Questions on Caribou in Alaska

[Brohawk]

I'm planning a trip to Alaska in 2013.  Between now and then I'm going for a couple seasons whitetail and hogs here in SC.

Have any of you guys hunted caribou in Alaska?

I'm wondering about things like:

- How hard is it to stalk them?

- Any tips to increase my chances?

- I'm currently shooting a 46# recurve.  Is this enough bow for an animal that size?  

- Anything else that you think might be helpful...

Thanks in advance.

[LKH]

How hard is it to stalk them?  Depends on the country.  Haul road is difficult, but I have taken 10 w/longbow since 96.

- Any tips to increase my chances?  Light colored clothing.  green/white plaid and light brown works

- I'm currently shooting a 46# recurve. Is this enough bow for an animal that size?   Yes, the haul road ones aren't much over 350 pounds and you will do fine.

- Anything else that you think might be helpful... booney hat.  put grass in loops.
Hunt where they are going, not where they are.  Take every chance, don't wait for the perfect one.

never try to shoot if you can see their eye.

.

[Bowmania]

What herd are you going to hunt?

Bowmania

[Brohawk]

Originally posted by Bowmania:
What herd are you going to hunt?

Bowmania

My friend up there has talked about the 40 Mile herd.  We have two years to come up with a final plan.

[eidsvolling]

Something you always want to keep in mind when planning an Alaska hunt is emergency closures by the Department of Fish and Game.  This example from last fall will be an eye opener, I suppose:
  State to close Fortymile caribou hunt after one day .

[DTD]

Brohawk,
Make sure you have good quality, breathable rain gear. It's either raining or the wind is blowing almost all the time-either way, the rain gear will help. I would also take a pair of water proof gloves.
Doug

[DTD]

Also, I would think about carrying a sidearm. I carried a 44 mag with me everywhere I went.

[J. Oles]

Check out Adak Island when making your plans.

Numbers are up there.

[tpanic41]

What LKH said... Hunt where they are going, and don't pass up good oportunities at any decent bull.
Good luck!
Kevin

[Bill Sant]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you are hunting along with the gun hunters.  With the exception of the Haul Road, (which is archery only) you will have large numbers of locals hunting, unless you get off the road system.  Can be spendy, but do able.  We go to the Haul Road every year in early August and usually have all the fun we can handle.  What LKH said in answering your individual questions was spot on.  I'd add one word to his answers and that would be GHILLIE.  Pm me if you need more info, would be glad to help.