renfro's and papa bear adventures

[fisherman983]

a friend and I are attempting to plan a future moose hunt with one of these outfitters, and looking for any and all information any of you might have. looking for diy gear lists, your success, how much it cost, what gear you brought, what you didn't and what you wish you would have, what you didn't need. etc.

 

[Will_m]

From what I understand, both are great outfits and either would likely be great to book with. I believe they both have prices listed on their websites as well.

Having said that, I think actually getting booked in on a moose hunt with them is tough as I think they give preference to return clients. I may be mistaken, but I think its a common tactic for people to book a caribou hunt with them to gain future preference for moose. I'm sure someone will chip in with more useful information shortly.

 

[outdoorsman_3]

I am going with renfros in 2016. Pm me and I will give you my number to talk. I have put in well over 200 hours of research. Many of these outfits will be almost full for 2017. I would say by jan. that they will both be booked if not already.

 

[geriggs]

Got a 2017 moose hunt with papa bear scheduled. Still trying to figure things out. Can't bone out meat so won't be too far from boat or shore

 

[Doc89]

I'm in the process of booking with Renfro for an unguided moose hunt. From what i had been told 2017 is currently booked, so we booked for 2018. We are also on a list to get bumped to 2017 in the event another group backs out. Wade Renfro comes very highly recomended for DIY moose hunting outfitters, I've heard good things about Papa Bears outfit as well. I would be very interested to hear how your hunts turn out as I'm not too far behind you fellas.

 

[shaun]

Just got home from Renfros. Great hunt

 

[bobhunts]

Went with Papa Bear two years ago and had the time of my life. Make sure you fly Alaska Air. They are really good about letting you change your flight dates. And it was only $1 a pound to fly your meat home with you. Air Cargo is twice that. They will give you a packing list after you pay the deposit. Share as much gear as you can Don't plan on bringing a jet boil just rent there camp kitchen. Bring some Duct tape..many uses for it.

 

[outdoorsman_3]

Thanks bob. Good advice. Any other advice that you think would be helpful?

 

[robie]

Can you guys that have been shed a little more light on the trip? How many guys in your camp? Did you hunt the full 10 days or longer? What were your success rates? Did you have any major issues?

Did you pay the extra to use their gear or bring your own?

 

[Flydaho]

They are both reputable outfitters, but his is Alaska and bad things do happen...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=5&v=PpmzZX7-VtA.

http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.av...22X63000&key=1

 

[geriggs]

4 of us going with PBA in 2017. We are renting there stuff. We are planning on 14 days total with 10 days of hunting

 

[Russp17]

http://www.adn.com/article/20151207...el-star-helped-cover-illegal-alaska-bear-kill

 

[Ray]

I should read stuff

 

[geriggs]

Lol I was going to ask if u read it. Whoops on renfros part

 

[outdoorsman_3]

How do you guys think the plane crash and criminal charges will affect hunters going with renfros in 2016? Should I be concerned?

 

[mixed bag]

You can check out Joe Shuster at Sportsmans Air for a moose hunt.His drop camps do extremely well and he also offers a flight sevice where you diy.I did a diy hunt with him last Sept.I got a54" and my partner could have taken a legal bull also if his gun wasn't in the tent.My hunt before all the meat shipping was $3800.I did get free airfare from my Alaska airline credit card.That $3800 included everything,license,flights,food,hotels each end of trip and the hunt.Alot of guys do raft trips with him and were 100% successful.I wouldn't hestitate to do a drop camp with him if I could afford that route.I counted 25 bull moose racks when we got back to town from his hunters and there were some real giants

 

[outdoorsman_3]

Mixed bag Joe advertises rated a lot more expensive than 3800. How did you get it so cheap?

 

[Ray]

How do you guys think the plane crash and criminal charges will affect hunters going with renfros in 2016? Should I be concerned?

The plane is probably already fixed or nearly fixed. I think it was owned by another company so Renfro would lease/contract with someone else for next year.

The criminal charges are not that major compared to other guide related events, and until there is a conviction the Board doesn't take action on the guide licenses. It may be late in the spring next year before anything comes of it. However, quite often when a film crew was present the courts get a quick plea out of the accused on the first court date. Pay the fine and everyone moves on. May not effect their moose outfitting at all.

If anyone wants to learn about prior "huntress" issues in Alaska when they shoot two critters, google Brenda Valentine and read the story of her messed up Alaska moose hunt. The difference there is that everyone did the right thing afterwards, and all parties went through the process and paid their fines after their court hearings. However, the internet has a hard time letting go of things when women mess up, and the hate sent her way was pretty harsh.

 

[mixed bag]

I used Joe for flight service only as I stated you can do a diy style hunt with him

 

[Dunky]

Went with Pba this year. Everything went smooth, no bs, his gear was decent.. Killed 2 bulls. I would recommend papa bear.