DC 480 Questions

[ak_mathews]

Hello-

So first off, I know that there is the nelchina caribou hunt thread, but this is specific to DC 480 (Unit 13A and 13D). I don't want your specific hunting area, I just have questions about the area in general. I caribou hunt every year up on the haul road with my bow and do very well. But this will be the first year that Im hunting this area. I took my wheeler up to a buddys cabin by lake louise to "scout" around, but the trail (or lack thereof) going into his cabin is TERRIBLE!!! It took us 4.5 hours to make it 12 miles with all of the cut arounds, river crossings, logs, etc...Im just wondering what the trails are like for this hunt, where to park, etc...Ive ridden up there in the winter on sleds, but never on wheelers. Also, I know this is a "zoo" hunt with tons of people, just curious what the trails will be like, and no I don't expect super easy riding. Im more concerned with river crossings since Ill have my fiancé with me. Do most 4-wheelers make it back there ok, whats an average mileage run 15 miles 1 way or 40? I have what I would call a capable machine with nice tires, and both machines have a winch, but I will be towing a meat trailer in. Please message me if you have any info or text me 841-6569. Thanks and any input is appreciated.

-Adam

 

[Dirtofak]

Lake Louise is not ATV friendly. Lots of mud, water and lack of trails. Why not find a place to park and go sit on a hill and let them come to you? That is what most people do. The bou may or may not be there. If they are not near the road, they aren't going to be an ATV ride away. Most bou are shot within 100 yards of the road.

 

[limon32]

The trails up north aren't much better than Lake Louise from what I've seen.


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[ak_mathews]

Hence the reason for the post. I will not be hunting the lake Louise area. I will be riding in to the eureka area and finding a place to hunt. From there we will be hiking daily. I certainly don't expect to just ride along until I see one. But for my fiancé (the boss) the four wheeler ride in is half the fun. Like I said earlier, just looking for suggestions of how the trails are up there and where to park mostly. Thanks for any help.

 

[mad_yaker]

How much time do you plan on hunting? It would make it easier to recommend a trail if known.

 

[shawnmcalpin]

Just go to the lodge and take the zoo trail. I avoided that last year to be alone on the opening day....saw none. Went up the main trail the following day and every passing quad had a bou.

 

[Laker Taker]

I will be riding in to the eureka area and finding a place to hunt. From there we will be hiking daily.

Save the hiking for the stalk, find a vantage point and glass. Good optics are a must.

Good luck on your hunt

 

[ak_mathews]

Thank you for the advice. It is much appreciated and I will certainly report back either way. If everything goes "right" I will have Friday through Monday. But with wheeler time in and out it may not amount to a lot of time actually hunting. I just hate not knowing the area. I know the slope like the back of my hand and have hunted up there every year since I was 14. But I'm trying to find more out about this herd and where they migrate through in general. I know they're always moving. Just in general. Thank you

 

[akmatt66]

DC 480 Questions

I went up to eureka Friday drove 24 miles back in and set up camp. Made three stocks that first day with none producing a shot. Next morning walked 1.3 miles up the mountain and sat till 5:30 until one finally stepped out of the willows below me. One shot and two trips down the mountain and I was on my way back to eagle river. Its amazing to see just how many people drive their atvs around waiting for a caribou to step out into the river bottom and shoot it.


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[ak_mathews]

That's awesome congratulations!!! And yes it definitely pays off to sit and watch. I don't know how many slope trips we've been on and guys aren't shooting anything. They only get out of their truck to jump in the ditch and hope the caribou walks out in front of them. Well be up there this weekend for the first time and hopefully are successful. Thanks for the report and again congratulations on the bou!