Ak here I come! Moose/bou

DonVathome · Feb 21, 2012

I am finalizing my plans for a fly in DIY solo hunt for caribou and moose. I drew a good caribou tag and will hunt caribou until I tag out. Then, if needed I will move to a moose location and hunt moose. Dates not set yet, I am very excited!

I have been to POW once but not the same as a fly in hunt for much bigger game then black bears.

I have a lot of work ahead of me planning this trip and getting in shape for packing meat.

I am limited to 75 pounds of gear total, gun, tent, food, etc. ouch!

Bambistew · Feb 22, 2012

Good luck! 75lbs is alot more than you think. Solo in big country would be fun!

oilcan · Feb 26, 2012

Congrats on the draw Don sounds like your kind of hunt.Can't wait to see how you do.

DonVathome · Feb 28, 2012

bambistew is that you on AK forums giving me some great ideas? If it was thanks and I knew I recognized that name somewhere.

If the 75# does not include what I am wearing it will make a big difference.

I have booked my flight into the bush in field from 9/11 - 9/25. Sound long but you cannot hunt day you fly, I am moing 1 time thus 2 days not hunting. If score on both 3 days packing meat thus only 10 days hunting.

YukonDall · Mar 11, 2012

DON, IS THIS A SOLO TRIP, DO YOU HAVE WOLF,BLACK BEAR, & WOLVERINE TAGS ALSO ???? ANY FISHING INCLUDED ???? GOOD LUCK & BE SAFE.........YD.

CAelknuts · Mar 25, 2012

Don, what part of Alaska are you hunting? I did a similar hunt north of Illiamna, and if you're going anywhere in that region, I'd definitely buy a wolverine tag. I've only seen three wolverines in my lifetime, and saw all three of them on that one hunt. And, they were three seperate wolverines, not the same one over and over.

littlebighorn · Apr 4, 2012

Don,
Solo in AK sounds as "western" as it gets and a little bit scarey given big bear possibilities. But it also sounds like you are up to the challenge, so I can only wish you well, and be sure to keep us posted on the outcome.
I am not sure if you have seen "Dropped in Alaska" on the sportsman's channel but it sounds like that is what you will be experiencing, except without a partner and camera crew!
Good luck friend!

eelgrass · Apr 14, 2012

Don, that sounds like a true adventure. I did a solo unguided caribou hunt years ago. It was a trip I will never forget.

Not sure I would attempt a solo moose hunt though. Even in the best of shape, packing a moose alone could prove a daunting task, unless you get lucky and kill one very close to your pick up point. In Alaska, evey ounce of edible meat must be accounted for too.

Eel

IDbones · Aug 4, 2012

Respectfully, i would go for the moose first, you often see caribou while moose hunting. when you drop your moose, move camp to the mooose. itss often much easier this way, if your in good shape even a big caribou can be done in 2 trips, a half a caribou wieghs as much as one quarter on a moose, and you still have back straps an rib meat an antlers an skull. pack light an be mobile. solo in alaska is no joke i woul also bring a 12 guage for the tent at night, they are a little easier to swing in a tent than a rifle. ps DONT SHOOT ONE IN THE WATER

EVILNR · Aug 4, 2012

Please post full details when you return, this is a trip I hope to make in the future. Good Luck, Have fun!!!!!
wish I was going with 'ya

DonVathome · Sep 8, 2012

2 days from now I am on the commercial flight. I debated my gear daily (ok hourly) for months. I have tweeked my choices to hit my weight limit. I have trained 5 days on 1 day off (cardio and strength). Gear is top notch and carefully picked.

I am ready. I am very nervous about handling a moose solo, meat care, 50" minimum spread (horns). The caribou portion will be fairly easy (tons around and not nearly as big).

I will get the story pics etc when I return! If all goes as planned I return on the 27th of Sept.