Future Alaska moose trip…..

252to208

FNG
Joined
Aug 15, 2024
Messages
22
Hoping to go to Alaska in 26/27 I have never been however my hunting mentor has spent countless months in Alaska fishing. We have brainstormed a lot of ideas but hoping to hear what some of you guys may think for area to go to diy a moose. We both have lots of time in the Idaho backcountry but I personally have no experience in alaska.
 
Are you doing full DIY or do you have budget for a transporter?
We were going to possibly use the guy that has flown in/out my neighbor multiple times for his fishing trips over the years. I suppose that may be considered a transporter bc he does have a freezer and rents inflatable boats as well. We have more budget then time if that makes sense, we can't take the extra 4-6 days off to drive up with our boats gear etc so we are planning to have to rent those things up there if we need them. I'm not sure if thats what you meant by full diy or not we are obviously new to alaskan hunting.
 
We were going to possibly use the guy that has flown in/out my neighbor multiple times for his fishing trips over the years. I suppose that may be considered a transporter bc he does have a freezer and rents inflatable boats as well. We have more budget then time if that makes sense, we can't take the extra 4-6 days off to drive up with our boats gear etc so we are planning to have to rent those things up there if we need them. I'm not sure if thats what you meant by full diy or not we are obviously new to alaskan hunting.
Just think there's a distinction between doing all your own transport and finding your own spot vs using a transporter to take you to a spot where his clients kill bulls often (both hunts are DIY). Not knocking it, just wanting to make sure you're getting advice aimed at the type of hunt you're looking for. Lots of different transport options depending on your budget and what kind of experience you're looking for.

Western AK has had the best success rates recently (what Vern said). Play around with the ADF&G harvest report tools - you can even sort by transportation type (advanced tools) and see success rates for hunters being flown in if you really want to compare apples to apples. If you're decent enough with data just download the whole moose harvest file for the past couple of years - within 10 minutes you'll see where success rates are high. Then it's just a matter of narrowing down flight options, drainages, dates, etc.
 
Just think there's a distinction between doing all your own transport and finding your own spot vs using a transporter to take you to a spot where his clients kill bulls often (both hunts are DIY). Not knocking it, just wanting to make sure you're getting advice aimed at the type of hunt you're looking for. Lots of different transport options depending on your budget and what kind of experience you're looking for.

Western AK has had the best success rates recently (what Vern said). Play around with the ADF&G harvest report tools - you can even sort by transportation type (advanced tools) and see success rates for hunters being flown in if you really want to compare apples to apples. If you're decent enough with data just download the whole moose harvest file for the past couple of years - within 10 minutes you'll see where success rates are high. Then it's just a matter of narrowing down flight options, drainages, dates, etc.
I see what you mean I really appreciate it as you can see I am very green when it comes to Alaska but the ADF&G tip makes a lot of sense. I've been in off and on contact with the guy my neighbor has used and fortunately he has been super nice and really likes my neighbor. I have never used a guide service of any kind at any level but I think more help there would be worth the extra money given our more limited time frame. Unlike Brian Call and Ryan Lampers we can't just stay out longer to get it done, I heard that on one of his podcasts as advice to be more successful and thought sure would be nice but my job and family don't allow for just staying gone for an extra 3-4 days haha
 
I see what you mean I really appreciate it as you can see I am very green when it comes to Alaska but the ADF&G tip makes a lot of sense. I've been in off and on contact with the guy my neighbor has used and fortunately he has been super nice and really likes my neighbor. I have never used a guide service of any kind at any level but I think more help there would be worth the extra money given our more limited time frame. Unlike Brian Call and Ryan Lampers we can't just stay out longer to get it done, I heard that on one of his podcasts as advice to be more successful and thought sure would be nice but my job and family don't allow for just staying gone for an extra 3-4 days haha
3 or 4 days in our area means nothing ... remember you will be on another planet. the same where i live when we go hunting we plan for a time but if for any reason i need 3 or 4 extra days i wont hesitate and that doesnt mean a succesful hunt needs to have a moose or caribou in your plate. you will enjoy the time there.
 
WRT to not having 3-4 days extra, keep in mind Alaska weather plays by its own rules. If bush flights are involved, even if the front end of the trip is on time it doesn’t mean you will get out on schedule. My last hunt was delayed 3 days due to weather shutting down bush flights. Plan your food with some margin and make sure you have a plan to reschedule your commercial flight if necessary.
 
Yeah probably better opportunities to harvest a moose in certain areas. But for me, just the opportunities to harvest moose, wolves, bears-both color is a big win. But the cost is probably proportional to the moose harvest rates.
 
Another thought. If you are driving up and bringing your own boats they still need to be flown into the hunt area. Flying in gear is expensive.
What type of boats are you thinking of bringing up?
As others mentioned, you simply can not plan on firm fly in and pick up dates, period. I have been on hunts where we been stranded up to a total of 7 days waiting for the weather to clear. It sucks but it’s a fact of life. Does it happen every fly in? No. But it happens enough that Alaskans don’t even raise an eyebrow when it does.
 
Back
Top