Questions about DIY hunt

[Tm33]

So I have a lot of questions about a DIY caribou hunt in AK. I always loved Alaska and I wanted to try and get a caribou at some point in my life. I have a good bit of time to plan and I was wondering how difficult it is, what do I need to prepare for physically and mentally and what is the easiest way to get a decent caribou. I will also most likely have a friend with me. This might sound dumb but I would love to do it with my 30-30, it’s just a light, great shooting rifle and fits me perfectly (and I mean perfect). If anyone can help that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[B_peschke87]

We just booked a hunt on the north slope, will be my first trip to Alaska. There is a ton of info on here if you just go back and read forums. From what I have read if you think you are in shape get in better shape and walking on tundra seems to be a nightmare. Got 2-1/2 years to dial it all in but cant wait to get there. We are book with arrowhead outfitters fly in DIY

 

[VernAK]

Stay in this chat room and search old threads as there's a ton of information on this site.

Be aware that caribou herds across North America are suffering huge losses and I don't see an end to the decline.

 

[jingalls]

If you’re going to go…then GO! Don’t wait! Time slips by, things change, and then your opportunity is missed. When I was a young man caribou were over abundant and tags were given two at a time. Start walking, climbing hills if you have them or stadium stairs if you don’t! Add a pack with weight in it when what you’re doing seems easy. Then the very first season that your able go. Don’t let another year slip by!!!

 

[rayporter]

^^^
what he said

its been almost ten years since i went and it has only gotten worse.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

I would recommend a different caliber simply for more range. We’ve harvested caribou at 25yds and at 670yds. Caribou are where they are when they are there. They move fast and don’t stop.

 

[Karlburns]

This caribou got shot with a 30-30 from about 50 feet away. The 30-30 was one of two rifles carried up a steep hill after crossing two valleys following this one and the bigger one I took with the other rifle. This was in 2020.

 

[Karlburns]

This caribou got shot with a 6.5 Creedmoor from 450 yards. There was no more cover and a deep ravine between us that limited closing anymore ground. That would not have been a makeable or ethical shot with my 30-30. This one is from this past fall 2023.

 

[justinspicher]

Have you looked into the latest closures for non residents?

 

[Karlburns]

It’s not just non residents if it makes you all feel better. The heavy snow the past few years plus the over harvesting a few years ago decimated one of the herds. Not the one up north most non residents go after though.

 

[nick2021]

Wait til you get to walk the tundra….that is something….NOBODY forgets! Lol