Species: Caribou

Caribou

Though Caribou exist in northern latitudes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the only opportunity available to the non-guided hunter is found in Alaska.  Fortunatley, the numbers of animals, and the easy access to tags, is great, offsetting the logistics the On Your Own hunter faces in planning a hunt in Alaska.  There are many transporters who will fly you to hunting areas and some will provide camping gear necessary for the duration of your hunt.

Most caribou seasons will start in early August, prior to the migrations, and while the bulls are still in velvet.  Many hunters prefer to wait until early September, when the bulls antlers are hard, and the migrations are starting.  And, those pesky mosquitoes are less of a hassle, as the weather cools in September.

Caribou hunting is a easy or difficult as you make it.  If you find yourself in the middle of a migration, finding a bull is not a problem.  Some will add challenge by looking for a bull with a certain size or antler configuration, or use archery tackle.  And some will wait until later in season, where the winters of Alaska come early, and the weather and conditions become the greates obstacles.

Alaska has some of the greatest hunting opportunities in the world.  But anyone who has spent much time studying their regulations know that you need to pay careful attention to where non-resident hunting is allowed, and any specific restrictions that apply to non-residents.  Many of the interior caribou herds are open only to residents, or open to non-residents by drawing or during a very limited window.

If you have pictures of caribou you want to share with other On Your Own hunters, please email them to office@onyourownadventures.com