I talked to a booking agent today about a drop camp hunt for my wife and me. He said "I don't recommend at all the drop camps for caribou in Alaska. Many of these outfitters are taking 600-1000 hunters per year, and its not uncommon to have 4 or 5 camps on a single lake. Also, the quality of caribou being taken from the Mulchatna herd has dropped tremendously over the past five years."

Now I understand he's trying to sell me a hunt, but how much truth is in his statement? What's your thoughts?

Mark
I don't think you need a booking agent for a DIY drop off
hunt for caribou.Get a good air taxi and you will do fine.
The avg. bou killed in the Mulchatna herd has declined as
far as quality,but...the new world record was killed a
couple years ago out of Iliamna.

Jim Bickman out of Iliamna is tops.But the last time
I talked to him he was thinking of getting out of
the business.

I have not used High Adventure but they have a great rep.
http://www.highadventureair.com/

http://www.airguides.com/
ditto

http://www.hollidayair.com/
Used Terry 3 times,he will put you on caribou

No matter who you go with,pay a little more and
fly out to a small village closer to the herd
rather than out of Anchorage.

Dillingham,Iliamna,Aniak are good jump off spots.

Jeff's advice is right on...

Another way to increase your odds is to book a hunt via supercub.. These little wheel planes can land in many places that float planes cannot and that helps you get away from the crowds..

A couple more good air taxis are Lake Clark Air in Port Alsworth and Tikchik Air in Dillingham...