Looking for info on alaska hunt...

[Catfish Campbell]

Great site and a newbie so forgive me if i don't know the details. I am looking to hunt alaska in 2006 and wanted some info on either hunting dall or goat (moose would be great but the prices seem pretty high). I am not a resident of alaska (live in AZ), but would like some info on how best to acquire a guide and decent prices for this kind of hunt. Caribou is also an open option as well. Any info or recommendation on how to go hunting for these species would be appreciated....thx, ladd

 

[Moosie]

First off welcome aboard. I wuld ask how Moose is more expensive then Dall or goat ?!?!!?

there are alot of locals and people with info that can help. Good luck and keep us posted !!

 

[Tom]

I'm not a local, I've only hunted there once, but this book is the most comprehensive of 4-5 that I read about current/recent hunting there, by Chris Batin Hunting Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/09...2?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance

 

[TBinKodiak]

Yep, that's a good book to start with, its a little outdated but still pretty good. If your going for sheep get Tony Russ' "Sheep and Sheep Hunting" (2nd addition). I don't know much about the prices of guided hunts but I would say most guided sheep hunts run in the $7,000 - 10,000 range. Goat hunts are in the $3,500 - $5,000 range. You could probably do a semi-guided moose and caribou combo for what you'd pay for a Dall sheep hunt and an outfitted camp for moose and caribou would run you about what a guided goat hunt would cost. Depends on how strong your back is and how much time you want to spend hump meat
Remember when comparing costs to look for the added extras. Some prices include the bush plane flight in and out some don't. Big difference since flights ain't cheap and when your talking moose you can add an extra flight out for meat. I'm sure others can expand on this and add more info.
Now lets talk about how I can go about getting a Coue's deer....

 

[Erik in AK]

Ladd,
You are required by law to hire a registered guide for Dall sheep, Goats and Brown/Grizzly bears. The exception to this is if you are guided by an Alaskan resident who is at least a 2nd degree kindred relative. The AK hunting regs are available online and explain this in detail.

Personally, for a first Alaska hunt I would strongly recommend a caribou hunt for several reasons. 1) Opportunity: Lots and lots of animals spread over a most of the state; 2) Long season in most units; 3) Transportation: You have a lot of choices on how to get to them; 4) High success rates; 5) No guide requirement.

If you really want to spend the money on a guided hunt for Dall sheep plan on 2007 or 08. Most of the reputable guides are (probably) already booked for 06. AK F&G keeps a list of all guide/outfitters in the state and will send you a copy upon request. The list shows all registered guides and what areas they hunt, and is a good starting point for selecting a guide.

Good luck

 

[BigHornRam]

Ladd,

If you want to go on a guided hunt for sheep in particular, I would recommend going to a FNAWS convention or a similar type sportsmen's show. Lot's of outfitters have booths at these conventions. Meeting the outfitter in person is important if you want to find out what kind person they are and if you compatable. You may even meet some of their guides which is even more important since that is who you will be hunting with. Then get lot's of references before you book your hunt. TB's prices for goat and dall are fairly acurate, but you have to also include licenses, travel, bush flight for some hunts, tip for guide and so on. Good luck!

 

[Steiny]

I'd recommend booking a sheep hunt w/ Terry Overly, Pioneer Outfitters, Chisana, AK, in the Wrangell mountains.

I hunted with him several years ago. My dad (who was 66 at the time) and I both killed nice full curl dall rams. They took 10 sheep hunters that season, and all ten took rams. He still runs a very good, high success outfit, and you'll see lots of sheep.

This is a horseback, wall tent hunt which is also lots of fun, and the country is gorgeous. He also hunts, moose, black bear and grizzly, if those interest you. Do that sheep hunt now. You aren't getting any younger, and the hills aren't getting any flatter. You won't regret it.

 

[Catfish Campbell]

Thanks for all the info and will followup with your suggestions....thx, ladd