The Alaskan caribou migration can help you fill a tag on one of these huge antlered members of the deer family. Hiring the right outfitter will help you be in the right place at the right time to make your dreams come true. Bob Summers and the rest of the staff at Deltana Outfitters guide hunters to over 50 caribou a season. Here’s what he had to say about the hunt.
How Do You Access Such Remote Hunting Areas?
Summers and his crew hunt the Brooks Range of Alaska, one of the most remote locations in North America. To get to the hunting grounds, hunters drive to base camp (usually after taking a commercial flight to get to Alaska), then take a ride in either a single seat Super Cub or a four seat Maule. Flights vary from 30 miles to 190 miles based on the current location of the caribou herd. To get an idea of the remoteness of Deltana Outfitters’ hunting area, understand that it is roughly the size of the eastern United States from West Virginia to Maine.
When Does the Caribou Migration Take Place?
Summers said, “In July and August they’ll come across from Canada. The herd is about 60,000, but you don’t see them all at once. You could see 2,000, 3000, or 4,000 at a time. They kind of go in waves. They’re going to go where it’s windy. You’ll see them just take off and run for no reason. The bugs just get up their nose and drive them crazy. But usually by the sixth or seventh of August we’ve had enough frost that that’s not an issue.” While it’s possible to see huge groups of caribou on the hunt, Summers said that most hunters can expect to see around 1,000 animals on a two-day hunt.
If You’re Not Hunting a Migrating Herd, Can You Still Have a Good Hunt?
Summers said, “Oh my goodness, Yes! They’re all there. Right now, we’re hunting way out west and they’re just there. They’re not going anywhere. They’ll move around a lot. If it gets hot, they’ll run into the gates of the Arctic National Park because we hunt right by the foothills. They go up high, but as soon as it cools down they come right back out.”
Weapon Options Abound
Hunters chasing Alaskan caribou are free to hunt with rifles, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment. Summers said that any caliber you would use for deer or elk would work well on a caribou hunt. According to Summers, “An average shot is a 150-200 yards for rifle hunters and muzzleloader guys. Bowhunters, of course, are getting in a lot closer.” He also guides some long-range hunters who extend their shots to as far as 500-600 yards.
Prepare Yourself
Summers said the best way for a hunter to prepare for a caribou hunt is to hike with a weighted pack. He said, “It’s not a super physical hunt. It’s not like you’re going on a sheep hunt or climbing. But some of the areas are hilly and a lot of guys don’t show up in the shape that need to show up in. [The caribou] don’t always walk by the tent. I’ve had guys see a monster bull out there at 2-3 miles and they just can’t get there.” Tips From a Pro: Conditioning will help you get prepared for your hunt.
Big Time Trophies
An SCI record book bull is a minimum of 360 inches. Summers said, “If a guy is patient and they listen to their guide, most people can get a 360 or better. We average between 350 and 375. Last year I think we killed 11 over 400.” The biggest bull taken with Deltana Outfitters last season scored 471 and Summers is pretty sure he has seen some that would score over 500.
An Alaskan caribou hunt is a great way to see some remote and pristine country in a somewhat relaxed setting while still having the opportunity to harvest a phenomenal trophy and collect some meat for the freezer. If a Dall sheep or grizzly hunt is beyond your capabilities or budget, or you just love the looks of those gigantic antlers, it might be the perfect hunt for you.
To book a hunt with Deltana Outfitters, contact them at https://www.guidefitter.com/deltana.
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