I live in central B.C. and have a heart condition so it is difficult for me to wander through the bush for days at a time anymore. I have found what looks like a great way to cover a lot of territory and not have a "thumper" on some ridge line (haha). There is a river near me that I could float on for about 3 days before it passes close to the house. There are 2 sets of class 2 rapids to maneuver but that's it. I'm also planning to go in a 12 ft. aluminum boat (that's a "tinnie" for you Aussies, haha )and drag a rubber raft behind.

Does anyone have any experience on trips like this? What should I look out for.

A friend of mine and his partner drowned last year while on a Caribou hunt in Newfoundland, so the only really important piece of advice I can offer is: Wear A PFD While On The Water! Both men would be alive today if they had.

Bellhender, I've done it numerous times on a small river in Texas. Many times with my two boys when they were growing up. We had no major rapids so not much danger there but John's advice about life jackets is good. You can cover a lot of ground easily. We used ten foot canoes. No motors, just paddles. Shot turkeys, tree rats, and caught lots of fish. Also had opportunities for whitetails but usually made the trips in spring after rains so season wasn't open. Lots of fun.

I've done this on the Athabaska. It's a great way to hunt, and not too strenuous (I hear you about the heart thing, I have CHF myself).PFD's are a must, and find out about the local ordinances about hunting from boats, when you can use motors (and where) etc. Also, take along some healthy young guy for hauling the game into the boat. - Dan

Some buddies and I are going to float the Rogue River in the next couple of weeks on a Spring Bear hunt. We were going to do it last year but my buddy had to pull out of the trip a week before we were to float.

We can't actually hunt next to the river, but have to hike at least a mile from the river to begin hunting.

The Rogue is a gorgeous river in Southern Oregon, with a couple of 4+ rapids. We've floated it several times before, but never hunted it. I just bought a new (to me) 14ft Maravia Cat. Can't wait to get on the river!!

Pointers: Get out and try a couple of class II's in your boat before you get your gear in it.

don't know if you've floated rivers before, but practice your ferries and maneuvers. You need to be able to make your moves without trying to figure out if you need to pull with your oars or push.

I personally wouldn't float a class II in less than a drift boat or dory. Even a class II can swamp your boat. Especially if you don't hit it right.

The raft floating behind the boat may prove to be a big pain. The problem is that towed things always tend to get hung up. I learned the hard way on a bridge abutment. I now have a river knife attached to my PFD.

Two words: DRY BAGS. Check out Northwest River Supplies

Three More words: Personal Flotation Device. See the above link.

Two more word: Have fun!!

I'll let you know if I think of anything more.

BTW, what river are you floating? I've done the Thompson, up your way a couple of times. Great fun!!

Take Care,

-Steve

[ 04-10-2003, 09:27: Message edited by: Steve ]

Pay attention to the high water mark. Camp above it or near it. Make your camp on a section of river where it is widest or atleast where there is no bottle neck or narrowing of the river. Do not know which river you are talking about, but flash floods can be a problem. You can have excellent weather where you are but 40 miles away it could be a different story. I have seen small creeks turn into raging rivers and rivers turn into....holy shit! There is a couple of stories behind what I am saying.
Take a coleman stove along in your boat for fresh coffee, grub etc.(cook while you are floating)
A lawn chair in boat on a float trip makes it that much more enjoyable.
Consider one of those chainsaw winches. Dump a moose in the water or off shore, aways, and as long as there is a tree around, you are in business.
Depending on what time of year you are floating, I found that it is cooler sitting in a boat on open water. You are exposed to the elements more. a wind break, sunglasses, and rubber boots come with me every time.

River trips are great.
Have Fun,

Daryl

Watch out for Crocs!!

I have hunted out of a boat for moose numerous times. I think the advice given so far is ok. I would add that the wide open nature of rivers makes longer shots possible. It can be devilishly tricky to estimate range over water.

Floating is a very enjoyable hunting method. A couple of my buddies in central BC (PG area) swear by it. Now that I am in the land of bigger and deeper rivers, I hope to take it up myself.

Daryl covered most of what I would have said. Can't beat a good lawn chair. Hunching over in a "tinnie" all day will kill your back.

If you don't have a chainsaw winch, make sure to take at least TWO come-a-longs. It is much easier to get a moose out of the water if you can tug on it with two come-a-longs.

Don't forget your fishing gear. Might as well do a little "multi-tasking" while you are out there!

Best of luck,
Canuck

Mike Iravy

I'm just starting to have a few bucks to begin going on some hunts. I've always wanted to hunt for moose and think that a float hunt would be incredible. Any thoughts you're willing to share (ie. where to go, etc.) would be appreciated. I've read, Hunt Alaska Now, not sure of your thoughts on the contents in that book, but I'm looking to learn and plan carefully. Hey, thanks a lot....mike

Good thread! Firing up a stove while your floating is an interesting idea! Keep ya moving/fishing longer...

Indeed, a good thread ! Interesting posts.

Dang ! How did I wind up born and raised in the flatlands of the midwest ? A decent place to make a living, but not near the sporting opportunities some of you are blessed with.

I'll just have to be content with a couple weeks per year in the wilderness.

Indeed some good responses. I have been canoing rivers and lakes since I was a kid and have enjoyed many hours of "sleep fishin" (haha). Someone mentioned the Athabaska River. I have canoed that from Smith to Athabaska in 2 days.

The trip I am planning is (get your maps out)From Fort St. James to Isle Pierre, located on the full length of the Stuart River and a bit of the Nechako River. It is about 160K or 100 miles of river. I reckon 3 days maybe 4 and here is the best part!!

What I want to legally hunt for:
Moose
Deer (2 flavours)
Bear (Griz protected but I'll see them, so blackies only available)
wolf
coyote
fox
any number of the weasel family members including wolverine and fisher.
ducks (multi flavoured)
geese (multi flavoured)
grouse (ditto)

THEN there is fishing
Rainbow trout to 20 lb
Char to 30
Sockeye salmon (can't keep but millions of them, note this is why I'll see Griz)
Chinook Salmon( you yanks call these King Salmon)

There are elk in the area but not enough to have an open season and also I have seen white sturgeon that looked like sharks (6 ft. long no shit).

For you gun buffs I'll be taking a savage 24F 22/20 guage rifle/shotgun and a Ruger number 1 in 300 Winchester.

Ok,Ok I'll stop bragging about how lucky I am for living where I do (haha). But remember we share. Come over and play.

I've floated many of the rivers down here in Oregon in my driftboat and I see a couple small hitches in your plans.

First, a tin boat on moving water is not a very safe or effective way to cover ground. They are hard to maneuver, don't handle rapids well, and are cold to boot. A driftboat is much easier to maneuver, deeper, and will handle class II rapids like child's play. A raft designed for whitewater will also work, but you will probably spend some part of your day wet and uncomfortable.

A driftboat will also handle more weight and be more stable to stand in for shots at passing birds and moose on the shore, not to mention they are the perfect platform for fishing from. Learning to row a driftboat is usually fairly quick and easy, especially on a relatively slow moving river like you mention. A pyramid anchor would also be a good addition so you can stop in certain areas to fish, have lunch, shoot, or just take a nap on a nice day. You can also pack more equipment in a deep sided driftboat- clothes, stove, cooler with food and drinks, ammo, rifles, etc....

One last thing I noticed- You mentioned drifting 100 miles or did I read that wrong? If the river isn't fairly fast moving, 100 miles is a long drift for 3-4 days. You'll find yourself making time the whole trip to make your schedule, but not having much time for anything else.
I drift a stretch of the Deschutes river once in awhile (a couple times a year). It is 52 river miles and contains many Class II rapids, several Class III and several Class IV. This portion of the river moves fairly quickly and we need to take at least 4 days to feel we have enough time to fish and have fun. If we were to strictly drift it, it would take 2 very full days with no breaks at all.

Give some serious thought to your choice of boat- a raft or driftboat would be safer, drier, and handier. A PFD is a must and should be non-negotiable.
BTW- did I mention I have a real nice driftboat? You wouldn't need some company, would you? Could you "guide" me for moose or would I just be stuck with catching fish until my arms hurt? I hunted moose near Fort St. James a year and a half ago and loved the country. Lots of game and I never had a chance to fish, but promised myself I'd try to make some time to do that sometime.- Sheister

Sheister and bellhender,

Hummmmm... I have a real nice Cat boat too. (hint, hint...)

I also have a nice Riken Miwok self bailer, rowing frame, with dry box and "barney bag". All set up and ready to float. Going to sell it, most likely.

Staying dry is overrated . That's what dry suits were made for.

BTW, is it legal to shoot big game from the boat, in BC? Just wondering.

Take Care,

-Steve

Thanks for the thoughts Shiester. I don't plan on only drifting I will have a motor on the boat and an extra prop for caution sake. I would love to use a drift boat but one does with what one has. I will probably go with the aluminum once or twice before hunting season just a speed run to see how long and what I'll need when hunting. Scoping out camp sites and problem areas. Many people travel these rivers during the summer by jet boat so I'll have company if I get in trouble. A friend of mine wants to go done on PWC's (personal water crafts) just to say he did it with me. I'll make sure I know what I'm doing prior to the hunting season.

As to you visiting for a hunt. Have a look at my post on"Hunting on the cheap" I think that would be a wonderful Idea.

Bellhender

Steve

To reply to your question. Yes as long as the motor is not available for use or that it is not in use at the time of shooting. Simple english is pull the prop out of the water and pull the trigger.

Steve,

Sounds like a trip we might have to collaborate on. With a little help from hellbender, I bet we could put together a great trip for all of us- one up there and one down here?

BTW, when are you and Allen going to find time to stop by and share a beer and swap some lies?- Bob

Sounds good. We'll have to plan something. Maybe the John Day in May(?). Easy trip (Class II), good small mouth fishing. Not much hunting this time of year though. GREAT camping and hiking though.

I talked to Allen a few weeks ago. He was busy with Spring Break and thought that we should try and get together this month. I'll give him a ring.

Take Care,

-Steve