Alaska caribou advice

elkhuntin247 · Nov 18, 2018

We will be booking with 40 mile air out of Tok AK in a few weeks and I was wanting some advice on the best time to do a caribou hunt. They told me all season is good but most people wait until hard horned. We were wanting to go mid August in hopes of finding velvet bulls but have concern about that being early in respect to when they start migrating. Any advice from others that have caribou hunted would be appreciated considering game movement, weather, bugs, etc.
Thanks for the help

wired · Nov 18, 2018

PM sent.

sagebrush · Nov 18, 2018

I'd wait until Sept 1. Just cool enough to kill the bugs and many bulls will still be in velvet.

"You can fly a helicopter to the top of Everest and say you've been there. The problem with that is you were an a$$hole when you started and you're still an a$$hole when you get back.
Its the climb that makes you a different person". - Yvon Chouinard

elkassassin · Nov 18, 2018

Hey sagefrush?

You sure all them Biting Bastards would be Dead by Sept 1st?

Them Bugs up there are Hungry!

I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces

It Ain't Easy being Me!

Live4MtnHunts · Nov 18, 2018

I hunted caribou in mid August in Quebec and the horns weren't even close to thinking about turning hard. They were super soft and oozed blood for days. I dont know if it would even be possible to get the velvet saved if you're out in the bush. I really regretted not going later. The capes are pretty poor that early as well.

Maybe the timing is a little different in Alaska?

Jerry · Nov 19, 2018

My only caribou hunt was late Sept-- the very end-- I killed a monster bull 400 plus B & C & got him on Oct 1 st , very hard horned & great coloration in the,cape. No bugs either ! This bug bull had perfect double shovels too. Trip of a lifetime !! Best of luck & enjoy it all !! ???
Jerry Gold
From Ft Collins, Co

Tikka · Nov 19, 2018

Hey there Jerry post us up a picture please?

deadibob · Nov 19, 2018

Too early and you will be fighting bugs. Too late and you will have nasty meat. Nothing is worse than the meat from a rutting caribou bull.

wired · Nov 19, 2018

The bugs are not bad in August in the 40 mile country.

RELH · Nov 19, 2018

I would be a little distrustful of any outfitter telling me that it is all good for the entire season. He knows that he will not have problems full booking season hunters for the best part of the season and is trying to get you to fill in the season part that is not as good and lacks bookings by clients.
Do what you are doing now and get information from previous hunters as to when it is best to go.

RELH

wired · Nov 19, 2018

40 mile air is not an outfitter. They literally book up the entirely the first day of booking. In fact theres a good chance the OP will not get a spot. Repeat customers get first chance to book and they fill up fast.

The hardest part of a 40 mile bou hunt is deciding which beer to take.

eelgrass · Nov 20, 2018

Caribou hunting is good all season long.....if.....your outfitter keeps track of the caribou herd movement and places you where the caribou are at the time you'll be there.

elkhuntin247 · Nov 20, 2018

Thank you for your responses. I know 40 mile air is a very reputable service and I do believe that we would have good hunting any time during the season. A couple years ago I went on a hunt in the NWT and harvested a mountain caribou. My hunt dates were August 12-20. When I got into camp my guide told me the velvet was too far along to try to preserve so we stripped it off. I just wanted to try to keep a bull in full velvet if possible. I like hearing everybody?s opinions and appreciate all of the responses.
Thanks

Jerry · Apr 11, 2019

Just saw your note. Bad winter of sickness & other things ! I'll be glad to post a photo of my caribou bull-- please send me your E Mail & I'll forward it. Bull came from Alaska Penisula & scored 403 4/8 B C Net. It was a great Hunt & experience too. Taken near Dog Salmon River, 100 miles SW of King Salmon, Ak.. Date: 10/1/77. No bugs either. Saw many animals there ! I actually saw the 3 bulls first before my 2 guides did. Both of them must be in their 70's now, like me. Great Guides ! Bob &,David Eubaknks & worked fior Ken Oldham. He died years ago I was told
Jerry Gold
Ft Collins, Co
E M : [email protected]