CARIBOU HUNTS

DATES: AUG-SEPT

A caribou hunt captures the unique vastness of the Alaskan wilderness and is perhaps the best hunt for two or multiple hunters to share a camp and still successfully harvest quality animals. A caribou hunt is a great adventure for the first-time Alaska hunter, a father/child, or a group of buddies. These wanderers of the tundra are found in various pockets of Alaska. Caribou can be found out in open tundra flats or up on mountain tops. Nonetheless, all caribou in Alaska are classified as “barren ground”. Most areas allow hunters to take one bull, but some allow multiple bulls. Caribou is a great species to combine with grizzly bear and occasionally moose.

Early season caribou—before they shed the velvet off their antlers—are excellent eating. In most regions of Alaska they typically start shedding in late August. Meat quality is still good, but there is a marked difference of “gaminess” to the meat as one gets closer to the October caribou rut. That said, my favorite time of year to hunt caribou is late August-early September after the first frosts have knocked down the bugs and the fall colors begin to emerge. Trophy bulls range from 300-375”. Early season hunters can typically expect to see small bachelor groups of bulls. Later in August and into September older bulls will start joining with larger herds of cows and calves.

If you’re are the right time and place, caribou hunts can be easy, but often caribou hunts are very physically challenging. Caribou are very unpredictable, and they’re found in a wide variety of terrain. Because of their migratory nature, having an outfitter with their own small aircraft(s) (not relying on an air taxi for transportation) to access remote country and move camps if necessary is critical.

Most your time caribou hunting will be spent glassing, waiting for the caribou to come to you. Once a trophy bull is located, stalks are typically 1-3 miles. Average shot distance for caribou is 200 yards, but given the open country they typically inhabit, it’s very advantageous for a hunter to be able to accurately shoot up to 400-500 yards. I’d consider a 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, or a .243 minimum calibers for caribou. Anything .270 or bigger is perfect. Depending on where you hunt, big bulls can range from 325-450 pounds. I consider a .300 caliber to be ideal for caribou, and adequate bear protection.

NOTE:
All prices subject to change.
All hunts listed do not include transportation to nearest Alaskan airport, hunting license, tags, gratuities, or shipping of trophy from Alaska to your home.