Hey all,
My father and I have been tossing around the idea of a DIY bou hunt. We have discussed the options for types of hunts and are liking the idea of hunting the haul road. We both think it could be a great time and doing it how we are thinking would be very cost effective between the two of us. We both have a large amount of vacation time from work and are considering driving up and using our own truck (Ram Power Wagon with a cap) for the hunt. I have come here for some input after doing a lot of searching through threads both here and other sites. All the threads seem to be older so I thought maybe it was time for a new thread. I want the pros and cons of the haul road? Can it be successful? Is the herd really struggling like everyone says? How much pressure does it really get and so on. Below is a list of some other questions that have initially come up.
Would our truck be suitable for the haul road?
What does it take to be archery certified in Alaska?
What are the laws regarding pulling off the road to camp or hunt? (I have read about people getting ticketed)
Do they have designated pull offs/camping or can we stop wherever we want as long as we are far enough off the road?
Does the pressure really thin out when you get 1-2 miles from the road?
How far north of Fairbanks do you have to go in late August to get to the bou? and How long does this take?
Whats the weather like in general that of year on the North Slope?
If we do take a bou would we be able to drop the boned out meat in Fairbanks to be processed and froze if we are close to end of the trip? Do any towns along the Dalton have places that can process and freeze if we still have more hunting to be done? We are thinking frozen meat in coolers with dry ice for the trip back home? (I know this may take a day or two to be processed and frozen)
As well some input on gear would be great. I have a lot of backpack hunting gear and wouldn't be opposed to spiking out a few days. if you have a gear list you may have used or some items you think are essential throw them out to me.
I guess all in all I am looking for the good, bad and ugly, but most of all I want to hear about your success and if the trip is worth it. As always feel free to PM me if you don't want to discuss things in the thread or want to communicate via other methods.
Thanks in advanced Alan.
My father and I have been tossing around the idea of a DIY bou hunt. We have discussed the options for types of hunts and are liking the idea of hunting the haul road. We both think it could be a great time and doing it how we are thinking would be very cost effective between the two of us. We both have a large amount of vacation time from work and are considering driving up and using our own truck (Ram Power Wagon with a cap) for the hunt. I have come here for some input after doing a lot of searching through threads both here and other sites. All the threads seem to be older so I thought maybe it was time for a new thread. I want the pros and cons of the haul road? Can it be successful? Is the herd really struggling like everyone says? How much pressure does it really get and so on. Below is a list of some other questions that have initially come up.
Would our truck be suitable for the haul road?
What does it take to be archery certified in Alaska?
What are the laws regarding pulling off the road to camp or hunt? (I have read about people getting ticketed)
Do they have designated pull offs/camping or can we stop wherever we want as long as we are far enough off the road?
Does the pressure really thin out when you get 1-2 miles from the road?
How far north of Fairbanks do you have to go in late August to get to the bou? and How long does this take?
Whats the weather like in general that of year on the North Slope?
If we do take a bou would we be able to drop the boned out meat in Fairbanks to be processed and froze if we are close to end of the trip? Do any towns along the Dalton have places that can process and freeze if we still have more hunting to be done? We are thinking frozen meat in coolers with dry ice for the trip back home? (I know this may take a day or two to be processed and frozen)
As well some input on gear would be great. I have a lot of backpack hunting gear and wouldn't be opposed to spiking out a few days. if you have a gear list you may have used or some items you think are essential throw them out to me.
I guess all in all I am looking for the good, bad and ugly, but most of all I want to hear about your success and if the trip is worth it. As always feel free to PM me if you don't want to discuss things in the thread or want to communicate via other methods.
Thanks in advanced Alan.