DIY Fly-in Caribou Hunt Alone?

[James/Spokane Maule Pilot]

Hello Alaska Hunters,

I know this idea will stir the pot, but I'm interested in a "do it myself" fly-in caribou hunt with one of the Alaskan aircraft charter companies. The cost of flying my own airplane up from Idaho with insurance, aviation fuel is too expensive. Actually, I perfer to hunt by myself, and hunt elk, deer, bear, and coyotes by myself all the time here in North Idaho.

For safety I'd have an iridium sat phone. I was just wondering if the 135 backcountry charter guys like 40-Mile, and Circle Air allowed solo hunters?
Anyway just a thought. I'll be up in Delt Junction next week doing some helicopter flying for work, and I'll get their take on it too.

Thanks,

James

 

[James/Spokane Maule Pilot]

Just a couple more pics:

 

[stid2677]

I don't know about Circle Air, but I heard a rumor last fall that Frenchy wasn't flying anymore. I know Coyote Air was flying some of clients last fall.

I have flown with 40 Mile and I don't think they will put in solo hunters. Leif and Randy fly their cubs in pairs. But you can call them and ask, they book up fast so I would not wait long.

Mike at 70 degree north who operates from Happy Valley will fly you into the Brooks Range and I'm pretty sure he will put in single hunters at least I have seen him do it in the past. Again good charter book fast and if you want any choice in location or time you had better get something on the books.

Good luck

Steve

 

[AlaskaTrueAdventure]

Fly with Mike McCrary, SeventyNorth, up in Happy [email protected]
Tell him of your experience, and about your sat phone. Work fast as charters are booking now, now, now for the summer/fall.
Enjoy the soul searching solitude of a sole hunt.
Dennis

 

[headhunter353]

That is a hunt I to would do solo.Good luck.

 

[martentrapper]

I bet it's pretty common for an outfit like 40 mile to have cancellations. Maybe you can get your name on a list and if a group has a cancellation, you can get in.

 

[stid2677]

I bet it's pretty common for an outfit like 40 mile to have cancellations. Maybe you can get your name on a list and if a group has a cancellation, you can get in.

Anything can happen, but 40 mile ask for half when you make a deposit and their refund policy sure don't allow for much wiggle room short of death.

Steve

 

[mdhunter]

I can tell you that 40 Mile is booked solid at the moment, and there are probably a few people on the waiting list.

 

[granterino]

Mike at 70 degree's North great guy always treated me good.

 

[mhunter]

>>>I'm interested in a "do it myself" fly-in caribou hunt
If I can do it, you can do it also, Bettles Air used to take also solo hunters

>>>For safety I'd have an iridium sat phone
Carry the phone all the time with you, don't leave it to camp

 

[bigdog]

I second Mike he has always done good for us....