It's on the bucket list. Having dinner with friends on Friday night. The subject came up as it usually does. Sue says, " We let's go in two years". You can't beat that. Any Intel you guys can pass along will be appreciated. Outfitters? Float trip? Time to go? Thanks Guys
I'll be watching this for certain.
It depends on how much you have to spend. An outfitter probably gives the best chance of success but is the most costly.
Floats pose their own problems as rivers have become pretty crowded now and the pristine wilderness adventure is not had easily.
We use a air taxi to get us into the backcountry and have good hunts every time. You need your own gear to make it happen but it's do able.
Now is the time to be doing your research. Two years will go by very fast.
Mike
Call it experience and not expertise...
Float hunts are great adventures with miles of scenery and 'what's around the bend?' anticipation. Lots of work too. Between the effort of moving camp frequently, and being low down on the river, I believe it's easy to miss opportunities at bulls. Water makes noise and a bull grunting at 300 yards might never be heard. Due to water level and brush height he may never be seen either.
I really think a fixed camp is the way to go for diy bowhunters. Learn the terrain, and game movements. Get up and glass down. Be ready when a bull shows up. Establish a good camp and make it better every day. A moose skull from a recent kill is a fine camp decoration.
I personally wouldn't spend the money to go outfitted or guided. I've done that twice many years ago and had fun...but I have as much fun hunting without a guide and plenty of success too. Guides will get you into moose, but you'll get into them on your own if a transporter puts you in a good area.
Timing: from the 10th on (Sept) is prime time in central Alaska. It might be a little later down south.
Two years is just about enough lead time for your first hunt. A year is not enough time to find a transporter and get the logistics all ironed out unless you just get plain lucky. Most good pilots, outfitters and transporters are booked up a full year ahead.
1. Put back lots and lots of money....
2. Put back some more........
I will be going in 2017 but not everything is hashed out yet. There is a lot of learning and planning that goes on with a hunt like this. I guess it will get easier after the first time.
I want to go with Kevin's pilot.