First time AK Moose Hunt

[Uncmikel]

I'm looking to do a moose hunt when I turn 50 in 2.5 years and need help.

I'm an adult onset hunter and have killed several elk with a rifle (guided) and have taken my bow for a walk in the woods several times. I just started hunting 4 years ago and am far from capable of doing anything self guided, especially in AK.

I know I want guided and I know I want a large bull (50"+ spread), but I'm open to most of the rest. I'm just getting into archery hunting and loving it, but yet to kill anything. I'm open to archery or rifle though. My concern with archery is that I want high odds, but I love the idea of being in so close with a monster. I'd like to tack on a caribou too if the opportunity presents itself.

Float hunts sound cool, as does a canvas camp hunt. I definitely want adventure and understand that may come with a heaping helping of suck. I'm in good shape and willing to work, especially since at 50, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do it. I don't need or want first class accomodations, just good dudes and a good experience.

I don't really have a budget, just as long as it's fully guided and a great experience. I'd prefer to not be in a lodge though.

Questions:
-Rifle or compound bow?
-Float hunt or canvas tent camp?
-Who is a good guide to use? Personal experience only please. Not reputation.

TIA

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Your first hunt, can you afford two? Most bow hunters fail their first (or 2nd and 3rd) experience. If your goal is to be successful, choose the weapon that will provide that op on hunt 1.

Float vs drop camp. Preference and experience will guide your decision. Floats have more drama and setbacks to deal with, so that should factor in. If it's experience you seek as much as the harvest, floats are better than drops but only for those who want that kind of hardship. Labor is real here.

Guides should be chosen for your personality as much as affordability. Once you choose your style, the which guide question will become clearer and easier to make.

 

[Uncmikel]

Your first hunt, can you afford two? Most bow hunters fail their first (or 2nd and 3rd) experience. If your goal is to be successful, choose the weapon that will provide that op on hunt 1.

Float vs drop camp. Preference and experience will guide your decision. Floats have more drama and setbacks to deal with, so that should factor in. If it's experience you seek as much as the harvest, floats are better than drops but only for those who want that kind of hardship. Labor is real here.

Guides should be chosen for your personality as much as affordability. Once you choose your style, the which guide question will become clearer and easier to make.

Appreciated.
I can do multiple hunts in AK, it’s just getting the hall pass from the wife and young kids. As long as I’m healthy, I’ll likely go up there every 2-3 years if it’s what I expect it to be.

To clarify, I’ll be guided archery elk hunting next year and likely the one after that. So I should have at least 2 archery elk hunts prior and 4-6 archery deer hunts prior to that. Hopefully I’ll have a bloody arrow before I go to AK.

I totally agree that personality is a factor for guides, but experience, location, knowledge, and many other factors come into play with guides. There are currently too many options and I want to narrow it down to a handful to interview.

 

[Dragonfish]

I'm looking to do a moose hunt when I turn 50 in 2.5 years and need help.

I'm an adult onset hunter and have killed several elk with a rifle (guided) and have taken my bow for a walk in the woods several times. I just started hunting 4 years ago and am far from capable of doing anything self guided, especially in AK.

I know I want guided and I know I want a large bull (50"+ spread), but I'm open to most of the rest. I'm just getting into archery hunting and loving it, but yet to kill anything. I'm open to archery or rifle though. My concern with archery is that I want high odds, but I love the idea of being in so close with a monster. I'd like to tack on a caribou too if the opportunity presents itself.

Float hunts sound cool, as does a canvas camp hunt. I definitely want adventure and understand that may come with a heaping helping of suck. I'm in good shape and willing to work, especially since at 50, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do it. I don't need or want first class accomodations, just good dudes and a good experience.

I don't really have a budget, just as long as it's fully guided and a great experience. I'd prefer to not be in a lodge though.

Questions:
-Rifle or compound bow?
-Float hunt or canvas tent camp?
-Who is a good guide to use? Personal experience only please. Not reputation.

TIA

just went on my first moose and caribou hunt in Alaska this year. Was successful on both with a rifle. Went with Litzen Guide Service. Great guides, fantastic experience- Alaska Range on the border of Denali - pm if you want to discuss.