Bow or rifle on the Haul Road

[rdp68]

I am an avid bowhunter, but I never know when I may have to leave Alaska. Because of Iraqi Freedom, my first year had very few opportunities. I should have time to hunt the haul road in late AUG/ early SEP. Would you recommend the 5 mile walk or to go archery only for caribou? Any help would be appreciated.

[Alaska Gray]

Do you have a IBEP Bow cert card? If not you can not hunt of the haul rd with a bow. SO the 5 miles would be your only option. Aug the 5 mile is a rough walk. In mid sept when lakes tend to freeze walking is alittle easier.

[Daveinthebush]

Go with the bow.

Go with the bow. It is an easy hunt. If you walk the five miles you will probably have to take 2 trips to get the meat and antlers out. Walking across five miles of tundra is not easy.

[AKArcher]

Agree with Dave...

I did the 5 mile in, even though I had my bow with me. (with two rifle hunters and I brought my rifle) Never again. Plenty of bou near the road, and the five mile walk even in the early part of Oct was rough. This year I will be near the road with my bow...

[AkHunter45]

I would take both, bowhunt first and if you don't have any luck then walk the 5 miles and shoot one with the rifle. There's an old road a little north of Galbreath Lake that leads to an old staging area, it's on the left as you drive north. We parked down there and camped and did the 5 mile hike, it really wans't that bad of a pack but don't drive down that road, we ended up getting a ticket for parking down there and so did a few others.

[rdp68]

Thanks for the input, I am IBEP certified, I think I'll plan on bowhunting but have my rifle in case things aren't looking good. I hope to, and should have at least 10 days to hunt. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Alaska Gray]

10 days will be more then enough time up there for you. 5 days was the most I have ever stayed up there. Good Luck.

[joescat]

Ibep

OK what is IBEP certifacation card and who needs it and were to get it.

[rdp68]

IBEP is just a bowhunter certification course, similar to regular hunting safety courses. Any fish and game office should have the local schedule for classes. Most bowhunting only areas require certification.