I Recently got back from a DIY hunt in AK for Caribou and Blacktail Deer. It's hard to put into words how satisfying the whole experience was. My hunting buddy and I spent countless hours researching, dreaming, and scheming of a way to hunt AK. The thrill of what AK stood for in our minds was what kept pulling us there. Trying to hunt deer just ended up being a good excuse to go. We had a blast despite difficult weather (we only got in 4 out of 11 days of hunting), exhaustion (did the 1AM meat haul back to camp in the dark), and lots of smiles . We planned this entire hunt from scratch, and even had a garage sale to save money for the trip and gear. What a special place... what a hunt...
The Airline flight there...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_6800.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_6800.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_6812.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_6812.jpg.html)
Float Plane Ride in...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8046.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8046.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8040.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8040.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8071.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8071.jpg.html)
We spotted a caribou herd on the way in. We set base camp, and then spike camped 4 hours into the tundra chasing this herd for three days until we ran out of food... We closed the distance to sixty yards three times, but getting closer proved difficult in the tundra.
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8087.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8087.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_6910.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_6910.jpg.html)
Base Camp...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_6971.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_6971.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8216.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8216.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8137.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8137.jpg.html)
Spike Camp...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8115.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8115.jpg.html)
SWEET!
After three days of rain while chasing caribou we switched tactics, and headed for the mountains to hunt blacktails. We were told they were easy quarry, not being used to seeing people. Nothing was further from the truth. Think more like hunting weary whitetails in the mountains. The deer were always on high alert, and getting to 20 yards seemed impossible.
My buddy on the left stalking this buck... the gig is up.
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8443.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8443.jpg.html)
The only other hunters we saw...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8456.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8456.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8256.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8256.jpg.html)
Although the hunting was hard and exhausting work, our spirits were lifted at every mountain peak. The views from the mountain tops captured everything we came for...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8393.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8393.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8399.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8399.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8423.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8423.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8378.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8378.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8401.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8401.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8422.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8422.jpg.html)
On day seven we caught an afternoon without rain. We went straight to the top of the nearest mountain and started trying to stalk deer. I found a buck in a chute and was able to get within 70 yards using a boulder for cover. After that it was nothing but 2'' tall grass to hide behind. I settled down, said a prayer, and began waiting. After a half hour of the buck feeding away, he turned, and began getting closer. Thump..Thud.Thump, went my heart rate faster and faster.
At thirty yards I started planning for the worst. I was out in the open and thought the buck would likely see me before a good shot presented itself. Then I lost the buck for a second, only to realize he had bedded down thirty yards from me. I studied his antlers and ears to determine which direction he faced. When he faced away the second time it started a chain reaction. Rise to a knee, pick a spot, arrow on its way, shot sails home, and the buck expires quickly. I can still see the fletching find it's mark frame by frame in my mind. I say another prayer, this one to say thanks.
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8356.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8356.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8361.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8361.jpg.html)
It took us about two and a half hours to process the buck. Another couple to hike back to camp. I have to give my buddy all the credit though, he really knew his way around processing that deer. We got about 65lbs of meat.
Awesome!
The ride back home...
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8502.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8502.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8497.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8497.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8492.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8492.jpg.html)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_8508.jpg) (http://s660.photobucket.com/user/jgoemaat1/media/IMG_8508.jpg.html)
That is a awesome hunt. Alaska is a dream of mine. Good buck too. Congrats.
absolutely incredible photos! thanks so much for sharing!
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing your story. Its on my bucket list for sure!
John
Congratulations on your success and planning.
Great pictures to!!
That is amazing and also a dream for me. Congrats on an epic journey.
Congratulations on your success and planning.
Great pictures to!!
Great stuff. Thanks for the pics!! Congrats on a great trip.
:thumbsup: :archer2:
Outstanding pics! Well done guys...!
ak.
Thank you for sharing the adventure and the awesome pics. Congrats on the buck, too.
Congratulations on a hunt of a lifetime! thanks for sharing.
Stunning! Great photos and good on ya for your patience and ability to enjoy the entire hunt.
What an awesome hunt! Congrats to you and your partner on your success. :thumbsup:
What area of Alaska were you hunting? Where did you go out of?
Wow, just fantastic!
Very cool! Congrats!
Fantastic journey!!
Thank you for taking us along.
I loved all the pictures!
Congratulations!!
:archer:
Thanks for sharing a fantastic hunt with us... The pictures are 1st class!!!
:thumbsup: Fantastic, loved the story and pics!
Thanks for sharing. Congrats! . . . I am heading there with a friend next week!
Great photos. Congratulations on a great hunt. :clapper:
That's what it's all about ... great pics and a fine Sitka Blacktail
way to hang in there and make it happen :thumbsup:
That is awesome, amazing pics!!!
Congrats! And thanks for sharing with us!
Congratulations, Alaska is truly a wonderful, tiring, challenging, glorious hunt.
Very cool. Thanks.
That was freakin awesome! Thanks for taking us along!!
Congrats,fantastic hunt!
Great story and pics, Hunt of a Lifetime!
Thanks for sharing.
Amazing hunt! Congrats on a fine buck and thanks for sharing it. :thumbsup: :clapper:
Great job! thanks for sharing.
Great job! thanks for sharing.
Congrats Justin. Glad things worked out for you guys. Chasing farrow reindeer on the tundra is a daunting task when there is no migration.
Prudent decision to hunt the higher elevations. Early season blacktails are like hunting sheep and goat. You need to hunt from above them as all their predators come from below.
What air service did you guys end up going with? Looks like a Cessna 206.
~CB
Now that's what great pictures look like! Sounded like a fantastic trip. Congratulations on your buck and thanks for sharing your hunt with us!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Thanks for sharing, what a great adventure to take and share with a friend.
Wow awesome deal congrats
Wow! That looks like a great trip. Thanks for taking the time to share your adventure.
Looks like a blast!
I think this is a perfect hunting post. Broken up into pics and short stories. Easy to read and enjoy instead of a long one paragraph monster. I certainly plan on going back to AK next year. Thanks for this post and congrats to both of u guys.
awesome stuff!
What bow is the black one? Look like it could be a hoyt riser?
AWESOME LOOKING TRIP!!
Thanks for the story and the pics it lokked like great fun!
OUTSTANDING :notworthy:
Sweet... Thanx for taking us along. What great memories. Jeff :thumbsup:
Very cool! Congrats on the adventure and the buck! Thanks for sharing it with us!
WOW! That was so cool! Great pics and great buck!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Outstanding! Well done, beautiful pics!
Eric
Thanks for sharing! That looks like an incredible time.
Great pics and congrats on a fine blacktail. Thanks for taking us along.
Incredible photos! This is a dream hunt of mine. Congrats!
That is some awesome, beautiful country!
Congrats on your deer!
Bisch
:notworthy: :notworthy: :clapper: :clapper:
:notworthy: :notworthy: :clapper: :clapper:
Beautiful country and pics. Thanks for sharing your adventure/hunt and story.
Wow what a cool thread. Thanks for sharing
Great hunt and an amazing adventure!!!1
:campfire:
Awesome Pictorial. Even more Awesome-er Hunt.
That is beautiful country,and congratulations on the nice buck!
Thanks for the comments! I hope someone else gets inspired to go. It's a hunt that most guys if motivated can make happen. A few extra hours helping on the farm, and selling everything I could on craigslist got us there. Figuring out where, and what to hunt was hardest part, but thats what make a DIY so enjoyable. Tradgang is a great place to find some advice. I had some great help from fellow members!
Congratulations on making it happen! That's what it's all about!
-Jay
Thanks for taking us along.
So awesome! Congrats!
Going there is a dream of mine too. I'm happy for you that you got to achieve one of your dreams. Many people don't. Congratulations on your hunt. Thanks you for the sweet pictures and story.
Wow, congrats on a hunt of a lifetime. Alaska is my dream hunt.
Wow, just WOW!! Congrats on the whole package!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Wow, what a great Hunt. Congrats on fine creature. your pics are incredible.
I've always been a believer in DIY hunts. However, about a year ago, I started thinking, "Maybe I should consider an outfitter for some hunts." More recently though, thanks to posts like this, (and many other phenomenal posts on this site) I'm more determined than ever to make my own hunts... regardless of their remoteness.
THat looks beautiful. Congratulations, I am very inspired
Great pictures and the story thanks for sharing
Inspiring! Excellent job.
I love posts like this! Thanks for sharing and congrats on everything!!
Thank you so much for sharing,those are some amazing photo's,Good shooting also.
Great post with excellent pics and enjoyed your story. I recognized the area of your hunt have hunted further north on the island, it is my favorite place. Thanks again really liked you pic selections.
Awesome hunt, way to get it done.
Awesome hunt, way to get it done.
Awesome post and pictures. Thanks.
Alaska is, also, on my list of 'want to hunt theres' and am curious of your costs. Excluding equipment purchases (always have to have new equipment for a hunt like that) what was the total cost for the trip, tags, flights, etc.?
Congratulations on your success. Thanks for the great pictures.
On my bucket list!
Thanks for sharing
That increadible! Good story! I enjoyed reading that more than the magazines I'm hooked on! Congrats on a great adventure!
Beautiful pictures and a great hunt! Thanks for sharing it!
Outstanding pictures. You are a lucky man.
Very cool, congrats to both of you guys! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
thanks for sharing! great pic`s!
Powduck,
The cost of getting to AK, tags, hotel, and food, was less expensive than the gear we bought. Booking early with the airlines made a huge difference. It cut the cost in half. We also used airlines miles so getting there was cheap. Tags were way more reasonable than the lower 48. I think alot depends on what kind of gear you've got or can borrow.
We had two "big ticket" items. One was raingear, which we willing to spend what we needed to on, the other was the cost of the float plane which we booked for our final destination. Those two items cost about the price of custom bow.
Great buck and beautiful pics!
Awesome! Congrats and thanks for sharing!
Great pictures, thank you for sharing. I have been going to AK since 2000. I have hunted most of those years, Have taken a few caribou and 2 bear. I look forward to as many trips back as I can while I can. Glad you had a good time,
Great job!!
Thanks for sharing such a great time. I'm sure all of us here are a little envious. :thumbsup:
The photos and your buck were awesome! Thanks for sharing..
AWESOME :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great trip and write up, congrats on your success!
Small world, was good meeting you out there!
Jason
Cool way to do it!
You guys are living the dream. Congrats on a great hunt!
JG:
Was search for goats in the cliff photo, lol.
Fantastic journey..congrats to ya and THXS for sharing the story and pic!
I missed this one the first time around; great hunt in some awesome country. Alaska is truly The Great Land, and you guys got to experience it first hand. Thanks for sharing a grand adventure.
How did I miss this?
Great hunt! Great photos! I'm inspired.
This was a good one, I'm glad that it came back up!!
jealous to say the least. beautiful buck and great pics.
I went back and re-read this! Dreaming of a trip like this!
Great pics and story telling! Thanks! Dream hunt right there :thumbsup:
Beautiful looking pics & nice buck thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
I recognize that beach and that rickety structure.
dream hunt !!!
fantastics pics too
Awsome cool stuff.
Outstanding pictures! I'm envious. :notworthy: Thanks for sharing.