Alaska caribou hunting offers adventure for outdoor lovers who enjoy the challenge of hunting big game animals. The state is an amazing place to hunt with its frontier mystique and its vast unspoiled wilderness. The state's big game population continues to thrive and hunters come from around the world to pursue game here. The area can be harsh and unforgiving so visitors should be prepared for challenging weather and other hazards like dangerous river crossings and brown bears.
Every year hunters take about twenty to twenty-five thousand caribou during hunts. While this may seem like a large number, because the state's herds number nearly a million animals, the annual harvest does not have a negative impact on the overall population. The state's caribou population remains strong and stable.
Hunters in Alaska are eligible to shoot both male and female specimens, depending upon the type of permit they hold. Both sexes are antlered, although male animals have much larger antlers. Adult males weigh nearly four hundred pounds, while females often weigh only about half as much. For comparison, they are much larger than deer, but considerably smaller than either elk or moose.
The weather can be harsh anytime of the year so individuals should be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions. Snow can occur in any month and strong winds can hinder visibility. Hypothermia can be a serious threat to people who are unprepared for wet cold weather. In warmer months, mosquitoes can also be a nuisance.
To prevent an unfriendly bear encounter hunters should field dress their kill as quickly as possible and pack out the meat. If it is impossible to pack out all of the meat, the remainder that cannot be transported should be suspended in a tree high enough so a bear is unable to reach it. If that is not possible it should be cached in odor blocking bags in an open area with high visibility. If a bear does find the meat, hunters should not attempt to chase the bear away. The meat has probably already been spoiled and trying to extricate a bear from a kill site is a dangerous idea.
Hunters in Alaska need to be equipped to handle life threatening situations. Caribou hunters often fly into the interior where there are few if any roads and where the weather can turn brutal in a manner of hours. Hunters should be prepared with survival kits and the skills necessary to use them. Poor judgement can be a matter of life and death on the tundra.
Hunters need to make sure they are familiar with the rules and regulations for where and when they are hunting. Laws to prevent poaching are enforced and fines can be hefty. In addition, hunters need to be mindful of private property rights and respect posted signs on private lands. Responsible land stewardship should also be practiced. Pick up after yourself and leave the area in the same natural condition you found it in, if at all possible.
Alaska caribou hunting can be fun and adventurous. The state's thriving population makes for ample hunting opportunities. This rewarding game animal is common but often lives in hard to reach areas. For this reason, hunters need to be well equipped with survival gear and well seasoned in survival skills.
Every year hunters take about twenty to twenty-five thousand caribou during hunts. While this may seem like a large number, because the state's herds number nearly a million animals, the annual harvest does not have a negative impact on the overall population. The state's caribou population remains strong and stable.
Hunters in Alaska are eligible to shoot both male and female specimens, depending upon the type of permit they hold. Both sexes are antlered, although male animals have much larger antlers. Adult males weigh nearly four hundred pounds, while females often weigh only about half as much. For comparison, they are much larger than deer, but considerably smaller than either elk or moose.
The weather can be harsh anytime of the year so individuals should be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions. Snow can occur in any month and strong winds can hinder visibility. Hypothermia can be a serious threat to people who are unprepared for wet cold weather. In warmer months, mosquitoes can also be a nuisance.
To prevent an unfriendly bear encounter hunters should field dress their kill as quickly as possible and pack out the meat. If it is impossible to pack out all of the meat, the remainder that cannot be transported should be suspended in a tree high enough so a bear is unable to reach it. If that is not possible it should be cached in odor blocking bags in an open area with high visibility. If a bear does find the meat, hunters should not attempt to chase the bear away. The meat has probably already been spoiled and trying to extricate a bear from a kill site is a dangerous idea.
Hunters in Alaska need to be equipped to handle life threatening situations. Caribou hunters often fly into the interior where there are few if any roads and where the weather can turn brutal in a manner of hours. Hunters should be prepared with survival kits and the skills necessary to use them. Poor judgement can be a matter of life and death on the tundra.
Hunters need to make sure they are familiar with the rules and regulations for where and when they are hunting. Laws to prevent poaching are enforced and fines can be hefty. In addition, hunters need to be mindful of private property rights and respect posted signs on private lands. Responsible land stewardship should also be practiced. Pick up after yourself and leave the area in the same natural condition you found it in, if at all possible.
Alaska caribou hunting can be fun and adventurous. The state's thriving population makes for ample hunting opportunities. This rewarding game animal is common but often lives in hard to reach areas. For this reason, hunters need to be well equipped with survival gear and well seasoned in survival skills.
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