Alaska 2016 - Quick Caribou Hunt
Contributors to this thread:Indiana
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Just returned from Alaska following a successful DIY bowhunt for caribou. The hunt itself started at dawn on Monday 8/22. Two of the three tags were punched by noon and the third tag filled the following morning (8/23).
We were individually dropped on a remote ridge between Fairbanks and the Yukon Territory via a two man (hunter and pilot) Super Cub on Sunday afternoon (8/21).
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Setting down on a short ridge top landing strip was a new experience for all three of us.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
View from atop the landing strip.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Another view from the landing strip. Little did we know the role this particular drainage would play on our hunt over the next few days.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Caribou camp was located on a hillside to avoid the strong winds on top. We did utilize an electric bear fence on this trip...and of course, never saw a single bear.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Not far from camp was this wonderful view of the valley.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The area was loaded with ripe blueberries.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
Ahh yes, fresh fruit on a fly-in bowhunt!
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The tundra was just beginning to change colors.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
At roughly noon on Monday, Herb arrowed this P&Y caliber bull using his longbow while hunting the drainage mentioned earlier.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
At approximately the same time, Gerald connected on a great bull while hunting the ridge opposite our camp.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The next morning, Gerald and Herb persuaded me to hunt while they retrieved the remainder of Gerald's bull.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
That turned out to be the right call, because there was good caribou action again in the drainage below the landing strip for the second day in a row. I was blessed with a shot opportunity at this bull at 9:00am.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The entire day Wednesday was devoted to hauling meat and antlers to the landing strip. This is Herb with a pack full of caribou meat...taking a break...and checking out caribou movement across the valley.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The last load headed uphill. We then contacted the transporter via satellite phone for meat/antler extraction. We planned to remain in camp a few more days, but after talking with the pilot, it was decided we should fly out due to an incoming weather front.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
That evening, we gladly traded our Mountain House meals for fresh caribou tenderloins cooked over an open fire.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
The rain and fog arrived before daybreak.
From: pav
05-Sep-16
But the pilot had just enough time that morning to get all the meat, antlers, gear and bowhunters off the ridge and back to civilization.
We spent the next week traveling between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Unsuccessfully attempted to locate some good black bear hunting. Experienced some decent salmon and grayling fishing. Saw some wonderful country ...including Denali (Mount McKinley) and even got a glimpse of the aurora borealis (northern lights).
An adventure to remember for sure!
From: KDC
05-Sep-16
Awesome job guys. Definitely a bucket list trip of mine.
From: Bou'bound
06-Sep-16
now that is a neat deal! nicely done.
From: INbowdude
08-Sep-16
So cool! That type of hunt is on the bucket list. Congrats to all.
From: bschwein
08-Sep-16
Congrats Paul. Always enjoy your photos and story!
From: hoosierhunter
08-Sep-16
Very cool!
From: sticksender
14-Sep-16
Wow, just catching up on this forum and read your report. Man you guys really took care of business quick! Way to get 'er done. Three bad-ass hoosier bowmen putting 'em down in Alaska!
From: INbowdude
18-Sep-16
Says the man who arrowed a really nice ram. Congrats to another bad-ass Hoosier bowhunter!
From: Buck Creek2
20-Sep-16
Congrats to all 3 of you! Always enjoy your adventures!
From: woodsy
06-Oct-16
Awesome bow hunt and adventure Paul, Gerald and Herb! Congrats!
From: Florida Mike
02-Jan-17
Don't know how I missed this adventure Paul but congrats! My bucket list! Mike
