Avid hunter here-new to forums though, looking for some advice on a DIY haul road hunt in the first half of August. For context, when I say DIY, I mean by myself--no friends would be joining me. I've lived in Alaska ~1 year, but haven't made any friends that archery hunt yet. Everyone I know is into rifles. I would be driving myself up with my reliable vehicle so I can literally bring anything with me.
1) From what I have gathered so far browsing thru forums is that I'll need to pick up a second spare tire, a cb radio for my pickup, and a bucket/sequee for cleaning. (already have basic road-side essentials like jumper cables, tow chains, spare fuel). anything else that you had that you thought was super nice to have? Or didn't have and really wished you did for your vehicle?
2) Planning on using archery equipment, but also planning on bringing a rifle in case that seems like a better option. I've successfully spotted/stalked a mule deer in Montana, but the idea of using a caribou decoy for archery is what I've been thinking about the most. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
3) I've down a fair bit of backpacking. Sounds like I might be better off hiking in and setting up camp a couple miles from the road...I'm just a little worried that once you hike in you are kind of stuck more since you can't just hop in your vehicle and drive around. Any one have really compelling reasons to have camp by the car vs hiking camp in? I have an older pull behind popup camper that has a heater. If camping by the road gives you a decent enough chance I'd consider pulling her up since she survived the Alcan I think she would do okay on the Haul--unless its much worse?
4) Is it worth bringing a pack raft? I don't have one but bet I could borrow from a friend. waders? Mine are kinda bulky and would be a pain to carry to hike with and some reports make it sound like the river isn't something you'd want to wade across anyways?
5) if anyone wants to DM any super helpful hints I'd take any info you're willing to share.
1) From what I have gathered so far browsing thru forums is that I'll need to pick up a second spare tire, a cb radio for my pickup, and a bucket/sequee for cleaning. (already have basic road-side essentials like jumper cables, tow chains, spare fuel). anything else that you had that you thought was super nice to have? Or didn't have and really wished you did for your vehicle?
2) Planning on using archery equipment, but also planning on bringing a rifle in case that seems like a better option. I've successfully spotted/stalked a mule deer in Montana, but the idea of using a caribou decoy for archery is what I've been thinking about the most. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
3) I've down a fair bit of backpacking. Sounds like I might be better off hiking in and setting up camp a couple miles from the road...I'm just a little worried that once you hike in you are kind of stuck more since you can't just hop in your vehicle and drive around. Any one have really compelling reasons to have camp by the car vs hiking camp in? I have an older pull behind popup camper that has a heater. If camping by the road gives you a decent enough chance I'd consider pulling her up since she survived the Alcan I think she would do okay on the Haul--unless its much worse?
4) Is it worth bringing a pack raft? I don't have one but bet I could borrow from a friend. waders? Mine are kinda bulky and would be a pain to carry to hike with and some reports make it sound like the river isn't something you'd want to wade across anyways?
5) if anyone wants to DM any super helpful hints I'd take any info you're willing to share.
