Plans have changed!!! Which would you choose?

BGbasbhat · Jul 10, 2008

Alright guys, I need your opinion. My dad called me last night about our 2010 Alaska grizzly hunt, and said there are a couple options we should consider.

Option 1: Dad and I both hunt grizzlies. However, we wouldn't get to hunt together, since one bear can only be taken out of one drainage. We would have to hunt with seperate guides.
Cost per hunter = $11,500

Option 2: Dad and I share a combo hunt. He shoots his grizzly, then I get to shoot a black bear, wolf, and caribou. The benefit would be more animals, and we would get to hunt together.
Cost per hunter = $10,000

Decisions decisions.......What do ya think?

backpacker · Jul 10, 2008

I'm all about the comaraderie, so I'd go for the combo but can't you go on your hunt, then on his? You'd have to take twice as much vacation though and be up to doing 2 hunts in a row.

BGbasbhat · Jul 10, 2008

The time involved is kinda what I'm worried about. Vacation wise, I don't care. Hell, I'd quit my job to go on this hunt.

However, the combo hunt is 12 days for 4 animals. I think the #1 priority is to get my dad his grizzly, then my bear/bou/wolf. However, what if it takes my dad 10 days to kill his grizzly? Then I'll only have 2 days for 3 species? I wonder how this will work....

My dad has been the one contacting them, so he's asking....

littlejoe · Jul 11, 2008

How realistic is it to harvest a bear/wolf/caribou? I would highly doubt you would get a wolf. I would say less than 2%. Have no idea the area to guess on black bear or caribou. Any way they would let you tag along with dad and shoot animals on a trophy fee only basis? Then the grizzly is the focus and anything else is just a bonus.

blind_squirel · Jul 13, 2008

Would give anything to be able to hunt WITH my dad again. Hunt with him & make your own hunt & success a distant second priority. You will not regret it. just my opinion GOOD LUCK!

BGbasbhat · Jul 14, 2008

littlejoe
What's the "trophy fee only" regulation? Being from MO/AZ, I'm trying to read what I can on AK; but care to enlighten me?

Would there just be a charge for whatever I shoot?

littlejoe · Jul 14, 2008

Don't know of any regulations you just need the proper permits. If you could cut a deal with the outfitter to let you shoot a wolf for this price, caribou for x amount, black bear for x amount. That would be optimal then you would not be taking time away from your dads grizzly hunt and if the opportunity arises you can take advantage of it. Basically you need to work out a deal with the outfitter. Tell him you really want to be with your dad on his hunt and if the opportunity arises for the other species great, if not then you no harm no foul. You get your dads bear and go home. If you have to pay full price to hunt those animals then you will want to maximize your opportunity and that won't mean hunting with your dad. You will be 1x1 elsewhere.