Upcoming AK Caribou hunt

[Cornell Cowboy]

Is a spotting scope recommended? Most of my hunts I can get away with just my 12x Binos. My scope and tripod setup are 7.5 lbs so not terrible. I still have 30 lbs to play with on my weight allotment.
My other thoughts are, if I need to see something with my spotting scope, is it really worth walking that distance in the tundra?

I bought a more compact tripod to shave weight, but I was glad I brought the spotter. Plus it was nice for digiscoping.

 

[Bluffgruff]

Is a spotting scope recommended? Most of my hunts I can get away with just my 12x Binos. My scope and tripod setup are 7.5 lbs so not terrible. I still have 30 lbs to play with on my weight allotment.
My other thoughts are, if I need to see something with my spotting scope, is it really worth walking that distance in the tundra?

I have taken my 7lb tripod/spotter combo both times and wouldn't consider leaving it at home. Invaluable tool

 

[Poke 'Em]

Is a spotting scope recommended? Most of my hunts I can get away with just my 12x Binos. My scope and tripod setup are 7.5 lbs so not terrible. I still have 30 lbs to play with on my weight allotment.
My other thoughts are, if I need to see something with my spotting scope, is it really worth walking that distance in the tundra?

Depends on how picky you are.

 

[PRCPharaoh]

Yes I think Steve is the new owner? He was already part owner last year I believe? He was there and was a great guy, as was the whole crew we had a blast, here are a few pics to get you excited
View attachment 377479View attachment 377480View attachment 377481

Those are some nice bulls. Congrats!

 

[rlg1965]

So I'm going on my first Caribou hunt in August this year and am starting to put my gear together. While starting to order some extra items I think I'll need, I've begun to wonder what I can and can't be without based on my weight limitations since this will be a fly-in DIY.
Obviously, an in-reach, medical kit, water filtration and those types of things are a no-brainer.

This will be a solo hunt (I have no friends ) and that is how I typically hunt unless my dog is with me. I have allocated up to 12 days for this hunt unless success comes sooner.

With that, this will also be my first time on the north slope and am wondering how the bugs will be in early to mid-august. Should I invest in a floor for my floorless Seek tipi?

Should I invest in snow stakes for my tent while on the tundra (to help anchor it in the spongy soil/biomass)

What should I expect for rain and temperature?

Is fire doable, or should I leave the tent stove at home?

For those of you with tundra hunting/camping experience, what are some items you feel are a must have for camp comfort and that can also be put in a bush plane without too much weight addition?

How should I keep meat separated from my camp area, or do I keep it inside the e-wire area? I am just now putting together an awesome lightweight bear- fence brought forward in a post made by @Poke 'Em a few years back.

TIA- Can't believe this hunt is only four weeks away after booking it over two years ago.

Sounds like a great trip! Good luck! I did some time in Lacrosse WI... Go Pack Go! I have a Dalton Hwy trip planned for August 2027! Would love to talk to you about your trips and plans and gear? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[coleslaw]

Sounds like a great trip! Good luck! I did some time in Lacrosse WI... Go Pack Go! I have a Dalton Hwy trip planned for August 2027! Would love to talk to you about your trips and plans and gear? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Just PM me

 

[rlg1965]

Sorry... new to this forum stuff? What is PM? Personal Message?

 

[kansasdad]

Sorry... new to this forum stuff? What is PM? Personal Message?

Correct.

To start a 1-1 (or group private chat, go to the red circled spot on your page as circled in red in the screenshot

 

[HeavyMetalGunner]

I'm of no help here but I wanna be along for the ride as Caribou is my dream hunt for the future. Best of luck I hope you get a nice one.

 

[coleslaw]

After six days of seeing nothing, I had a small bull come within a mile of camp, so I tagged out on him. Just luck of the draw, as I was one of the only hunters who didn't have bulls walking by every day. I saw some other small bulls and a bunch of cows anywhere from 2-5 miles from camp, but as others have mentioned, walking in the tundra can be pretty awful, especially in the early season. I made a play on one other good sized bull (the only one I would have mounted) but by the time I got to were i spotted him, he was gone. Crazy how they disappear, but they are constantly moving.

Speaking of early season, the mosquitoes were as advertised... Just awful. If the temperatures were over 35 degrees, you got swarmed. The tundra is the perfect breeding ground for them. Best defense was wearing my goretex jacket with a headnet, but as soon as the sun comes out, you start sweating your ass off. Walking over two miles in the tundra sucks. Not the worst walk, but I wore my regular hiking boots for ankle support (lots of tufts and heaves) and my feet were constantly wet. I tried the hip waders, but they provided no ankle support.

If I'm being honest, for the price, planning, and logistics, I probably should have went to Africa and stacked plains game and been wined and dined every night. Glad I finally did this hunt, and if I ever do it again, it will be as late as possible to hunt hard-horned caribou during the migration and better temperatures.

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[jdf]

Congratulations. For sure bugs were horrible. We got eaten like crazy !