, water would condensate on the mesh and drip on us all night on the inside of the rain fly.
Long story short, Ryan had a lot of bad luck this year with boats (sunk 1 another catastrophic breakdown). He was trying as hard as he could but with our service we will look for another hunt next time we do caribou.
We did harvest some animals, and had a great trip once we were in. The camps were way to close together, we hiked 60 miles in 7 days of hunting and ran into other hunters from other camps daily.
I kept a detailed journal of our experience, I'm undecided how I'm going to post the trip yet when I finish the article.
I agree. Write up and post your story. It would provide some insight for other hunters.
Not sure how I feel about the opening line, but it is what it is at this point I guess.
Post by: Rainier10 on September 04, 2018, 01:49:41 PM
My guess is there are established routes that the caribou travel and he is just stacking hunters up in locations that are in close proximity to that migration and also easier for him to get to multiple camps with one trip.I just did the same hunt, I believe you were right below us on the river, we did hear your 7 shot fiasco when you harvested your bull. 5 shots all at once and then 2 more a few minutes later.
We had troubles with gear and the outfitter. He made us wait at the ramp twice for 4 hours each time going in and out, we were in an airboat wreck, he gave us a soaked tent and no cook stove for 2 days, our tent was better than yours was, cabelas alanak, but during the blizzard the wind nearly destroyed it. Also there is no way to keep it warm since they have mesh windows you cannot close, water would condensate on the mesh and drip on us all night on the inside of the rain fly.
Long story short, Ryan had a lot of bad luck this year with boats (sunk 1 another catastrophic breakdown). He was trying as hard as he could but with our service we will look for another hunt next time we do caribou.
We did harvest some animals, and had a great trip once we were in. The camps were way to close together, we hiked 60 miles in 7 days of hunting and ran into other hunters from other camps daily.
I kept a detailed journal of our experience, I'm undecided how I'm going to post the trip yet when I finish the article.
I agree. Write up and post your story. It would provide some insight for other hunters.
Not sure how I feel about the opening line, but it is what it is at this point I guess.
The problem is in my mind is that takes away a bit from the alaska experience. It sounds like the shooting is similar to the Colockum during rifle season, as the elk go by camps each one takes a few shots.
I agree it is what it is but it is also nice to know going in that you are going to be in close proximity to other camps for this hunt. I would have just assumed that an alaskan drop camp would be remote and solitary. Reviews like this are very informative and teach us not to assume anything.
Post by: daddysprad on September 04, 2018, 02:24:40 PM
A couple of notes. Fred mentioned, the transportation and the equipment are two different companies although in the family. If I were to go on this trip again, I would take my own equipment and not depend on anyone else. There would be a weight issue but I would pay for it or I think Ryan would work it out. Ryan is a great guy and father trying to make a living; I respect that.
The raft that was mentioned as a playtoy: I bought and drop shipped to Ryan as a backup to the rented equipment. I figured we could ride in the big raft and tow the caribou...haha. They furnished an Explorere 200 which is what I buy for the grandkids to float the St Joe. The rental cost for the Explorer 200 was $75. It costs $17.99 on amazon. We didn't even blow it up.
The biggest thing that I would figure out is how to dry out your clothes and sleeping bag (other that a real tent). There is no wood to burn. I also dropshipped 2 cases of 3 hour pressed logs thinking we would use them to help. They were useless in the with and rain. Mist, rain wind, snow and old guys walking through tundra create a lot of mosture. You can keep changing clothes but eventually everything is damp and your pack empty. Just having dry undies after 5 days is one of the most amazing things. next time I would buy the cheapest insulated underware that WalMart sells, one set per day. At the end of each day I would burn that set.
There was no table to put the stove on so you cooked on your knees. I know you survivalist out there are thinking " I would just craft a table out of the natural resources"...Problem is there is nothing to build it with, No wood and the bushes barely reached your knees. We found an old frying pan in a abandonded camp and you'd of thought we won the lottery. We had to use our trekking poles to hang the gravity fed water filter.
Take wax boxes with you. They don't know what they are in Deadhorse.
I saw more caribou than Fred, probably 30 because of my spotting scope and my location. I would also suggest leaving the spotting scope at home . Pretty heavy to carry and gives you false hope since you cant run a caribou down in the tundra. Good binos would do fine.
Here is how I would use Ryan's services again. All of the rivers in that area eventually run into the Sag river. Most of the Sag is in the 5 mile archery only area from the pipeline. If I ever did that particular hunt again,taking my own equipment, would also have a large real raft. I'd have Ryan take me as far up the most remote river possible twards the Brooks range and have him drop me off. I'd then spend a week floating back toward the Sag hoping to find the caribou.
This was a bucket list thing for me I had been planning for 30 years. The lack of caribou could not be helped, but the comfort in camp could have. My suggestion to Ryan is to figure out how to communicate to his hunters 24/7 who have questions and need answers. He could also bolster up his website with some more current info like the infamous wax boxes. He should get out of the equipment business. I thinks if it hadn't been for the poor equipment, we'd have little to complain about.
Sorry to jack this thread Fred for what it's worth.
Post by: Rainier10 on September 04, 2018, 03:18:22 PM
Post by: Machias on September 04, 2018, 03:28:33 PM
Post by: h20hunter on September 04, 2018, 03:32:14 PM
Post by: JoeE on September 04, 2018, 05:53:17 PM
Post by: tlbradford on September 04, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 04, 2018, 06:39:36 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on September 04, 2018, 07:28:51 PM
Post by: Machias on September 04, 2018, 09:16:15 PM
Congrats Fred, and so you know I meant no disrespect in my previous post. I was glad to read your story we were thinking someone got charged by a grizz.I didn't have any problems with what you wrote, I understood what you were saying. 😊
Post by: Machias on September 04, 2018, 09:17:26 PM
What was the cost for the trip for each person?
$2500 to the outfitter. All told I spent around $5400ish.
Post by: ihunt on September 07, 2018, 07:34:38 AM
Post by: ihunt on September 07, 2018, 07:38:05 AM
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on September 07, 2018, 07:45:11 AM
Post by: ihunt on September 07, 2018, 07:50:14 AM
Post by: Machias on September 07, 2018, 08:24:54 AM
Post by: Machias on September 07, 2018, 08:25:21 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 07, 2018, 08:48:19 AM
Post by: gramps on September 07, 2018, 10:40:23 AM
Post by: Machias on September 07, 2018, 11:26:54 AM
Fred....I will try to get this congratulations in the correct thread. Thanks for sharing also
:) Thanks!!
Post by: lewy on September 07, 2018, 11:56:27 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 07, 2018, 12:39:14 PM
Post by: JoeE on September 07, 2018, 01:17:50 PM
Post by: Machias on September 07, 2018, 02:16:05 PM
Did yo hunt with the same outfit Lewy?
He did
Post by: lewy on September 07, 2018, 09:31:32 PM
Post by: Machias on September 08, 2018, 09:34:15 AM
Oh....and god put deadhorse at the end of the world for a reason ;)🤣🤣🤣
Post by: lokidog on September 11, 2018, 12:29:38 PM
Thanks for all of the detailed write-ups.