For those that have have done a DIY Alaskan Caribou hunt...

[coonazz]

Would you do it again?
Where did you go?
What would you do different?
How much coin did you drop?

I've searched keywords on the green screen and many other hunting forums for everything like- Alaska, caribou, Haul road, Brooks range, etc. and have found a ton of awesome hunt recaps & pics - and after going to the DSC convention this last weekend, my hunting pants are going crazy and I've finally decided to hunt bou in September this year.

I'm looking for something for my wife and I. Debating on fighting the crowds on the Haul Road (fly in to Fairbanks and rent a car - drive up), or doing the fly-in thing to the Brooks range. (Considering bringing in my own gear, renting, or using an outfitter that provides camping gear as a service.)
I've checked out 70 north, 40 mile air, and other fly-in type services.

Any suggestions on where to go? Who to use? Who to avoid? And - how to sleep when grizzlies are knocking on your tent?

[coonazz]

Bueller? Bueller?

[32drawlength]

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290357

I went in 2010 & swear it was best bow hunt of my life at that time. Fortunately my dad lived in Alaska & already had the vehicle & equipment. So we were able to completely do the DIY thing.

To answer your questions:
1. Yes I would go again!
2. Haul road around mile marker 290, Oil Spill Hill, Ice Cut, Happy Valley, south of Sagwon Airport
3. Bring more containers of gas (no gas stations in the region)
4. Non-resident bou tags are around $225 but expense will be in your fuel, vehicle & equipment rentals, also is airline tickets

There were grizzly in the area but not a problem for us. Couldn't hurt to use those mini electric fence devices that backpackers often use on backwoods treks.

A lot of guys on the haul road are doing exactly what you are doing & are very willing to share info & help out...it was like TBH was on the haul road!

Great hunt if you go!

[TheCracker]

Sounds awesome.... Following this thread if anyone actually answers lol

[Atfulldraw]

I would get some info on where the herd is, fly in to P Bay before I drove from Fairbanks.

It is a LONG way to drive the Dalton up to the Haul Rd......and the caribou could be fifteen miles south of the north end of the earth.

The last fuel I know of is at the Yukon River Camp, you are a very long way from cell service, auto repair, and the rest of the world. People are very willing to help out, but help and having the right part that you need for your truck are two very different things.

It will be an adventure, that I can assure you!

[Phillip Fields]

I have done it twice, back in the 90's. We hunted the Mulchatna herd. First time we flew out of Lake Hood, and the second time out of Lake Iliamna both times on Beaver float planes. We hunted 10 days the first tripand 12 the second. In recent years the Mulchatna herd has been way down so I would look elsewhere. Somewhere in the Brooks Range would be good. The haul road can be productive but can get crowded. For the real experience I would do the fly-in, preferably in a tundra tire equipped Cub.

A good outfitter, such as 40-Mile Air will be on top of where the caribou are and can drop you in front of the herd. You are going to be severly limited on the amount of weight you can fly in so be prepared to pare down to the essentials. Most of your food should be freeze dried. Take water purification tablets or a good water purification pump as pure water can be in short supply. Take in enough food to last a few extra days as the weather can delay your pick-up.

[lesson 101]

Good luck out there if you get to make the trip.

[sports]

Did it once. Flew into kotzebue on northwest coast of alaska. One of the best trips i have ever had. Alaska is a great experience. The meat was great. Both my brother and i got bulls. We went with a native... Wasnt a guide but a friend of my cousin who loved there. Good luck. Hope it is a trip yall decide to take. You wont regret it

[jonruddick]

Following, hoping to go in 2014

[AlaskaFlyerFan]

I did the Haul road hunt a couple times when I lived up there. I would definately do it again. It's about 10-12 hrs north of Fairbanks if you drive depending on the weather and the road conditions. If it is raining, the roads are very sloppy, mud 6 inches deep. If it's snowing, it can be treacherous through Atigun Pass. There is fuel in Dead Horse and in P Bay. There is also a hotel and rent a shower in both places. Plan on being cold & wet.

[AlaskaFlyerFan]

A couple more pictures.

[Bowtechlady]

It would make for an incredible hunt!

[coonazz]

Thanks all. We are definitely going, just need to work out the details.

[coonazz]

up for more input.

[Landrover]

Done it twice chasing the Porcupine herd!
First time: float plane outta Anchorage. Second time: haul road due north. My next trip will be with an outfitter than can move me by float plane or helicopter to where the herd is if needed. Too much time, money and energy expended (with a bow) to not get into the migration. Everyone should do this trip as it is life changing stuff.