DIY Alone

[wanderin39]

My hunting partners decided to let a heavy truck run over their pickup. Both hurt bad enough neither will be going in 2020 with me. I am looking for advice and warnings of hunting alone in Southern Brook range. Likely go with rifle instead of planned bow due to bears. Thanks

 

[KChunter71]

What type of hunt you doing? You have plenty of time to add someone. I would go with a buddy. If your flying with a transporter, I’ve heard some won’t drop you solo.


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[hodgeman]

As mentioned, some transporters won't drop you solo- you should check that out with your pilot before you get too far down the rabbit trail.

I've hunted solo in the past, probably will again...but, I'd be really thoughtful about the risks inherent in doing that. Hunting solo in remote country is a much different experience than hunting with a partner or two. You take fewer chances, move slower, and hunt way more deliberately since there isn't anyone along to help clean up a mess or talk you out of a terrible decision.

It can be very rewarding, and can be downright terrifying depending on what's happening. Unless you have substantial experience in AK, I'd think a partner is a better bet.

 

[wanderin39]

Will do a fly-in drop hunt. My typical hunting partners will mostly recovered, but likely not ready for such a physical hunt. Being fairly new to the area I moved to I know few people. And I would hate to get dropped off with someone who did not work out. I have very good clothing, Cabela's guide all season tent, a good sleeping bag. The only thing I have to find is a good pair of waders. I realize I will have to be careful and not extend my hunting area as normally do. Have been to Alaska several times, this will be my first time hunting thou. I have talked to several men that hunt where I do, but they either cannot afford or worry about being dropped off. I appreciate advice and warnings, as I sometimes take big bites that get hard to chew.

 

[FLAK]

I'm much more successful solo, but never done Alaska.
Only NM, ID.

 

[KChunter71]

Do you live in Alaska now?
Solo is one thing and remote Alaska is another.
I do understand not wanting to wait and good hunting buddies are hard to find. Most caribou hunts are not to far from your camp being dropped. So your not going to get to far away.


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[Rich M]

What about guys you used to hunt with before you moved?

Remote AK hunting solo is doable but is it the right thing to do? Big bears.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve done solo caribou the past 2 years but n an area that’s about 30 minutes by plane from me. My schedules just don’t match my partners all the time and it’s a cheap flight for decent hunting I can do over a long weekend. I don’t think I really do anything much different but I stay more aware.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I’ll echo what hodgeman said, and also add that, if you are going to do a solo AK hunt, IMO, that would be a good one to cut your teeth on. Of course there are bears up there (they’re everywhere in AK), but the numbers aren’t as high as in some other parts of the state, and from my experience, they tend to be much more skittish. That’s not to say that you’ll never have a bear problem there, I just think the chances of that are less likely. The Brooks will probably give you one of the best, most remote experiences in the state, and the caribou hunting up there can be pretty phenomenal.
The logistics of a drop camp, caribou hunt in the Brooks, can be pretty easy, and if you’re flying in via beaver, you can pretty much take the kitchen sink, and have a very comfortable camp.

I’ve done a few solo hunts here and I think they can be very rewarding and pleasurable, even when dealing with adverse conditions, although l’m sure many people wouldn’t feel that way. My last solo was a 10 day, fly in, goat hunt on Kodiak 3 years ago. I had a bear bluff charge within the 1st hour of being dropped off, and experienced a storm that lasted 5 days with 100+ mph gusts, and the most rain to fall on the island in a 24 hour period (just under 6”). That was for sure the most difficult solo hunt I’ve ever done, but I also learned many things about myself, that I never would have learned had I not experienced those conditions alone. I’m headed back in two months for another couple weeks, solo, and hope to maybe learn a little more and, fingers crossed, put some goat meat in the freezer.


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[AKBorn]

Check some of the other AK caribou hunting threads on here, lots of guys who say they wish they knew someone or could get a transporter. If you take your time (and you have time since it's next Fall), you can likely find a good, compatible hunt partner.

I've been hunting remote Alaska since the early 2000s, and have hunted with several partners that I sought out on hunting forums. Due to careful screening and thoughtful conversation back and forth, I have never had a bad experience to date. As long as both parties clearly express their expectations and preferences up front, you can usually find a partner that works for you.

Good luck either way -

 

[wanderin39]

Thank everyone for their input, very good food for thought.

 

[JDeck]

I had to make a similar decision when my hunting partner was flown out of camp due to illness just as our hunt was starting. I really struggled with deciding whether I should leave camp too.

I elected to keep hunting and got lucky with nice weather and a great moose a few days later. A solo DIY bull on my first trip to Alaska is my most rewarding hunting experience.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I had to make a similar decision when my hunting partner was flown out of camp due to illness just as our hunt was starting. I really struggled with deciding whether I should leave camp too.

I elected to keep hunting and got lucky with nice weather and a great moose a few days later. A solo DIY bull on my first trip to Alaska is my most rewarding hunting experience.

Good on you for sticking it out.


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[wanderin39]

After a long discussion with my wife, I am going. Now to find a good company to fly me out, finding that is much harder than I thought. I am not getting any younger, need to get such hunts done. Any suggestions on a flight company would be sincerely appreciated. Am having trouble finding a suitable pair of waders, any suggestions.

 

[Jackal7]

Simms or Patagonia waders, and Simms G3 Guide boots. Not felt sole, rubber sticky soles. Can't use felt soles in Alaska to my knowledge. I own both brands of waders and the G3s and would never use anything else.

 

[wanderin39]

Thank you Jackal7, am looking at them now.

 

[deerkiller]

Will do a fly-in drop hunt. My typical hunting partners will mostly recovered, but likely not ready for such a physical hunt. Being fairly new to the area I moved to I know few people. And I would hate to get dropped off with someone who did not work out. I have very good clothing, Cabela's guide all season tent, a good sleeping bag. The only thing I have to find is a good pair of waders. I realize I will have to be careful and not extend my hunting area as normally do. Have been to Alaska several times, this will be my first time hunting thou. I have talked to several men that hunt where I do, but they either cannot afford or worry about being dropped off. I appreciate advice and warnings, as I sometimes take big bites that get hard to chew.

and ALWAYS remember that "Murphy" will be with you too

 

[wanderin39]

Believe Mr. Murphy is my constant companion. I try to ensure I do everything possible so he does visit too often.

 

[swampthing]

Good on you for going. I Enjoy hunting with others but have done the majority of my trips alone. Hunting/camping alone isnt for everyone. You will know if you are the guy that can do it! The rewards of doing it all yourself are huge. Sitting alone in such a remote place will heal the soul like nothing else.

 

[mcseal2]

Congratulations, I would also go solo in your shoes. I like hunting with others that are similar in mindset but also like hunting alone a lot. I have one friend, the guy I learned to hunt with, that I go with on most of my out of state trips. He lives close and we plan it all together, build the same points, etc. If something comes up and he can't go though I'll go solo. I do all my deer and most of my predator hunting around home solo. Lots of river fishing/camping trips solo also. I get tired of trying to find someone to go on the river trips with me so I just quit looking and started going. I really enjoy the time alone. I like calling the shots and knowing my success or failure is on me. When I get the time alone away from my house and 2 kids under 4 years old I really enjoy it. I love my family but they also help me truly appreciate a quiet campsite in a remote area more than ever!

For a first AK hunting trip solo I'd go drop camp and not a float hunt. While the adventurous side of me loves the idea of a solo trip down and unknown river, the responsible side of me says that is not the best idea for a guy with a family. I love rivers but also respect the risks that come with them.

On waders I ran the Simms G3 boots and waders on my moose hunt and they worked great. For caribou I'm looking at taking the Chota Tundra Hippies instead of the G3 chest waders and still using the G3 boots. I started a thread on them that you might look at if you are interested.

Going solo I would definitely rent a Sat phone or take an In Reach. Really if weight isn't an issue having both wouldn't be a terrible idea. Sat phone at camp and In reach with you or vice versa. I have an In Reach but would likely also rent the phone in your shoes. If I was flying in on a Beaver solo for a stationary camp I'd spend a few pounds on a good chair, cot, Mr Buddy heater, cooler with real food, stuff I could sure live without but that would increase my comfort.

Good luck on the hunt.