With so many options out there, where or who should I start talking to in order to prepare for an Alaskan Hunt. On the list would be a bear (either black or brown), caribou, or a moose OR some combination of those. Icing on the cake would also be a wolf. Feel free to share experiences both good and bad as well as costs.
- Thread starter HTX_17
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What time of year? Cotton kills, wear layers (use wool or synthetics), good rain gear, eucalyptus/lemon oil mosquito repellant and a mosquito net is handy depending on time of year. Have enough clothing to change into something dry with. If you are bow hunting you will need to either be IBEP certified last I looked or take the bow hunter course up there. Even in the summer the water in the rivers up there is COLD. So plan accordingly.
I solo hunted the North Slope in the winter. I loved it but that is me. If I did it again I would bring a sled with my gear and use cross country skis to get out past the five mile restricted zone for rifle and carry a bow for within the 5 mile corridor. If doing a winter hunt up there you really need to travel heavy and know what you are doing!
Also, look at renting a personal locator beacon and get the insurance incase you need to be rescued (even if you are not hunting in the winter). Have redundancies and be smart!
I used to spend my nights dog sledding up there. One might in Dec 2013 I broke through the Chena river while it was between -15 and -25F and I was about 3 miles from home. Contrary to popular belief building a fire was not a good idea (trying to build a fire in those conditions takes time and a lot of energy, both of which I didn't have), getting back home and adjusting my route that took me along buildings and houses was a much better plan (I'll pay for a window repair/replacement worst case). I moved my legs around by flexing them to push my freezing pants away from my skin to give me an airgap to help prevent contact frostbite. My wife was NOT pleased when I got home! I was fine but it scared the family a bit to see me have to defrost some of my clothing to get it off because the water froze the clothing solid to include my boot laces (had big ice knuckles on my boots), zippers (I went in to just above my waste and it was COLD
). If going in the winter understanding how to avoid frostbite (a cheek weld on a rifle at -45F can cause contact frostbite, getting fuel for a stove that is -45F in contact with your skin will cause contact frostbite, etc etc etc).
Just my .02
I solo hunted the North Slope in the winter. I loved it but that is me. If I did it again I would bring a sled with my gear and use cross country skis to get out past the five mile restricted zone for rifle and carry a bow for within the 5 mile corridor. If doing a winter hunt up there you really need to travel heavy and know what you are doing!
Also, look at renting a personal locator beacon and get the insurance incase you need to be rescued (even if you are not hunting in the winter). Have redundancies and be smart!
I used to spend my nights dog sledding up there. One might in Dec 2013 I broke through the Chena river while it was between -15 and -25F and I was about 3 miles from home. Contrary to popular belief building a fire was not a good idea (trying to build a fire in those conditions takes time and a lot of energy, both of which I didn't have), getting back home and adjusting my route that took me along buildings and houses was a much better plan (I'll pay for a window repair/replacement worst case). I moved my legs around by flexing them to push my freezing pants away from my skin to give me an airgap to help prevent contact frostbite. My wife was NOT pleased when I got home! I was fine but it scared the family a bit to see me have to defrost some of my clothing to get it off because the water froze the clothing solid to include my boot laces (had big ice knuckles on my boots), zippers (I went in to just above my waste and it was COLD
). If going in the winter understanding how to avoid frostbite (a cheek weld on a rifle at -45F can cause contact frostbite, getting fuel for a stove that is -45F in contact with your skin will cause contact frostbite, etc etc etc).Just my .02
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As far as the time of year, I assume it would be somewhere between June and October. I’m not interested in a DIY trip during winter for my first Alaska hunting trip. Also, am bringing a boom stick as opposed to bow. I’m thinking 1-2 years out for this trip, open to suggestions on Guides/Outfitters as well. Appreciate the tip on clothing
Talk to Marc Taylor, he will give you the good insight. He is Frank's aka Lowlights buddy and a great guy!
I knew one guide personally but never used him. I know of another guide but that was because his daughter told me about him. I can't recommend either since I haven't used them. I edited the above post and added some more to it.
Strongly recommend the personal locator beacon and the evac insurance.
Give my a second and I'll pull up Marc's Hide name.
I knew one guide personally but never used him. I know of another guide but that was because his daughter told me about him. I can't recommend either since I haven't used them. I edited the above post and added some more to it.
Strongly recommend the personal locator beacon and the evac insurance.
Give my a second and I'll pull up Marc's Hide name.
You're the man!
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