Our camp in NW Alaska was serviceable. The tarp stretched over the alder sufficed as a shelter to prepare dinner underneath.
September 03, 2021
Query: I’ve a burning want to bowhunt caribou, however guided hunts have gotten so costly I’ve to go DIY. I understand that limits me to Alaska. Bought any recommendation? Kimberly B., through e-mail
Reply: I simply returned from a DIY caribou hunt in Alaska. First, analysis “transporters,” as they are going to fly you in by bush airplane. These flight companies are usually busy, so ebook early.
Be certain your transporter flies into areas conducive to bowhunting. Extensive-open Alaskan tundra is not any place for a bowhunter, however your pilot will know the place the bowhunting areas are, and extra importantly, the place the caribou are. Remember that as of this writing, the Biden Administration’s Federal Subsistence Board was deciding whether or not to shut off two huge areas (GMUs 23 and 26A) to non-local looking, so do a little analysis if you happen to hope to hunt the Western Arctic herd in these models.
Subsequent, begin a listing, since you’ll be doing all of it by yourself. I bought all my dehydrated meals, snacks, and different nonperishable meals for the complete journey for 3 individuals for eight days plus two, simply in case Mom Nature stranded us. I put the meals, a JetBoil range, ropes, tarps, on the spot espresso and sizzling chocolate, cutlery, lantern, first-aid equipment, 2.6-gallon water bag, frying pan (for tenderloins), salt/pepper, and numerous different objects in a heavy-duty tote. Don’t overlook to incorporate a water-filtration pump. Don’t drink any water that isn’t filtered or boiled. I sealed the tote and shipped it by USPS (not UPS or FedEx) to my transporter in Kotzebue, AK. Ship it nicely prematurely, so you already know will probably be there once you arrive.
Since you may’t ship or carry-on butane in your JetBoil, you will have to buy it by telephone within the village you intend to fly into and have it delivered to your transporter. There was a scarcity final fall, so don’t wait till you arrive to accumulate it. We additionally packed an ultra-light backup range. With out flame, you’re in hassle.
As an alternative of 1 giant, heavy tent, we opted to every convey a light-weight private backpacking tent. My two-person Hilleberg weighed solely 5 kilos. We additionally packed ultra-lightweight Helinox chairs, since you want a spot to take a seat.
Footwear is essential. It’s seemingly you’ll need to wade water sooner or later, so we went with two choices. I favor to put on Kenetrek boots and gaiters, which permit me to shortly wade shallow water with out getting moist. For the wetter purposes, I put on Simms breathable stocking foot waders with their Information Boots. I’ve worn this mixture on three brown bear hunts and one caribou hunt, and they’re implausible. You keep dry in a downpour or once you sit on the bottom, and also you solely want a rain jacket. Hip boots are laborious in your toes and ankles, and also you’ll must put on rain pants in addition to a jacket. High quality raingear is a necessity.
That’s additionally true for a sleeping bag. I grabbed my 20-degree bag as an alternative of a 0-degree bag and paid for that mistake. A pad that insulates can also be a good suggestion, particularly if the bottom is frozen.
What’s left ought to be your traditional looking gear and clothes, which should be high-quality and light-weight, as a result of your pilot could have a weight restrict. Ours was 80 kilos every. I extremely suggest an InReach, or another methodology of communication with the skin world. Make a listing, verify it typically, then verify it once more. And good luck.
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