edit - typed faster then i could think on the first pass.
You guys gave me great advice last time I asked a similar question. I definitely will not be flying out of Anchorage based upon past advice.

What is everyones suggestions for a game unit for self guided Moose? I think a good air service operator makes all the difference between a successful hunt and just another ten days being cold and wet.

There ain't no moose hunts in June.

I'm an idiot. I meant last week of august - first week of september. I typed up the wrong time off That is what I get for staying up late. Last year people recommended Unit 17 - it still sounds good to me but updates are always better.

If you want a chance at a good bull I would go in mid to late September when it's closer to the rut. I would look in Unit 25 and fly out of Fairbanks with Wright Air Service.

Frankly I think your choice of Unit 17 is excellent but your timing is still poor.

Unit 17 does have excellent moose and bear hunting. Habitat for moose is in fine shape and we are ending another winter with no winter kill. Bears should continue to thrive with lots of salmon to eat over the last few years and are just now popping out of their dens. As luck would have it for the spring hunters, the snow is sort of hanging in there so access to hunting areas should be managable.

In my opinion the only time to hunt moose out here is the last week of the season, Sept 8th thru the 15th. In theory during those dates moose are headed into the rut and moving around some. Calling during that time is possible and has worked quite well for me. Bear hunting doesn't open until early September some time so the August portion of your time frame doesn't work for that.

You also may well be too late to book a plane ride for this year. I have used and recommend Bay Air, owned and operated by Tom and Janet Schlagel, (907) 842-2570. Both are fine people and Tom is a very competent pilot. A friend from Idaho and I will be flying with Tom during the time frame I noted above for moose and maybe a bear if lucky.

I would advise calling Bay Air and your supervisor at work ASAP and attempt getting time off and a hunt starting on or about Sept 6th and going as long as you can.

littbigd

Scott King is right on the money. He lives in my old Alaska stomping grounds and is one of the most successful trophy moose hunters I have ever known. Listen to him! The timing is critical and as Scott said the last week of the season in Unit 17 is when to be there. Even more specifically 10-15 Sept is prime.

Bay Air IS the outfit to fly out with.

Mark