Caribou - Alaska or Canada

22 January 2009, 00:19

Let's say you had two guys on the downhill slide to 60 and one younger guy who wanted to hunt caribou. All are experienced hunters in the lower 48, with some Africa thrown in. We'd like a reasonably affordable fair chase hunt, preferably with the opportunity for two caribou. The potential to hunt other species (wolf, bear, etc.) and maybe do some fishing would be a distinct bonus. Ideally, a good portion of the meat from at least the caribou would be returned to New Mexico. We could hunt with rifles, muzzleloaders, or even bows depending on the situation.

Given the above, where would you recommend a caribou hunt - Alaska or Canada? Any recommendations for outfitters, guides, do-it-yourself outfits, etc.? We're total virgins to the north (unless you count two spring bear hunts in NB and QC). Please feel free to offer any suggestions, comments, criticisms, whatever. Thanks for any input.

22 January 2009, 04:46

M70Nut

I would vote for Alaska, of course, I live here so my bias is pretty obvious. I would look towards the Western Arctic herd and hunt north of the Brooks range. Contact Larry Bartlett at PristineVentures.com, he runs a hunt planner service and knows his stuff. He can set you up with everything you need to hunt caribou.

22 January 2009, 23:56

llamapacker

Troy,

I would also recommend Alaska. I've done a number of D-I-Y hunts for caribou, and it is a very realistic hunt, even if everyone is not young. Send me a PM or give me a call if you would like to talk specifics. While the cost is higher (due to extra flying time), I would strongly recommend the Western Artic Herd. You avoid the crowds in teh mulchatna region, and get a quality hunt. The additional expense is probably $500-1000 per person, but this is still a very reasonable hunt.

Good Luck.

Bill

23 January 2009, 07:43

tsturm

quote:
Originally posted by DesertRam:
Let's say you had two guys on the downhill slide to 60 and one younger guy who wanted to hunt caribou. All are experienced hunters in the lower 48, with some Africa thrown in. We'd like a reasonably affordable fair chase hunt, preferably with the opportunity for two caribou. The potential to hunt other species (wolf, bear, etc.) and maybe do some fishing would be a distinct bonus. Ideally, a good portion of the meat from at least the caribou would be returned to New Mexico. We could hunt with rifles, muzzleloaders, or even bows depending on the situation.

Given the above, where would you recommend a caribou hunt - Alaska or Canada? Any recommendations for outfitters, guides, do-it-yourself outfits, etc.? We're total virgins to the north (unless you count two spring bear hunts in NB and QC). Please feel free to offer any suggestions, comments, criticisms, whatever. Thanks for any input.

CANADA