Tok Aviation Drop Camp

[craymond406]

I’m looking into using Tok Aviation for a 2027 Drop Camp Caribou Hunt. I’ve spoke with Zack and he seems like a good option to use him as our transporter. There will be 4 of us in our group. Anyone out there have opinions good or bad with Tok Aviation? I appreciate it.

 

[craymond406]

And yes, I have read through a lot of post here on Rokslide. Just hoping for more opinions.

 

[VernAK]

Usually, Tok Air would drop hunters into Zone 2 and the harvest quota has not been determined yet. Last year the quota of 100 was met before the bulls got prime. Early August are still black and antlers are in velvet. About September first they look much nicer IMO. Black caribou meat is good but trophy quality is lacking IMO.

ADFG just completed capturing a few caribou and they haven't disclosed the results yet. The herd should be moving toward the calving grounds but snow conditions are extreme and they got another foot of snow yesterday. The good news is the very deep snow stayed fluffy without crust so many of the wolves have died as they couldn't catch prey.

I don't expect the zone quotas to be set until just prior to hunting season.

Last year, I resigned my 20-year position on the 40MCH management coalition.

 

[skipper907]

Tok air service has had a good reputation

 

[Elkhuntinfool78]

I've looked into them and based on people I've talked to I have crossed them off my list of options. I've heard nothing but bad things about Zach the owner.

I'd look elsewhere if it were me but definitely post your experience if you go ahead and go with them.

 

[craymond406]

Usually, Tok Air would drop hunters into Zone 2 and the harvest quota has not been determined yet. Last year the quota of 100 was met before the bulls got prime. Early August are still black and antlers are in velvet. About September first they look much nicer IMO. Black caribou meat is good but trophy quality is lacking IMO.

ADFG just completed capturing a few caribou and they haven't disclosed the results yet. The herd should be moving toward the calving grounds but snow conditions are extreme and they got another foot of snow yesterday. The good news is the very deep snow stayed fluffy without crust so many of the wolves have died as they couldn't catch prey.

I don't expect the zone quotas to be set until just prior to hunting season.

Last year, I resigned my 20-year position on the 40MCH management coalition.

Thanks for the info Vern. That’s a lot of good information in there.

 

[ID-RCR]

I’m looking into using Tok Aviation for a 2027 Drop Camp Caribou Hunt. I’ve spoke with Zack and he seems like a good option to use him as our transporter. There will be 4 of us in our group. Anyone out there have opinions good or bad with Tok Aviation? I appreciate it.

I was just looking into TAS as well but haven't talked to Zack yet. What are his rates running for 2027? Doesn't seem like there are many options out of Tok with 40 Mile Air being pretty much impossible to get established with.

 

[VernAK]

The 40 MCH Coalition had a meeting last week and I think they came up with a proposal that may change your strategy. The proposal would make nonresident hunts in Zone 2 a drawing hunt. This proposal has to be approved by the Board Of Game in spring 27. If approved, it probably wouldn't take effect until fall of 28.

As it is now, Zone 2 would close by Emergency Order when the Area Biologist thinks the quota has been met. Last year it was 100 caribou.

Zack may plans for a different location.

 

[AKDoc]

...Last year, I resigned my 20-year position on the 40MCH management coalition.

Thank you Vern for your many years of voluntary service to support and preserve Alaska's wildlife!

(apologies to the Op for the side-track, but... )