Alaska moose hunt

[silvertip73]

I have been doing as much research as I can on doing a DIY drop in moose hunt in Alaska. I have listened to podcasts and read books from Mike Mitten and attended the PBS convention and listened to the great presentation by Bryan Burkhardt. The real reason for the post, I want to know if it is possible to do this on a somewhat limited budget and not have to spend excessive amounts of money. Not sure if it is possible considering you want someone who will drop you off where there are actually moose, and maybe more important want them to pick you up! Just thought I would throw it out there for the group I respect their opinions on. It would be me and one other person and I would consider us pretty physical fit and decent hunters just not moose experts. I have researched flights to Alaska and know it  is $850 via truck to get a moose back  if you should be so lucky, it is just the other stuff that I am unsure of. Thank you all.

[76Aggie]

I don't know that this can be done inexpensively.  You have the flight to AK first off.  I have been able to fly free due to points.  License is roughly $800.00 for non-residents.  I have found the air taxi is far and away the most expensive item.  In 2016 we paid $3,600.00 each for air taxi and in 2019 it will be $3,900.00 per man.  This price is "in and out".  Maybe we are literally being taken for a ride but the air service we use is very reputable and others I checked with were in the same ball park maybe a little more.  Bottom line it is not an inexpensive venture for someone from the lower 48 but is possibly the best hunt I have ever been on.

[monterey]

It's tough to pin the price down because of variables.  For example, when you kill a moose you need to figure on air service going up.  Most air service is by the hour so the closer you can get by commercial air the fewer hours by bush plane.

It will be easier to figure it out if you know where you plan to hunt.  You need to start with the AK reg brochure and find out where you CAN hunt and then figure out where.  The air service pilots can give you some help but don't rely too much on it.

[The Night Stalker]

I know someone who flew with Monty and Bryan 's pilot and they do it as cheap as I have seen. Things to consider is if you fly out of major city verses taking a shuttle plane to a village then fly out by bush plane. Some pilots charge a flat fee whether you get a moose or not. Getting you moose processed and home is another costly venture depending where you want to hunt. Extra motel days due to bad weather on the front or back end add up. You learn after the first time and if you can do it for under 6000.00 DIY, your doing good.

[Walt Francis]

Hi Tim,

We did it for a little under 6K each this past fall.  If we had taken a moose: Add 1K to get it out with our pilot, that is less then most services, many will charge you the same amount it costs to fly in.  Figure 1K to get the moose processed and frozen.  Another $500-1,500 to get the meat home. If you are willing to give up the meat there is no problem finding somebody to give it too.

Do a few searches on Kevin Dill, he has the best advice I have seen anywhere on hunting moose in Alaska.

FYI, I use the same pilot as Monty, Kevin, & Bryan.  Please don't ask who the fight service is,  they made me swear to keep it a secret at the Portland PBS Banquet.  I intend to keep that commitment and  make whomever goes with me make the same promise.

Anybody else ever notice the correlation between moose hunting AK, the people who do it with traditional gear, and the PBS?  Just sayin, the PBS might be worth looking into, it is more then just moose hunts.

[The Night Stalker]

Walt, you should have it down to a science now.
Kevin Dill, Mike Mitten and Steve Hohensee were very helpful when I decided to go the first time. Can't wait to get back.