Questions for experienced Alaskan Moose hunters

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Well when it comesto this I'm about as lost as last years easter egg. So I have a ton of questions.

 I want to do a fly in moose hunt in alaska in about four years and want to start getting ready as far as aquiring all my gear and such. I just want to drop in and camp and hunt for a week.

 I'm working on my bow setup and think I will fine as far as that goes but I need some tips from experienced guys who have done this to get me going in the right direction.

 I need to know when season is and what I can expect as far as weather. I need to know how the heck I go about getting that big rascal out if I'm sucessful. Who do I contact about license and fees. Where do I want to go in Alaska. I think you guys get the jist.

 I also would like to hook up with a Trad Ganger or two that would like to go as well. It would be great to make some new hunting friends and spend a week hunting Moose with some experienced guys. I don't want a guide I just want to go on my own with a few guys and have a good time and harvest a beast of a beautiful critter.

 Looking for the hunt of a lifetime and want to get the most out if it.

 I am going to Eldon Jeanreau's next Sept for a bear hunt that should be a blast but I also want to get prepared for this as well. could take a few years to save $ for it.

 Thanks Stiks

[John/Alaska]

The questions that you are asking are too general. You should first spend a bunch of time at the State of Alaska site. It will answer many of your general questions and list the current regs plus provide moose density info, etc.Costs of licenses & tags are there too. That site is at:
 www.wildlife.alaska.gov

Then you can get specfic with your ??

But a quick answer to the seasons is from the last cuple of weeks in aug to the end of sept depending on where you plan to go. The rut generally kicks off about the second week of sept. Read the regs carefully no only as to seasons but as to tags available to non-residents. We have several types of tags including draw, otc,cultural, etc

As far as the weather that you can expect well that can be anywhere fronm the 60's down to the below zeros. Plus snow or rain or wind or all of the above. Go to the Noaa site for Alaska and you can see the weather history for the areas that you are plnning to hunt.

Also hit the mil site or naval observatory sites for sunrise sun set info as at that time of year we are loosing up to 7 minutes a day depending on area.

Then come back and ask some more questions to help narrow down areas (units). transport, gear, etc.

[Orion]

If it's to be a hunt of a lifetime, you might consider more than one week.  I usually plan on three.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Thanks for the info John.

 Orion if they had an underground coal mine I'd just pack up and stay LOL. I might be able to do two weeks but that would be it.

 Stiks

[John/Alaska]

I definetely second Orion's advice of more time. A week is not enough especially if you factor in travel time. Atleast a day each way travelling from the lower 48 plus fly in time once here (a day in & out) plus you need to allow for down time in or out of the bush due to uncooperative weather conditions that seem to occur at the wrong times.

They do have a surface coal mine over by Healy and several large underground gold/other mines scattered around the state.

[Adirondack Bowman]

Two weeks is minimum.

[Paul Mattson]

Don't forget about the no hunting same day as you fly in rule.

[acolobowhunter]

Give upper BC some thought.  I have been there a couple times ( agree plan on 2 wks) both were 10 day hunts, with travel time added to that.

I found that BC was cheaper than Alaska ( licenses). Don't know if that is still true.  The Yukon would also be a good choice.  I know there are some trad guys here from the Yukon, I bet they could help get you lined out.

A drop camp is fine, but I wanted to hunt with a guide and horses.  We could cover many miles on horse back, compared to just a few on foot.  A good guide will really make your trip worth it, especially if it is a "One Time Trip".  Why hunt on foot only a few miles from camp.  You will see a lot more game with horses.

[wingnut]

We are going to Alaska this year and will be flying in to camp two days before the season starts and flying out two days after it's over.  This allows for weather and makes it so we can take a moose on the last day of the season and still get it back to the strip.

We will be in Alaska a total of 3 weeks for the moose hunt.

Mike

[Steve H.]

More than two people is about two too many for our low moose poulation!  You will loose two days EACH way traveling.  You know, maybe just move up, we have a coal mine (Usabelli) here too ya' know!

[Keith Zimmerman]

Good thread.  I am planning on a Moose hunt myself in Sept with my Brother.  He lives in Eagle River.

[John Havard]

Allowing sufficient time for the hunt is the best advice you've received so far.  

I've hunted in Alaska every year for multiple species since the mid-70's.  I know, I know!  Stupid people die of old age every day.  But if experience counts then I can claim to at least have enough for a valid opinion.

If you make five choices correctly you will have a great hunt:
1) choose your location wisely.  There are fantastic places in Alaska to hunt for moose and there are places where the moose population is down.  If you hunt near roads or where access is relatively easy you will not have a great hunt.  Work the problem, go to a remote area accessible only by plane or arduous river travel where the moose population is good and you'll be richly rewarded.  
2) choose your air taxi operator wisely.  Their reputation and longevity is dependent on your success.  The good ones have been around for a long while (usually).  That means that their clients have enjoyed great success through the years.
3) devote enough time to do it right.  Cutting yourself short on time essentially ruins the experience and almost guarantees no success.
4) buy THE BEST camp and hunting gear available.  Your life can (and may well) depend on it.  Good shelter, good camping gear, great optics, and smart clothing choices (ZERO cotton anywhere for example) will ensure your comfort and safety.
5) select your hunting companion(s) wisely.  Be extremely careful in choosing who you hunt with.  Two weeks together will build a lasting bond of friendship (or establish the exact opposite) that will endure for a lifetime.

If you do the above things you will have a great experience, will see lots of moose, will have plenty of opportunities, and will end up coming back again and again.

[oxnam]

Make sure you give yourself one extra day after traveling home before you have to return to work.  You will be tired and glad you worked that into your schedule.