Self-Guided Caribou Hunting in Alaska
Description
Willow Air is now offering a caribou hunt out of McGrath, Alaska, in the mountains. We will land on a high mountain lake above Timber, where you can spend your days glassing for caribou and bears that are eating blueberries in early September. This area has a small resident herd of caribou that has been increasing in numbers for the past few years with almost no hunting pressure.
We have been seeing some nice bulls while flying over the area. This past season I saw large groups of caribou with some exceptional bulls. This herd has barely been hunted for years, and some great bulls should be harvested. There is also a good population of black bears. Wolves and wolverine also travel these mountains. This hunt is 8 days (7 days of hunting).
What to Expect
You will be the only hunters in this area. We only drop off 4 hunters a year in this area to hunt Caribou and other game. Make sure to bring a light fishing rod as there is world class grayling fishing in the lake.
Caribou run the ridgelines and it's not uncommon to see many black bears in the area as well as grizzlies. A bear fence is a good idea, so purchasing one beforehand is recommended. Black bear tags can be purchased online at Alaska Fish and Game website. No wolf tags are needed, and you must be a resident of Alaska or sign up for one of our guided caribou hunts to harvest a Grizzly bear in the area.
The lake you land on is in an incredible valley with mountains surrounding it and high ridgelines reaching 3000ft provide an excellent opportunity to harvest some trophy Caribou.
You will be responsible for bringing all camping gear for this trip. We will fly you into this remote mountain lake from Anchorage. After you harvest your Caribou, you have the opportunity to harvest a black bear, wolf, wolverine or take part in some world-class grayling fishing in the lake.
This is an excellent hunt for groups up to 4 as well as husband and wife hunts.
Gear & Equipment
Here is the list of items you are definitely going to need:
Quality Rain Gear Example Helly Hanson, Kuiu or Sitka Breathable Waders with quality wader boots. Quality Four season tent. Hiking boots Waterproof bags for gear and clothes Good communications via InReach or Sat Phone
Weapon Details
30 Caliber is best and 30-06 has killed everything in Alaska. Smaller calibers have been very successful on Caribou and most shots will be under 200 yards and can range from 100 to 400 yards. Quality power scope is recommended.
Good quality optics, Bino's and spotting scope is recommended 10-50 power for glassing.
Archery Hunters. Min 50lbs and must be proficient. Shots can take place from 10-60 yards. This terrain is very open, and it can be difficult to get within bow range of these animals.
Pricing Details
Season Dates: August 10th - September 30th. All hunts are 9 days, with 8 days of hunting spaced throughout the season. 1/3rd of payment is due to book you for the year you want to hunt. Then January of that year the next 1/3rd is due with final payment due in May of that hunt year.
Terms & Conditions
Payment Information
Hunt Packages are non-refundable Packages booked within 30 days of the hunt must be paid fully at the time of booking No credit cards. Cash and checks only. WE do accept deposits through Venmo Cancellation Policy
No rain checks unless schedule permits Cancelled hunts are not refunded, but a replacement may be found. Gratuities
Customary, but not required Guides: 15-20% of the hunt price is recommended
Camp/Accommodations
Tent Camps will be it. You provide you own tent, food and all camping gear as if you were going on an 8mday hunting/camping trip. all camping gear needed for a 9 day hunting trip. Keep in mind weather plays a very important role in if we can get you in or out of this system You need to understand while we will do everything we can to get you out on time the possibility of you staying in this hunting area until weather clears are a possibility.
Physical Requirements
This is a hard hunt but doable for many in good physical condition. We have had hunters in their 80s perform these hunts. (guided) non guided you will need to be able to hike and climb min elevation, maneuver over mountainous terrain and set up camp, process an animal and haul meat back to lake edge or to camp. Be able to perform these duties daily.
Lastly, weather plays a huge part in planning any Alaskan Hunting trip. Please coordinate with your outfitter and understand if we cannot get in to get your crew out, we will as soon as we can.
Permit & Tag Application Process
Caribou and Black bear tags can be purchased online at the Alaska Fish and Game website.