I know everyone is gearing up for elk and deer, but tell us your caribou hunting stories.
Anyone headed north for bou' this year?

Not this year but will be up there 2010. I can't wait. This will be my 4th time but 1st with trad gear. The last 2 were with a wheelie bow because the 2nd outfitter told me to expect 40 yds shots.
The last outfitter I was with had "archery experienced" guides and I took both my 'bous at less than 20yds.

If you are thinking of planning a trip my advice would be don't take the outfitter's word that he is "archery experienced", call and talk other archers who have recently hunted with him. Also beware of the outfitter that has a high turnover rate with his guides.

Thanks Maxflight, awesome advice.
One of these years I'll get up there.

Skip the guide and head for the biggest archery only hunting area in the world, the Dalton hwy controlled use area. Go after September 1st if you fail to put a stalk on a Bou there are about 10 million geese and ducks to chase. Moose and black bear are also fair game on the drive up from Fairbanks for non residents, residents can add Dall sheep and Brown bear. The haul road is my favorite place on earth but not at all forgiving so be prepared. Don't forget a fly rod the streams along the haul road are some of the best road access fishing for char and grayling in the state of Alaska. If you go with a group don't be the first to harvest a Bull. Be the second, Bou are so curious when you stop to field dress your buddies critter they will come see why you stopped chasing them. I once stopped to help a friend field dress his Bou, when we looked up from our task there were 2 bulls and a cow watching us from about 10 yards!

Because there is nothing to provide cover on the slope act like you could care less about the caribou, stalk a ptarmigan or duck near the bull you want. If your acting like your chasing something else curiosity will hold that Bou in place act like he's dinner and he'll turn into a ghost.