DIY AK Moose NR

[jlw0142]

I’ve read several threads on this topic which are very helpful, but I wanted to ask the opinion of those who have AK moose hunted whether you guys thought it was feasible for me (a NR from the lower 48) to pick a spot to be flown into by an air taxi and do a float trip, totally DIY with my father and a friend in 2029? I’m just coming out of professional school so I can’t spend $20k on an outfitter, but my Dad just told me that he really wants to do this, and I have been talking about it for years. If we wait too long, he may end up not being able to go due to aging, so I’d like to go on a true adventure with him within the next few years and I feel like this would be a cool experience. What do you guys feel our odds are success are with picking a section of river to float all on our own?

 

[VernAK]

Ungulate herds here in Eastern Alaska are suffering. I'd suggest considering mid or western Alaska. Logistics are going to be expensive.

 

[Steve O]

You are going to have a VERY difficult time finding a pilot. Even that far out. Most are locked up by regular clients and when those clients tire of the time and expense their spot gets passed on to family or close friend. Even as big as Alaska it is highly unlikely you are going to research your way into a honey hole and then it will be 10x harder to find someone who can drop you…IF you can possibly be dropped there. And you will be really lucky to drop 3 guys and camp and haul out ONE moose for $20g.

 

[jlw0142]

You are going to have a VERY difficult time finding a pilot. Even that far out. Most are locked up by regular clients and when those clients tire of the time and expense their spot gets passed on to family or close friend. Even as big as Alaska it is highly unlikely you are going to research your way into a honey hole and then it will be 10x harder to find someone who can drop you…IF you can possibly be dropped there. And you will be really lucky to drop 3 guys and camp and haul out ONE moose for $20g.

Well, I meant $20k per person, but point taken! I appreciate the honesty. I was hoping we could manage <$8k per person but we may have to explore other options if it’s going to be that difficult to find a pilot.

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[Snowwolfe]

In addition to what others have said, Float hunts are not to be taken lightly and can be dangerous with every sweep of the river. Does anyone in the party have experience on these type of hunts and running rafts that are heavily loaded down?

 

[jlw0142]

In addition to what others have said, Float hunts are not to be taken lightly and can be dangerous with every sweep of the river. Does anyone in the party have experience on these type of hunts and running rafts that are heavily loaded down?

Done some rafting but not of that caliber. Gotta start somewhere, but I hear ya. I assure you, we will be ready when the time comes. I don’t take these types of remote and dangerous situations lightly.


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[jlw0142]

Done some rafting but not of that caliber. Gotta start somewhere, but I hear ya. I assure you, we will be ready when the time comes. I don’t take these types of remote and dangerous situations lightly.


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To follow up, my dad is the type of guy who would schedule us rafting lessons and practice every weekend. I understand there are concerns, but we aren’t Willy-nilly when it comes to hunting prep.


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[diamond10x]

Its very doable but you have to put in the work with your research. I did a number of successful moose float hunts living in the southern part of the lower 48 before moving to AK.

You will get out what you put in to it. I spent almost 3 years researching a float hunt plan before I did my first moose float and came out very successful. It's not that difficult, you just need to be willing to do the leg work. This years float, I was the only resident out of the 3 of us, we killed two bulls and the trip was much cheaper than 20K$ total, including bush flights for pickup and drop off and the addition of domestic flights from the lower 48 by the other 2 hunters.

 

[jlw0142]

Its very doable but you have to put in the work with your research. I did a number of successful moose float hunts living in the southern part of the lower 48 before moving to AK.

You will get out what you put in to it. I spent almost 3 years researching a float hunt plan before I did my first moose float and came out very successful. It's not that difficult, you just need to be willing to do the leg work. This years float, I was the only resident out of the 3 of us, we killed two bulls and the trip was much cheaper than 20K$, including bush flights for pickup and drop off.

There is still hope! Thank you for the encouragement and advice. And congrats on your success!


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[badgerboy14]

A couple good books out there on this topic if you can get your hands on them.....
-Float Hunting Alaska's Wild Rivers by Michael Strahan
-A Complete Guide to Float Hunting Alaska by Larry Bartlett

 

[cnelk]

I’ve done 2 AK DIY moose hunts (fly-in) in the last 9 years. Both successful. But I spent 1/2 your budget for both

What was posted above is spot on It takes lots and lots of research.
There away to cut costs but that’s part of your research

Good luck. Alaska is a fun place to hunt

 

[cnelk]

I will add that I’ve heard the best way to prepare for a moose float hunt is to fill your bathtub with ice cubes, turn the shower on cold and get in with your rain gear

 

[jlw0142]

I’ve done 2 AK DIY moose hunts (fly-in) in the last 9 years. Both successful. But I spent 1/2 your budget for both

What was posted above is spot on It takes lots and lots of research.
There away to cut costs but that’s part of your research

Good luck. Alaska is a fun place to hunt

Man, that’s great to hear! Thank you for the encouragement, and congrats on your success!


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[cfdjay]

After doing a DIY Moose hunt this year, I'd recommend against a DIY float hunt for your first Alaska experience. Just my opinion it has disaster written all over it. I think there are a lot of people that loosely use the term "DIY". I did it as true as DIY can be done without having a pilot license and if that's what you're looking to do I'd start with a drop camp. Just my 2 cents.

 

[AKDoc]

That's a wonderful goal you're setting...getting your dad out on an Alaska moose hunt...good on you, sir!

It sounds like you're well aware that there is a steep learning curve ahead for all of you, especially thinking to do a float hunt for moose...that is a far more challenging/demanding option with additional dangers IMO. I truly love doing remote floats up here, but that's a very different world than a fly-in lake drop or camp hunt. It's doable, but....

Two good books have already been mentioned above...and I second that recommendation.

In spirit of being helpful...here are a few other relevant topics to research and understand as you move forward in your hunt planning:

• There are numerous GMU's in Alaska and they vary on moose harvest restrictions, e.g., some are "any bull" and some are restricted to size. Moose densities vary significantly across the state, and each GMU has current moose density estimates. You can also research the moose harvest statistics for each GMU and speak to each assigned GMU biologist for more information....ADFG.
• Learn and understand the significant Alaska regulatory differences between an air-taxi and a hunt transporter...they are not the same.
• Each person going on this trip should become reliably knowledgeable about the logistics and challenges of responsible meat care when moving a moose on a float hunt.

Make sure that you and others are well aware and informed of the pros/cons of different options, so that it's not just on you. Once everyone that is planning to go on this hunt has more specific knowledge, then each person can make an informed decision to do option X, Y. or Z. That way everyone is well informed and onboard with whatever choices you guys make.

The very best to you for a safe and wonderful adventure with your dad.