Tim has another great thread going on now that reviewed his trip day by day and the fantastic bulls he and Todd took. I was in the next week and in fact had the same campman (Jimmy)and stopped by Tim's camp (did not go in, just went on float to pick up Rick Duggan who had booked at two week trip.) Rick and I were paired for the week and it was great to hunt with a Super Slammer who was as humble as a first timer.
We really got into the animals seeing from 700+ on day 1 to 200-300 for the next 3 days and about 60 on the last morning where we tagged out after only three hours (Rick's last tag).
If the caribou are around anyone can put you on them so that is not the full measure of totally professional operation, but the Hume's simply ARE BETTER THAN ADVERTISED and that is saying a lot as you never hear anything negative at all and they are better than that!
The attention to detail is unreal and the week ran like clockwork, even with a small weather issue they managed and made it a non-issue. I could list 25 things that would separate their level of execution from other solid operators, but one tiny example that only represents their myopic attention to detail is they even provide a watertight container for your tags! Who does that??? They think of everything and provide every comfort and accomodation. Wonderful people, hosts, and business operators and the culture is spread throughout everyone they contract with or employ that I came in contact with.
Anyway, this place is the real deal, and I was wrong a couple years ago when I said Caribou hunting was quickly had becomming a long shot for bowhunters. While a clear majority of the hunters are using firearms....... the bow is not obsolete up there like I had thought it was becomming.
I will not provide commentary on each photo, but just share some pictures to give you an idea of what we experienced.
You should try this place out. Enjoy
Mark
If I ever go back for Q/L caribou it will be with Jack Hume.
Nice bous! Thanks for sharing.
Nick
PM on the way
Bake
Very consistent action for the entire time.
Wind stunk one day (direction was wrong for the set up) and it lead to a lot of spooking, but 4 days has south winds and a northward (don't ask why) migration and we played it with confidence.
As you know, it can really vary depending on whether your lucky enough to hit it right. I've been up there 4 times. My first two trips were excellent, the third marginal, and last time with JHA I borrowed a rifle and got one Bull & I Bear. Richard and Amanda do run an amazing operation though.
There are not many hunting trips I like more than a good Caribou hunt in the tundra:-) Again, Congratulations.
Didn't see any mints on the foam pads in the second pic, however. :)
Glad you had a great trip and really got into the animals. In 5 trips I've yet to have one where the migration was thick. Always spotty but usually enough to keep a person interested.
JHA is truly a diamond in the rough.
Not only is Rick Duggan a recurve bowhunter, a real good guy, and a class act.....you should see his gameroom!!!!! I have heard some awesome reviews....there is motion and sounds associated with some of the hunting trophies in his gameroom. His soft spoken demeanor carries a lot of weight with me.
yes rick is great and we spoke about you on the tundra! You can youtube his gameroom under his name. pretty wild. also google his NY time article about being first to take SSlam with recurve.
Tim
Rick's last morning bull should make the P&Y 300. Could be close. not long beams but heavy and lot's of stuff. we tricked it and re-routed the group to him and he nailed it. as you know he has three non-P&Y size species and the QL bou was one of them that he was trying to nail. I am confident it will qualify.
Great pics.
Someday!
I have been blessed that in 4 trips (3 prior were with Tuttulik on 2006, 07, and 08) I have been in good well run camps with animals each time. on 2 of the prior 3 trips I took two caribou per trip with the bow. on the third trip the two guys in camp, myself included, who did not opt to use a gun did not get an animal. There were animals around that year, just not enough for a bowhunter to have a reasonable chance.
This trip with Richard and Amanda was great in all regards. logistics were perfectly managed, high competetency and concern was expressed for all aspects of the hunt by all associated with the Hume organization, and obviously we had animals in our camp from the first hour afield to the last. I should also add that all other camps filled nearly all tags and the same thing happened the prior week(s).
I could not ask for more from an outfitter or trip. especially when using a bow where more opportunities are really the key to getting the right chance(s) to score. Let's face it with a bow you need to see numbers to play with them enough to catch a break or two along the way. The way these animals move, and the country they are in, a bowhunter is not going to be successful if he is only seeing a few isolated caribou each day. A gunner possibly, but not an archer.
Brings back some great memories.
Great write up, pics and bulls! Your candor (always) is appreciated! I am looking for a Bou trip I can take my 65 year old brother on...this looks like it!
Mark
Thanks for taking the time to post all those pictures and thanks for all the kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you in Lac Pau and I am very pleased to hear that you felt that way about our outfit.
Take care!
Richard
