Hi Guys,
just wondering if anybody has some input on caribou bowhunting and what is the usual shot distance. any DIY bou hunters out there?

Thanks,
Dave

I just got back from Newfoundland moose hunting, no caribou tags. Could have hit several p&y bucks with a rock. ( I have pics that would make you sick!) Of course, had I had tags, they would have not been around! These were Woodland bou, from what my guide said that IF they are rutting they are close shots. That is the extent of my caribou knowledge..interested in what you are planning and responses you get. I got the bou bug bad, but they are on the decline in NF from what I hear.

I've killed two, both within 10 yards, but passed many shots further out.  If you can set up on a commonly used crossing/trail you can get them pretty close.  Basically, we'd see them coming, try to figure where they would go and get in front of them.  Once they are past you they are gone.  Practice walking speed shots; caribou seldom stop moving and then not for long.

When I went to Newfoundland, everyone told me "shots will be 40 yards or more, take a compound". I killed my caribou at 13 steps.

I've killed 3. One was 55 yards (recurve) the other two were closer to 30-35. It would not hurt you to practice out to 50 yards, hoping you don't need to shoot that far, but the investment in a trip like that I would like to be prepared. On the trips I was on  close shots were  the exception.

I shot two a few years back.  The first was just under 30 and the second just over 20.

Mike

Killed both of mine under 15 yards. I was hunting in Labrador and the terrain I hunted lent itself very well to close shots. I don't think a 30 yard shot on a caribou would be all that difficult or unreasonable. Like Fletcher said practice walking shots. Both of my bulls were walking when I shot them. Hit one kinda far back but he didn't go too far. On the other one I aimed at his front shoulder as he was moving and hit him perfectly as he walked into the arrow. The caribou I hunt went on was one of the most fun outdoor experiences I've ever had. I'd hunt them annually if I could afford to do so.

My two experiences in Alaska hunting them was frustrating for the bow hunters.  The critters were always on the move, and we could not get any shots under 50 yards.  When they stopped, they were in large groups and in flat wide open terrain.  

Like others said, practice moving shots at long distances.  

Being confident and prepared is a great asset...and I hope the big boy stops broadside at 12 yards for you.  

Caribou is one of my dream hunts, looking forward to the info you get back

On caribou hunts in Quebec; it was relatively easy to set up for close shots, as they came out of the water, funneled through trees, or crossed streams. I shot 3 bulls, and the longest shot was 15 yards. 2 of the 3 were walking shots.

I hunted once near the haul road in Alaska, and had a hard time getting close. I finally found a good ridge crossing, and had several in range, but got snowed out before a good bull came by.

Where you are going will have much to do with the distances you may be forced to shoot. My Eastern Canada Bulls were all shot under 20 yards.  I have killed them in Alaska both near and far.  Up to my maximum shooting distance of 30 yards.  Judging distances on open tundra can be very difficult.

Similar experiences to others here. I've killed them from 6 to 30+ yards. I don't think there's an average to consider. If you can't reliably hit them at 40 yards then you might want to avoid the truly flat tundra with no rocks or trees. Hunting there is akin to hunting antelope in Kansas...frustrating. Another frustrating thing about caribou is that they are movers, seldom standing still and waiting on your shot to happen. Shoot them walking at close range if you must, but they move deceptively fast. A walking caribou at 40 yards is going to move a lot of inches between the time your brain says "shoot" and when the arrow arrives. I shot a 'walker' at 32 yards and nailed him good, but had been practicing the moving shot all summer.

Same here. Killed a one while sitting on game trails at 18 yards and another spot and stalk above tree line at 10 yards. My buddy killed his 2 at 8 yards as it walked by him and then at 20 yards spot and stalk again above timber line.
I would never feel comfortable taking a shot past 25 yards. Heck I passed on a couple inside of 20 because of super high winds.

My 2 were killed in Northern Quebec. First was about 16-18 yards and the 2nd was about 25. I think the caribou up there are much easier to get close to.
At this time I wouldn't really recommend Quebec as a destination due to all the hunters that lost their money and hunts.
In Alaska I think you would be getting longer shots as cover will limit how close you can get.

My five were all close, Mountain 9 yards, Que 23 yards, Barren Ground 15 yards, Woodland 15 yards and central barren Ground 8 yards. Keeping the wind in your face was the most important thing to me, I had several within arms reach as long as the wind was good.

WOW,
caribou hunting sounds fun, can't wait!
Thank you guys for all the great advise. Keep those stories coming.

 

Can anyone give recommendations on outfitters??

I just got back from Alaska this Fall...2-man DIY Drop Hunt with RAM Air Service...we flew out of Kotzebue...they run a tight ship, and I recommend them without hesitation...fantastic experience...!

Practice, Practice, Practice at longer yardages, & hope for a short shot...not much for cover in a lot of areas...Shot my bull at 44 yards...

I shot 2 in northern Quebec many years ago. One was about 35 yards and one was about 12 yards. Just before I shot the second one I was standing next to a tree and had the hood of my raincoat over my head and was looking down at my feet so as to not make eye contact with some caribou coming toward me. The next thing I knew I could see caribou feet, that is "kissing close".
Jack