Alaska 2015 caribou 1st timer

[razorsharptokill]

Planning on doing a drop camp archery hunt for caribou in 2015. Trying to learn as much as I can. Planning on a drop camp with an air transporter.

Looking to hear from those who have hunted Alaska. Want to know what you would do different, what you would bring and what you would leave at home.

I'm pretty much set up for back pack elk hunting although still a newbee at that also.

 

[Ray]

Archery...are you planning on unit 23 where you may have some trees to use for cover, or sticking to the open country on the slope?

Rain gear and a good insulation system for when it snows and blows.

 

[TEmbry]

You can read my thread for how my trip went down on the North Slope.

Bring a softshell and hardshell jacket depending on how hard its actually raining.

Take SEVERAL bottles of DEET. Don't waste time with thermacell (too much wind).

Be patient, and get away from the road. Find a place where the terrain disappears a mile or so off the road. Hike to that point and glass areas unviewable from the road. Your success will go way up.

IMO I'd rather do the road system and save my money for the flight in, but it depends on what you are looking for experience wise. If you have never done an Alaskan fly in hunt where you get total solitude from everything, this in itself is worth it to me. As far as ability to kill a caribou though, I like being able to relocate up to 150 miles away if necessary (animals just not there). Can't do this with a fly in. I've hunted both ways up there and will do so again in the future. This coming fall I will be on a fly in hunt, so it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

 

[razorsharptokill]

At this point I am looking for a fly in hunt. I have heard good things about 40mile air but really just want to go where the bou are or will be. I'd rather not hunt in waders so a ridge top drop sounds more appealing.

 

[bowuntr]

My one piece of advice is to hunt where the caribou are. You, nor the guides, nor the transporters can predict with certainty where the caribou will be at any given time of the year. So, with that said, pick a transporter that will put you in front of the herd... one that flys out in the field often and know where and which direction they are moving. Versus one that's going to drop you off at a predetermined location where hunters have been successful in the past. On my last two caribou hunts... the drop location was decided while we were in the air... Most of this is out of your hands... But, if you talk to enough references and transporters, you will see the picture more clearly. Talk to unsuccessful hunters as well... That's what I'd do. One other thing... I'd take a wheeled plane hunt over a float plane... for the mobility... I don't have a ton of experience but when I plan a hunt I do everything possible to put the odds in my favor for having a successful hunt. Sometimes it costs a little more... Ed F

 

[TEmbry]

My one piece of advice is to hunt where the caribou are. You, nor the guides, nor the transporters can predict with certainty where the caribou will be at any given time of the year. So, with that said, pick a transporter that will put you in front of the herd... one that flys out in the field often and know where and which direction they are moving. Versus one that's going to drop you off at a predetermined location where hunters have been successful in the past. On my last two caribou hunts... the drop location was decided while we were in the air... Most of this is out of your hands... But, if you talk to enough references and transporters, you will see the picture more clearly. Talk to unsuccessful hunters as well... That's what I'd do. One other thing... I'd take a wheeled plane hunt over a float plane... for the mobility... I don't have a ton of experience but when I plan a hunt I do everything possible to put the odds in my favor for having a successful hunt. Sometimes it costs a little more... Ed F

Amazing advice here. Caribou are a blast to hunt regardless how you go about it... That's for sure!

 

[fulldraw1972]

One thing to think about when talking to previous clients. If a guy wasn't successful and will hunt with the outfitter again says a lot. But a guy that was successful and won't hunt with that outfitter again says even more.

 

[Ray]

At this point I am looking for a fly in hunt. I have heard good things about 40mile air but really just want to go where the bou are or will be.

They will get you into caribou. There will be trees and brush. Due to the low density you may have an issue getting in front of animals. You can't run them down unless they stop to nap. Bring a rifle for back up.

 

[razorsharptokill]

Thank you all! Great info available here. This is a WILL DO for me instead of a want to.

 

[razorsharptokill]

Alaska Airline credit card...... activated.

 

[Rich.]

I'm headed to AK in Aug. 15 for my caribou hunt. Flying in for a drop camp with Glacier Mountain Outfitters.

 

[razorsharptokill]

I'd like to hear more details about your planning, gear, etc...

 

[Romo]

I did this hunt in the Brooks in 2010. Feel free to PM me.

 

[Rich.]

I did this hunt in the Brooks in 2010. Feel free to PM me.

Who did you do it with?

 

[Violent Hippie]

Great info here. I hope to plan an AK archery caribou adventure myself in a couple years. Best of luck to you.

 

[razorsharptokill]

One piece of gear I have decided on is a Hilleberg tent. $$$ but from what I can tell, they are the closest to Alaska proof if there is such a thing. Broadhead choice? I like the Magnus Stinger for deer etc.. So far I haven't got them to group with field points as far as left and right goes. Elevation is good but they hit 6" right at 40.