We did a diy caribou hunt in Alaska this summer. It took 2 1/2 years to plan and get the flights with a carrier we trusted. Here is how it went:
Son convinced wife he wanted to do a caribou hunt with me.
I researched air transporters to figure out who I would trust. Boiled it down to one carrier who was booked out beyond two years. I asked him if he were going to hunt who and he gave me a name.
I contacted that carrier who had an opening in two years. I paid the deposit and started planning.
I had booked for 4 people knowing a couple friends would want to join.
One friend died and I had to find an option. My nephew said he was interested in hunting but had never done it. So, I offered it to he and one of his friends. They jumped at the opportunity!
I did all the planning, gear acquisition and logistics. They split the cost of food, transportation and covered their gear based on my research.
We all met in Alaska and flew to our carriers airstrip.
A carrier can’t guide or tell you where to go. We talked about where others had been going and I decided on a location.
Weather delayed us 1 day getting in so our trip was already behind.
We got in and found caribou immediately.
We waited until the next day to begin hunting per AK law.
We split up and started hunting.
Long story short my son and my nephew both got amazing bulls on day one.
The weather was mixed and the tundra was kicking our asses so we decided to get out.
Weather caused 3 days of delays to get out.
What’s my take away and recommendation?
Do your research and choose a guided or an air carrier. FWIW, I don’t think the diy hunt saved us much money. It wound up being $8-10k pp with the gear we had to buy.
Don’t be surprised when AK throws you a curve ball. Weather up there is unpredictable at best and shit at worst.
The caribou migrations are changing so be prepared to hump your ass off to get within shooting range of a caribou.
Figure out where they want to be and go there.
Get in shape and the. Get in better shape. The tundra will still kick your ass. I am 60 and it flat out whooped me!
Good glass will save you miles of pain on the tundra. The bulls I spotted from 3 miles with my vortex razor hd spotter were worth the hike. The large group of cows at that distance weren’t. Without good glass I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference.
I would absolutely do it again. It was a life changing experience!
The end results:
Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileHope this helps. Ask any questions you may have.