Wow! I have drawn two tags for the Kenai. The first is DC 608 caribou, 15B Killey River, from August 10th (YIKES) to Sept.20th.
The second tag is DM 536 moose, 15B Southwest Funny River, from Sept 1st to Sept.20.
Oh my Gosh! I have put in for sheep and moose in Montana for 34 years with no luck. Now the frist time I try for fabled Alaska, BINGO! I'm good to go.
I have studied up on the moose, but I haven't got a clue about the caribou. I had originally invisioned this as a drop camp situation, but in a word, HELP. I am open for suggestions and any advice from you fellows up north. I hate to waste an animal just for the rack, so I had tentatively planned to drive up and haul the meat home. Yes, I realize customs can be problematic in hauling dead stuff across international borders. I have dealt with it twice before in Canada/USA.
I can only make it up once, so it would be nice to combine the two trips if possible. The rut for bullwinkle must occur much later in the September ending dates bracketted for that hunt, but how about caribou? AR has always been the best place for source, advice, and opinions, so here I go.

I am so stunned with my drawing success I can hardly believe it. Logistics are starting right now, and I'm going to be very busy for the next XXXXXXXX days cramming for the big exam.

Congratulations! Please post when you are coming on up. I can't offer advice for that area, but I'm sure others will (Tsturm maybe?). I'm near Anchorage, so send a PM if I can lend a hand with logistics, etc. I got skunked on the draw, but am planning a moose hunt in Sept and a bear hunt in Oct.

Bob

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but.......
The major problem with those hunts is transportation into the area. The caribou will be above tree line. No roads, no plane strips. Walk in or horseback only. I don't know of any horse outfitters in that area anymore.
Don't let me discourage you. Keep checking with other folks.
Good luck.

I agree with TJ, that is going to be a tough hunt, aircraft access is very limited in that area. You might want to call around some of the air charters on the Kenai and see if anyone charters that area. Good luck.

Thanks gentlemen,
I knew that going in to this and was or am prepared for some long walking. Walking in is one thing. Critters on the ground is something else entirely.
My naive understanding is that the Funny Lake trail is pretty descent. I have a friend in here in Billings that has spent quite a lot of time up near the Harding Ice Field hunting sheep. He did fly in somewhere up there, but I gather it was "interesting".
Hopefully somebody could fly us into the upper end of Tustamena Lake and bring out pieces of moose a week later.
I've really got to dig to try and figure out the caribou. Above treeline is a start, so thanks. I guess they need the breeze and don't like that thick crap down low.
Anyone out there from Soldotna or know of any contacts for the area?
I'm not discouraged at all. This is fun. If I come up empty handed, so be it. I will be hunting Alaska. I'm an independent sort. DIY on Prince of Wales 3 years ago, alone. Yep, killed a nice bear. Drove and ferried up from Billings and back. Had a great time.

You have the right attitude and that's an excellent start.

I know there are a couple of options. Horse & Float plane are 2. let me do some checking & I will PM you.

P/M Sent!!!

A friend drew the caribou hunt a few years back and hiked in for the hunt. He took one bou and as I recalled took two trips to pack out the bou and his camp. I think I recall him mentioning something about having trouble walking for a few days after the hunt

I have received and answered a couple of PM's. Information is quickly building up. The cadrie of knowledgeable and helpful hunters on AR comes through once again. From Tanzania to Alaska, New Mexico to Nunuvut.

Is this a great country or what?

Congrats you lucky bugger! Sounds like a trip to Angry Hanks is in order!