When did Caribou become a Premier Hunt

[Lou (Louis)]

Caribou- I am noticing the amount of guys pumped for a Caribou only hunt. I have spent quite a bit of time in Caribou country and hunted Caribou. Both Canada and Alaska. I always considered them the easy better then nothing, enjoying the region, kill and put meat in the freezer. Just my perception over the last 30 years. In Newfoundland I have walked close enough to almost touch them. In Alaska many times they have walked thru camp even between my lawn chair and tent as I sat there. We have screwed around acting dumb with our hands above our heads making dumb noises and they came closer to investigate. I often joked it was like shooting your neighbors cow. If they are there they are there. I get a bow stalk would add some complexity especially in open tundra. As numbers seam to have dwindled and cost of hunts sky rocketed I see this now considered a premier hunt. I have buddies from work that are super excited about hunting them. More so then moose which I offered to take them with me on. Instead focusing on Caribou. I revised my typical moose hunt to stay most of the time in Caribou country this year. Its Alaska so either way looking forward to going. But when did this transition happen to it becoming more of a targeted species then meat in the freezer or the side hustle of another hunt. Maybe just me but its what I perceive to have developed. Still will be a great time

Are they good eats?

 

[Nick87]

BTW @Nuts thanks for this and many other threads you've started here in the short time since you joined. Nice to see someone come here who actually likes to talk about hunting for a change. I hope you stick around.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Most caribou population graphs are shaped like this.
If supply trends back up, prices will be more attainable. Guided caribou hunt prices are crazy high right now.

Maybe populations will never rebound, but maybe they will.

 

[Nuts]

Are they good eats?

Good question. Some folks love it and some dont. I have had it out of a smoker and it was very good. I have had backstraps done on a rock 3hrs after it was shot. And hadn't had any red meat for almost 2 weeks. That was disgusting. Still ate it. But if done again seasoning needs to happen

 

[CPAjeff]

Are they good eats?

Caribou are excellent table fare. This photo was taken after the final load of meat was back at camp.



Not sure if it was because we’d been eating Peak Refuel and Mountain House for a few days, or if the meat was truly that good - but it was one of the better steaks I’ve had.

Once home, I did a blind taste test with my wife and kids with caribou, elk, antelope, whitetail, and mule deer. The rankings were consistent across the board - caribou, antelope, elk, whitetail, and finally mule deer.

 

[F250]

Yup. Caribou is my favorite big game meat. I grilled some caribou steaks for a lady I was dating 33 years ago. We were married the following year. She says the caribou steaks sealed the deal !!

 

[SaskHunter]

Glad I've managed to get to do the only NR DIY caribou hunt in Canada before things get worse! Tough and humbling hunt, but it was a hell of a trip and headed back this summer to hike and fish.


Caribou Prairie Oysters! I would compare the meat to moose or elk, it's not phenomenal but it's likely my one and only caribou which makes every bite better!

 

[Lou (Louis)]

Any suggestions for a guided hunt that won't cost me my left testicle?

 

[Nuts]

Any suggestions for a guided hunt that won't cost me my left testicle?

I am not aware of any. If your handy and comfortable in a raft Northwest Outfitters above Glennallen used to offer a float trips in gates of the Artic. Fairly reasonable. Asssume he still does. He provides the gear. You are on your own. Ps: he does not provide sleeping bags. Don't ask.

 

[Mule Kick]

Good thread. For me it’s about the adventure and experience as much as the animal taken. Would I love to do a Dall sheep hunt? Absolutely, but can I afford it? Absolutely not!! I love Alaska and have hunted it twice now. Went in 2017 for moose- $3200 per person for a fly in drop camp.
Went for caribou in the North Brooks range in ‘24 with some great buddies. $4400 each, same type of hunt as the moose- fly in drop camp. Had an amazing time and honestly the caribou hunt was more fun than the moose hunt! Mostly due to great weather on the caribou hunt and not so great on the moose hunt lol. Yes they might be dumb animals but to me it was still an attainable ‘adventure’ hunt and an awesome experience!
A few pics:

 

[Lou (Louis)]

Good thread. For me it’s about the adventure and experience as much as the animal taken. Would I love to do a Dall sheep hunt? Absolutely, but can I afford it? Absolutely not!! I love Alaska and have hunted it twice now. Went in 2017 for moose- $3200 per person for a fly in drop camp.
Went for caribou in the North Brooks range in ‘24 with some great buddies. $4400 each, same type of hunt as the moose- fly in drop camp. Had an amazing time and honestly the caribou hunt was more fun than the moose hunt! Mostly due to great weather on the caribou hunt and not so great on the moose hunt lol. Yes they might be dumb animals but to me it was still an attainable ‘adventure’ hunt and an awesome experience!
A few pics:View attachment 398976View attachment 398977

Cool pics! Thanks for sharing.