Alaska 2026 Caribou/Moose Hunt Air Charters

[EWpres]

Hey guys!

My buddy and I are putting together a 10-day hunt in Alaska next fall, and I'm in the process of contacting air charters, raft rental companies, etc. The dream is to do a float hunt, most likely targeting caribou (but I'll probably grab a moose tag as well) in the southern Brooks Range area. I've identified a handful of rivers that are likely to be safely navigable for novice rafters like ourselves and the hunting units where a NR can go without a permit.

A lot of information on trusted air charters and rental companies is outdated, so I'm wondering if anyone has any recent personal experience with charter services in that region? Good or bad, I'd like to hear it. I went backpacking in the Brooks Range in 2016 and chartered with Coyote Air and had a good experience with them. But I'd like to hear others' opinions.

This is my first dedicated hunt in Alaska, though I've been there four times, so I do have some idea of what I'm getting into. Though a float hunt is the dream, I'm open to suggestions for other fun hunts where adventure is the goal; harvesting an animal is just the icing on the cake.

I appreciate your input!

 

[Magnum Sherpa]

I’m headed there in 6 weeks. After that I can let you know how it went. I have heard of a lot of guys doing float hunts for moose, but not really for caribou. I guess anything is possible though.

 

[kiwi hunter]

Sounds like a great idea. Following (flowing along).

 

[Gellar]

Sounds like an adventure. I’d focus on one critter either a caribou or a moose or vice versa and consider the other a bonus when you choose your locations. I’ll look forward to following along as you plan and ultimately report back on your trip!

 

[glass eye]

I searched and couldn’t find anyone to even respond to emails about getting dropped off for a float hunt at some headwaters in the southern Brooks Range.
So I decided to try North Slope again in September.

 

[EWpres]

Sounds like an adventure. I’d focus on one critter either a caribou or a moose or vice versa and consider the other a bonus when you choose your locations. I’ll look forward to following along as you plan and ultimately report back on your trip!

I agree with you on that. I was leaning toward picking a river or geographical area that would be fun, and then focusing on whichever animal is most likely to be there. Kind of backwards, but the adventure is 90% of it.

 

[EWpres]

I searched and couldn’t find anyone to even respond to emails about getting dropped off for a float hunt at some headwaters in the southern Brooks Range.
So I decided to try North Slope again in September.

So you've attempted this very thing already? How was the north slope?

 

[Gellar]

I agree with you on that. I was leaning toward picking a river or geographical area that would be fun, and then focusing on whichever animal is most likely to be there. Kind of backwards, but the adventure is 90% of it.

Sounds like a good plan!

 

[glass eye]

So you've attempted this very thing already? How was the north slope?

I was dropped off in the rifle zone by airboat and I floated out. What they don’t tell you is that there are hunting camps every mile on both sides of the river.
I only saw one small group of caribou that looked like cows or small bulls and there were guys chasing them.
After a week of nothing I moved on to other things driving around and exploring Alaska.
It’s definitely migration dependent.
I’m going to try it again but not hiring an airboat.

 

[EWpres]

I was dropped off in the rifle zone by airboat and I floated out. What they don’t tell you is that there are hunting camps every mile on both sides of the river.
I only saw one small group of caribou that looked like cows or small bulls and there were guys chasing them.
After a week of nothing I moved on to other things driving around and exploring Alaska.
It’s definitely migration dependent.
I’m going to try it again but not hiring an airboat.
View attachment 378195View attachment 378196

Well damn. That's good to know. Looks like the dog had a good time for sure. Would you mind sharing with me in a private message which river to avoid? I understand if you don't want to share.

 

[seeth07]

I’m going to try it again but not hiring an airboat.

What are you doing different this time

 

[glass eye]

@EWpres and @seeth07
I plan on a different route and taking my inflatable boat that drafts in 2" water. My outboard will be susceptible to rocks so I have to take it slow and try and stay in the deep end. If I have to push/pull it through shallows it won't be too difficult .
No guarantees that I'll be alone but I doubt that it will be any worse than following the crowds. There's a lot of traffic on the Sag, Ivishak, and Echooka rivers. Besides the multiple airboat taxis there are also numerous Alaskans in their own boats.

 

[Willow Air]

Hey guys!

My buddy and I are putting together a 10-day hunt in Alaska next fall, and I'm in the process of contacting air charters, raft rental companies, etc. The dream is to do a float hunt, most likely targeting caribou (but I'll probably grab a moose tag as well) in the southern Brooks Range area. I've identified a handful of rivers that are likely to be safely navigable for novice rafters like ourselves and the hunting units where a NR can go without a permit.

A lot of information on trusted air charters and rental companies is outdated, so I'm wondering if anyone has any recent personal experience with charter services in that region? Good or bad, I'd like to hear it. I went backpacking in the Brooks Range in 2016 and chartered with Coyote Air and had a good experience with them. But I'd like to hear others' opinions.

This is my first dedicated hunt in Alaska, though I've been there four times, so I do have some idea of what I'm getting into. Though a float hunt is the dream, I'm open to suggestions for other fun hunts where adventure is the goal; harvesting an animal is just the icing on the cake.

I appreciate your input!

we just heard it this through a hunter that received the same call. We are providing transportation services for Caribou hunters if needed. Contact me at [email protected] if you need to get into the field and feel free to share info. Thank you

 

[EWpres]

we just heard it this through a hunter that received the same call. We are providing transportation services for Caribou hunters if needed. Contact me at [email protected] if you need to get into the field and feel free to share info. Thank you

Thanks for sharing this!

 

[rlg1965]

I was dropped off in the rifle zone by airboat and I floated out. What they don’t tell you is that there are hunting camps every mile on both sides of the river.
I only saw one small group of caribou that looked like cows or small bulls and there were guys chasing them.
After a week of nothing I moved on to other things driving around and exploring Alaska.
It’s definitely migration dependent.
I’m going to try it again but not hiring an airboat.
View attachment 378195View attachment 378196

Great pics! Looks like it was an awesome adventure! Gonna try and make mine happen fall of 2027! Would love to chat about your experience and perhaps gain some knowledge?
Happy Hunting!

 

[rlg1965]

Hey guys!

My buddy and I are putting together a 10-day hunt in Alaska next fall, and I'm in the process of contacting air charters, raft rental companies, etc. The dream is to do a float hunt, most likely targeting caribou (but I'll probably grab a moose tag as well) in the southern Brooks Range area. I've identified a handful of rivers that are likely to be safely navigable for novice rafters like ourselves and the hunting units where a NR can go without a permit.

A lot of information on trusted air charters and rental companies is outdated, so I'm wondering if anyone has any recent personal experience with charter services in that region? Good or bad, I'd like to hear it. I went backpacking in the Brooks Range in 2016 and chartered with Coyote Air and had a good experience with them. But I'd like to hear others' opinions.

This is my first dedicated hunt in Alaska, though I've been there four times, so I do have some idea of what I'm getting into. Though a float hunt is the dream, I'm open to suggestions for other fun hunts where adventure is the goal; harvesting an animal is just the icing on the cake.

I appreciate your input!

I am trying to plan a trip on Dalton hwy fall 2027... Would love to keep chatting with you for advice and info? Good luck in 2026!! I ll keep an eye on your posts!

 

[Willow Air]

We don’t offer a float for both species but do specialize in moose float hunts. If interested please contact me and I’d love to help.
We do provide services for fly in for caribou. Contact me I’ll help.

 

[rlg1965]

Willow Air.... do you have a website?

 

[Willow Air]

Willow Air.... do you have a website?

www.WillowAir.com

 

[Willow Air]

I am trying to plan a trip on Dalton hwy fall 2027... Would love to keep chatting with you for advice and info? Good luck in 2026!! I ll keep an eye on your posts!

We can help.. just let us know