DC001 Kenai Caribou

[AK Jay]

So this my first ever draw tag...My buddy said he was putting in for it, so i figure what the heck not realizing how tough it was going to be. After searching and reading a few posts from previous hunts, I have alot of work to do before August. Get back as far as I can and as high as I can. If anyone has any advice on gear or possible starting locations, it will definately be appreciated! I can guarantee that I will give it my best shot to get a bou and whether I'm succesful or not, i'm sure it will be an adventure.

Jason

 

[JOAT]

It's usually a good idea to research the hunt before you put in for the tag.

Got horses?

 

[Hayduke]

Where do you live Jay? I will go over maps with you if your in SC. I hunted last year (not successful) but I got to know the are pretty well. It's a hump!

 

[anchskier]

It's usually a good idea to research the hunt before you put in for the tag.

Got horses?

True for some, but if it wasn't for those who didn't, they couldn't award as many permits. It all comes out as a wash in the end.

Either way, looks like he is going to do the work necessary to at least make a good go at it.

 

[AK Jay]

Where do you live Jay? I will go over maps with you if your in SC. I hunted last year (not successful) but I got to know the are pretty well. It's a hump!

I live in Anchorage.

 

[AK Jay]

True for some, but if it wasn't for those who didn't, they couldn't award as many permits. It all comes out as a wash in the end.

Either way, looks like he is going to do the work necessary to at least make a good go at it.

No doubt about it....This tag isn't going to waste....I've already talked with my buddy and we are going!

 

[kingman]

I got the dc618 tag an I'm stoked to say the least! don't know much but we have a plan coming together already! Although any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ANCguy]

Good for you- please don't let this tag go to waste. Too many people apply for this hunt without any idea of how tough it is, then never bother to go into the field when reality intrudes on their plans. For example, in 2010, there were 245 tags awarded, but of that number, 159 didn't hunt. Of the 86 who did go, 19 took animals. That's not a bad success rate, but in order to score, you really do have to try! I've done the hunt several times with friends, my wife and myself drawing tags, and although I'm sworn to secrecy on specific locations, I can say that you have to get up high and put in the time and effort. Try the access points along the Seward Highway and from Palmer Creek, get up there early, and glass a lot. Good luck!

-Tom-

 

[Hunt&FishAK]

buddy drew this tag last year.....spent weeks hunting it HARD! covered over 250 miles on foot, in all weather, and never saw a caribou....found some sign, always fresh, and lots of bears......and HIPPIES! not the good kind either....

 

[AK Jay]

Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it!

 

[Mavsmuk]

I too drew this tag with a friend. We both knew exactly what were getting into when we applied for it, but are pumped about the adventure ahead. I have just a couple questions for those of you who have experience. Opinons for accessing it from Hope and heading south along the trail versus hiking in from the Seward highway? And second any advice on using bikes for the Resurrection trail and a possible small trailer behind the bike?

 

[anchskier]

I too drew this tag with a friend. We both knew exactly what were getting into when we applied for it, but are pumped about the adventure ahead. I have just a couple questions for those of you who have experience. Opinons for accessing it from Hope and heading south along the trail versus hiking in from the Seward highway? And second any advice on using bikes for the Resurrection trail and a possible small trailer behind the bike?

There have been a few good threads on this in the past. Do a quick search for the hunt number and maybe Kenai Caribou or something along those lines and you should be able to find them. Good discussions regarding the use of bikes that will answer your questions pretty well.

 

[alaskamedic]

AKJay-I pulled the same tag. I have been up there bear hunting but not caribou. I am here on base so if you want to talk let me know.

 

[homerdave]

we should start a new thread "DC001 shape 2012- what did you do today?" :lol:
i am looking forward to a mountain hunt for caribou. This was the first tag i ever drew years ago when i started applying, and though i struck out i will never forget standing in fresh caribou tracks looking down at a goat! :topjob:
time to start hitting the gym regularly!

 

[gbourgeoisiii]

Dc001

Dc001

So this my first ever draw tag...My buddy said he was putting in for it, so i figure what the heck not realizing how tough it was going to be. After searching and reading a few posts from previous hunts, I have alot of work to do before August. Get back as far as I can and as high as I can. If anyone has any advice on gear or possible starting locations, it will definately be appreciated! I can guarantee that I will give it my best shot to get a bou and whether I'm succesful or not, i'm sure it will be an adventure.

Jason

I was fortunate enough to take a nice bull on this tag last fall, and I'd be happy to give you some insight based on my experience (send me a PM). This will definitely be a fun hunt whether or not you connect with a caribou, and I echo what others have send regarding being in good shape. This was essentially a sheep hunt for caribou. They are in there, but you'll have to work for it!

-Skip

 

[redtail]

For example, in 2010, there were 245 tags awarded, but of that number, 159 didn't hunt. Of the 86 who did go, 19 took animals.
-Tom-

I agree that an awful lot of people draw this tag and then don't hunt it, but I wouldn't put too much stock into the figures ADFG puts out. I'm pretty sure alot of people, when filling out their hunt reports, just put down "did not hunt" because it's simply easier and less intrusive to answer that way.

 

[4merguide]

I was extremely lucky to kill a big old bull up there on a day that in fact, was only supposed to be a day hike with a friend who had hunted it before, so I could see the area. Even though we did end up spending the night on the mountain without sleeping bags, we had beautiful weather and it wasn't a problem. Well worth it for a fine bull....

 

[4merguide]

I was fortunate enough to take a nice bull on this tag last fall, and I'd be happy to give you some insight based on my experience (send me a PM). This will definitely be a fun hunt whether or not you connect with a caribou, and I echo what others have send regarding being in good shape. This was essentially a sheep hunt for caribou. They are in there, but you'll have to work for it!

-Skip

Beautiful bull my friend.....looked a lot like mine....!!! Mine was all by himself, the only bull we saw...was yours?

 

[tlingitwarrior]

I was fortunate enough to take a nice bull on this tag last fall, and I'd be happy to give you some insight based on my experience (send me a PM). This will definitely be a fun hunt whether or not you connect with a caribou, and I echo what others have send regarding being in good shape. This was essentially a sheep hunt for caribou. They are in there, but you'll have to work for it!

-Skip

Skip, I can't send a pm. I have tag as well.

 

[akrstabout]

General info. I had the permit but didn't hunt it very hard due to other things that came up. But saw fresh sign in Palmer Creek valley, drove to the end and took off on foot with two buddies. Won't give out any other info on that area, besides caribou were in there, being spotted by many people, rain and wind had them keeping tight to the brush or in the brush. If you head in from the hope side on resurection creek trail. Get in a few miles and hike over to the salt water side, right side and everybody I have heard of got caribou over there, again not going to give out exact location here. Never hunted that area, planned to by bike then hike over but no time allowed for that.

Good luck to all you guys who drew the tag! Post pics and hunt reports either way.