Hunting & Fishing Alaska Hunting suggestions

[coldboremiracle]

So my two brothers and brother in law and I have been talking for years about planning a hunting trip to Alaska. We would like to plan it several years in advance, due to the inherent cost. And we were thinking of the typical Alaskan rifle fair, but in particular;caribou,moose,maybe Dall sheep and bear. We were also hoping to do one of the drop off and pick us up in two weeks type of thing. I am unaware of the laws and regulations that govern these activities and whether or not non-residents can even hunt alone. What I was hoping to get from you guys is good suggestions and names of people and or agencies that you would recommend for a group like ours. In particular I'd like to hear the opinions of those <span style="font-weight: bold">in</span> Alaska about what to do.

 

[Wes_Mantooth]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

PM sent.

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

You dont need a guide with you for Moose and Caribou. If you plan to hunt Dall sheep or brown bear than you need a guide with you. You can hunt black bear without a guide. I got to hunt Dall sheep up there a few years ago. Hunting Alaska is like nothing else.

 

[Alaskaman11]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

Save your penny's!

 

[Olivers_AR]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

Any idea of a rough cost/budget for planning purposes?

 

[Alaskaman11]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

Depending on what you want to do, the plane ride can run several thousand alone. If memory services me right, $500 per hour for a Beaver is not out of sight. Otters, and Carvans are more. 10 to 12 days in cub loads are going to cost a fortune!

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

The cost is somewhat secondary as we will just wait until we have the funds to do it. I just want to know what to expect and who to talk to.

 

[45.308]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

Moose and bou OK non guided but success rate is low. Weather and terrain is difficult without experience and even with experience too.

$1000 per hunter for license / tags moose and bou.

$3000+ for flight time, depending on unit. Read the fine print.

Kit price can be outrageous, $5000 on just optics and while cheap will do, glassing an area for 10 hours a day for 14 days, buy the highest quality optics (spotter and binos) you can afford. Weight is limited so if you have to buy from the start, pay the premium and go lightest.

Float hunts are becoming more popular.

I would make a list of specific questions and ask them Vs trying to obtain random information.

Learn and ask as much as you can about the rules, its confusing even for us to understand.

AFG is the best place to start.

Good luck you will need it.

 

[wwoods]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

I would suggest picking one species of game animal to concentrate on- the best bang for the buck is a good Caribou hunt in the western Arctic (Brooks Range) entailing a bush flight out of Kotzebue or Wiseman for an unguided trip. The better moose areas are limited draws for nonresident hunters at this time. Moose are logistically costly to hunt and handle the meat: more than most do-it-yourself hunters are prepared for. Otherwise save up enough money to go with a reputable guide- you will be way ahead.

 

[45.308]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

To expand, a non guided drop off hunt has some major logistics. Getting all your kit here, then to camp will be a nightmare in logistics and cost.

A backpack hunt will cut down on cost but it will also limit your kit. Splitting it up between 4 hunters will help get it here but still limited kit and high cost.

I have helped those from outside acquire their food/kit while in town before they leave but most are rushed. What you think you like today will not tomorrow. Food is tuff.

Stove and fuel bought in town.

Like was said, moose care is difficult at best and those who do not know or hunt deer and such in the states do not know to dress a moose as it lays.

Check into float services who rent the entire kit for do it yourself, drop you off and pick you up.

As suggested, I would sit down and crunch numbers and time (effort) for self hunt Vs guided hunt. But the freedom of going self is more rewarding and while may seem to being against this, it is how I would want to do it too. Going guided is not for everyone and I know a few guides..not all that personal with huge egos....do your homework either way.

If you go guided, ask for a full disclosure from you guide and if the guide refuses, stop there immediately and go on to one who does. I always gave a full disclosure.

Good luck

 

[snave58]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

I have done it several times and can give you some good advise along with some horror stories. way to much to post, IM me if you want to exchange phone numbers. there is already some good advise posted.

 

[Hntelk]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

Coldbore, I am doing the same research as well....My hunting buddy and I are looking at a float hunt..for moose with a tag for some caribou as well. Right now we are leaning very strongly at using papa bear adventures (pbadventures.com). The chances of us both taking a moose? Who knows....but the adventure will be a blast.

 

[snave58]

Re: Alaska Hunting suggestions

if either of you guys can swing it and do your homework, it is like stepping back in time. well worth the adventure!