DIY Caribou Alaska Transporter

[westonhoma]

Hey guys. Been trying to plan a DIY Caribou rifle hunt with a couple guys from PA for several weeks now for 2023. We have been doing our research and feel like we keep pounding our heads against the wall. From what we understood, transporters were charging around $3-$3.5k to fly hunters out of Kotzebue only about a year our two ago. Now it looks like most everyone is charging upwards of $5-$5.5k for this hunt. With license, tags, and airfare, this trip would be pushing more than $7.5k per guy for us. We really want to make this happen but realistically this is beyond what we are looking to spend each.

Writing here to ask if anyone has any better ideas for us to make this hunt happen. We have looked into the haul road but it seems like a daunting task to hunt that after making that huge journey for us to get there. Plus we have heard hiking 5 miles off that road in the tundra for us to use our rifles is rough as hell. If anyone has any recommendations for us please let me know. Any help we can get here would be much appreciated. We could make around $5k or so all in per guy work.

Also, I have heard a lot of guys open up the Alaskan Airlines credit card to get some discounted flight tickets for these hunts. We fully intend to do that as well as cut any other corners we can. Thanks everyone

 

[VernAK]

The demand for fly-in hunts, especially for caribou, far exceeds the supply. This forum is one of your best research resources but I doubt if you'll find an easy solution to your situation.

 

[rayporter]

i have said it often that you should not put it off because the price will only go up.

 

[Sourdough]

Hey guys. Been trying to plan a DIY Caribou rifle hunt with a couple guys from PA for several weeks now for 2023. We have been doing our research and feel like we keep pounding our heads against the wall. From what we understood, transporters were charging around $3-$3.5k to fly hunters out of Kotzebue only about a year our two ago. Now it looks like most everyone is charging upwards of $5-$5.5k for this hunt.

Your "paying" for someone else to do most of the hunt "FOR YOU". It is "Not" a do it yourself hunt.
"IF" you were actually doing it yourself, you would save most of the $5,000.00

 

[Mt Al]

i have said it often that you should not put it off because the price will only go up.

Count me as one with serious regret for not just planning and going long ago and not worrying as much about the cost.

If you want to go, just plan it, book it and go. A few thousand isn't going to break the bank on a 'bucket list' trip.

 

[william schmaltz]

As others said, if you really want to do it, maybe book it for $7.5K in 2024 instead of 2023. Or $8.5K in 2025. I know it's easier said than done and maybe that means one or two guys need to stay home, but make the jump if it's something you really want to do. Prices are going to go up and the way things are going, maybe even faster than we think. Otherwise hopefully someone can point you in a trustworthy direction that fits your budget. And before you book, be very aware of the politics in the area and the potential for the hunt to change.

As for the AK airlines card goes, the miles go a long ways and you get two free checked bags with the card. Last I saw, just for signing up you get 50,000 miles, which might get you a RT ticket. I just booked two flights in the next few months free on AK airlines with miles. They also have a once a year companion fair so it's basically buy one get one free with someone on the same flight. Our AK airlines cards are the only cards me and my wife have and we cash in several thousand $$$ a year from the benefits. As long as wherever you're flying out of has an AK air flight, it's worth it IMO.

 

[Alaska2025]

$3-$3.5k to fly hunters out of Kotzebue only about a year our two ago. Now it looks like most everyone is charging upwards of $5-$5.5k for this hunt. With license, tags, and airfare, this trip would be pushing more than $7.5k per guy for us. We really want to make this happen but realistically this is beyond what we are looking to spend each.

I'm in the process of booking something for 2024 for my father and I. We are trying to go before he's too old to go, so I feel like I'm on a time crunch. I've noticed the same thing cost-wise. From the cost of fuel skyrocketing and inflation going up drastically, it only makes sense that these hunts are going to cost more. Hunting in Alaska isn't cheap for someone who doesn't live there. Like someone else noted, book now, as prices are only going to keep going up over time.

That being said, it seems like all of the big drop-camp outfitters that you find in google searches are all around that 5-5.5k price starting in 2023. I've been using this forum to read old posts from other people who have done this type of DIY hunt, and in doing so, i've found the names of some smaller operations that do these drop-camps. I've reached out to probably 20 different places. It appears a lot of them are "somewhat" cheaper than that 5.5k price point. However, you may be more in mountains and not have that "Tundra" experience (at least as I've been day dreaming about with my zero-experience). My dad and I both agreed that we'd like a bit more scenery and trees than the wide-open tundra, so we are both pretty happy with this. It also appears as you may get a little better "experience" going with a smaller operation as compared to just being another number/$5k with some of the bigger operations.

Since you're on the east coast and airfare might be cheaper, have you looked into caribou hunting in Greenland?

 

[westonhoma]

I'm in the process of booking something for 2024 for my father and I. We are trying to go before he's too old to go, so I feel like I'm on a time crunch. I've noticed the same thing cost-wise. From the cost of fuel skyrocketing and inflation going up drastically, it only makes sense that these hunts are going to cost more. Hunting in Alaska isn't cheap for someone who doesn't live there. Like someone else noted, book now, as prices are only going to keep going up over time.

That being said, it seems like all of the big drop-camp outfitters that you find in google searches are all around that 5-5.5k price starting in 2023. I've been using this forum to read old posts from other people who have done this type of DIY hunt, and in doing so, i've found the names of some smaller operations that do these drop-camps. I've reached out to probably 20 different places. It appears a lot of them are "somewhat" cheaper than that 5.5k price point. However, you may be more in mountains and not have that "Tundra" experience (at least as I've been day dreaming about with my zero-experience). My dad and I both agreed that we'd like a bit more scenery and trees than the wide-open tundra, so we are both pretty happy with this. It also appears as you may get a little better "experience" going with a smaller operation as compared to just being another number/$5k with some of the bigger operations.

Since you're on the east coast and airfare might be cheaper, have you looked into caribou hunting in Greenland?

Thanks for the response. Everything you are saying sounds like our story as well. Been using these forums to help find some names/reviews but everyone seems to be at that $5-$5.5k range. Going to continue to look as our thought process is like yours as we are trying to find maybe a smaller outfit. I think I speak for the rest of our group when I say we have no preference between the mountains or tundra. Just hope either way we can get on some 'bou.

As far as Greenland, no we have not looked into it. From what I understand, Alaska is the only place you can hunt caribou without a guide. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Alaska2025]

Thanks for the response. Everything you are saying sounds like our story as well. Been using these forums to help find some names/reviews but everyone seems to be at that $5-$5.5k range. Going to continue to look as our thought process is like yours as we are trying to find maybe a smaller outfit. I think I speak for the rest of our group when I say we have no preference between the mountains or tundra. Just hope either way we can get on some 'bou.

As far as Greenland, no we have not looked into it. From what I understand, Alaska is the only place you can hunt caribou without a guide. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe you do need a guide... However, from what i saw, it costs around 6k and that is for 2 bou/person with the possibility of muskox. I'm not sure, but I think that includes the price of permits, food, camping stuff, etc. Pretty much sounds like you just show up. It does sound like getting your rifle there can be a PITA, but they also have gun rental options.

 

[HornPorn]

I believe you do need a guide... However, from what i saw, it costs around 6k and that is for 2 bou/person with the possibility of muskox. I'm not sure, but I think that includes the price of permits, food, camping stuff, etc. Pretty much sounds like you just show up. It does sound like getting your rifle there can be a PITA, but they also have gun rental options.

It sounds like OP wants to be able to tell everyone he did it himself.

 

[AKDoc]

Some excellent points from others...transporter demand exceeds readily available supply...the costs will very likely keep going up...regret for not doing it...know the "politics" of the GMU you might be using (it can get complex up here!)...etc.

Spending hard earned money to (fill-in the purpose of the activity here) is a decision that each of us face each time that we do it or not. I'll simply add (IMHO), that the essence of our individual expense decisions starts with solid clarity in our desired experience of the costly activity...what experience do you seek?

As just an example, I spend thousands of dollars of hard earned money every year to seek the adventure of remote solitude via bush transport to distant regions of our state...(repeated) I seek the experience of remote solitude of the adventure. I live here (and have for 35 years). I can hunt and fish using my pick-up truck, four-wheeler, snow-machine, canoe, hiking with my well-worn hunting/hiking boots, etc....and I have done so and still do for some scenarios. However, the money I have spent the past ten years for 10-day remote pack-raft fly fishing floats and 14-day remote moose drops has been worth every penny X's ten-thousand...and I'm already booked for those next year. Again, I seek the remote solitude of the adventure, living in the world of the animal I'm hunting without seeing any other hunters (or lines of fishermen on the shore)...and of course the wonderful moose meat to share across families.

Be clear of your desired experience/purpose, figure the best way to likely make it happen, spend the money to achieve the purpose, and don't look back.

 

[Jackal7]

The other expenses which start to creep up on you is the fact that you need really good gear for Alaska. I mean clothes and boots. Whitetail gear from PA and Wisconsin probably won't cut it. You need to think high end rain gear and other layers. Not the place you want to go with mediocre or worn out equipment. OP: if you want my gear list that works well for my group and one that I have given to other buddies' groups feel free to message me.

 

[Alaska2025]

The other expenses which start to creep up on you is the fact that you need really good gear for Alaska. I mean clothes and boots. Whitetail gear from PA and Wisconsin probably won't cut it. You need to think high end rain gear and other layers. Not the place you want to go with mediocre or worn out equipment. OP: if you want my gear list that works well for my group and one that I have given to other buddies' groups feel free to message me.

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate being able to look at that gear list.

 

[Jackal7]

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate being able to look at that gear list.

Here is the gear list. Let me know if it doesn't come through for some reason. This list worked well for our group and a couple others who we know.

 

[Jackal7]

The only big change from the gear list I just posted was I sold my Eberlestock frame pack and switched to a Kuiu Ikon 3600 and an Alaska Guide Kodiak CUB bino case. Saves me about 5 pounds total weight.

 

[Alaska2025]

Here is the gear list. Let me know if it doesn't come through for some reason. This list worked well for our group and a couple others who we know.

Awesome stuff. Much appreciated!

 

[Kevin Dill]

For a price-sensitive hunt, almost nothing will come cheaper than a Haul Road hunt. You'll work hard and it won't be the same as a true backcountry bush hunt...but then odds of killing a caribou are decent. You'll see plenty of road and plenty of other hunters. Aside from that, a bush flight is probably THE best caribou experience to be had.

Part of it comes down to what you value. Everyone wants to kill a caribou, but not everyone is willing to deal with roads, trucks, atvs and plenty of human activity. That's me. I'd rather hunt caribou in really wild country and will spend the money....vs the Haul Road. The experience is just as important to me as the probability of a kill.

Nothing beats getting dropped into wild country away from people on a true diy hunt.

 

[westonhoma]

Here is the gear list. Let me know if it doesn't come through for some reason. This list worked well for our group and a couple others who we know.

Thanks for this list! I was going to say I dont think I can PM yet cause I am still a newbie on here but thanks for dropping it in this forum anyway.

No doubt you are correct. We know what we use here back east is not going to cut it for Alaska. Luckily most of us have done some late season elk/muley hunts in Colorado and Wyoming over the last couple years. So we have a few things that should work. But we know we are going to have to bite some bullets for a lot of other items like raingear

 

[AKjon]

Hey guys. Been trying to plan a DIY Caribou rifle hunt with a couple guys from PA for several weeks now for 2023. We have been doing our research and feel like we keep pounding our heads against the wall. From what we understood, transporters were charging around $3-$3.5k to fly hunters out of Kotzebue only about a year our two ago. Now it looks like most everyone is charging upwards of $5-$5.5k for this hunt. With license, tags, and airfare, this trip would be pushing more than $7.5k per guy for us. We really want to make this happen but realistically this is beyond what we are looking to spend each.

Writing here to ask if anyone has any better ideas for us to make this hunt happen. We have looked into the haul road but it seems like a daunting task to hunt that after making that huge journey for us to get there. Plus we have heard hiking 5 miles off that road in the tundra for us to use our rifles is rough as hell. If anyone has any recommendations for us please let me know. Any help we can get here would be much appreciated. We could make around $5k or so all in per guy work.

Also, I have heard a lot of guys open up the Alaskan Airlines credit card to get some discounted flight tickets for these hunts. We fully intend to do that as well as cut any other corners we can. Thanks everyone

It looks like their calendar for 2023 is closed, but Deadhorse Outfitters may be a good option for what you are looking for. https://www.deadhorseoutfitters.com/costbreakdown-caribou

 

[Behlftball]

Other guys can correct me if I'm wrong...... but I remember reading posts of transporters raising their fees well after people had booked and made a down payment. Just saying you might need to budget an extra grand or two than what you're told