60 th b-day Moose hunt- help needed

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Hey everyone, I’d like to do a diy moose hunt in Alaska. I’ll be calling Alaska fish and wildlife of course to get some information. I know many of you have done this. Any advice, contacts area recommendations, anything you feel like sharing will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Fred

[rastaman]

Kevin Dill, Walt Francis, and Mike Mitten (Herdbull) have all done DIY Moose hunts in Alaska more than once.  If they don't see your post send them a private message.  Do a search for posts here also because there are several good ones here posted almost yearly.  Good luck!

[Terry Green]

Here is a link to Walt's AK Moose hunt.....

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=177016.msg2976920#msg2976920

[Walt Francis]

Fred,
I have done it 7 times, #8 is this fall. Send me a PM and we can discuss my thoughts on getting it done.  Below is the link to my 2012  moose hunt.

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=74573.msg1356710#:~:text=Went%20North%20%C2%A0(Read-,12122,-times

[MnFn]

 

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Wow thanks for this! This group never disappoints!

[speedbump]

Been reading tons of stuff here!. Just finished Kevin Dill's thread! Wow what a hunt. Thats the kind of hunt we all dream of. Congratulations to you Kevin and thanks for sharing the experience.

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Hi there, wanted to share some info. This year will be my 6th trip to Alaska for moose, drop camp style. Fantastic wilderness hunts, but certainly not easy and if you’ve never been there, go in with eyes open. There was a huge moose die off in the winter of 2021, spring of 2022. I killed my bull in 2022 (I put the story on here, a search will turn it up) just a few air miles from where Kevin Dill used to hunt, with the same pilot. Last year the pilot told me he is not using his airstrips in that area now due to the extremely low population. Like from 1-2 bulls a day average sightings pre die off to 1-2 bull sightings for a 10 day hunt. These stories from a decade ago are old news. Realistically you probably have a 20-25% success ratio right now for a traditional hunt in central AK, assuming you have a great pilot that puts you in a good area.

Your hardest part will be getting a ride. The legit pilots are well over 90% repeat customers. It’s hard to get a foot in the door but keep at it and you will. It’s not a deal where you decide you want to go next year and just book a trip. Guys with the good pilots are very tight lipped. I don’t know if Walt shared a pilots name, but if he did please respect that and don’t spread the name all over.   

All that said, there is nothing like hunting Alaska. I’m keeping my seat in the pilots rotation as long as I can and I’ll be going back every year until he won’t take me or I can’t do it anymore!  If you want to talk feel free to send me an IM. I don’t share the pilots name I fly with out of respect for the other guys flying with him, but I love to talk Alaska bowhunting otherwise!

Good luck!

R

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Thanks Ryan I appreciate your response. Yes I’m finding the “ride” aspect the most difficult thus far. I have some names but am having some difficulty verifying them with other hunters. But I’m calling a few and trying to get a feel for them myself.
I totally understand the “ protecting” the resource mentality. No one wants to ruin a good thing.i would do the same for sure.
Anyways regardless of the success rate, I’m going! 20-25% is better odds than we have here in Vermont for Whitetails!
I’ll for reach out and pick your brain for info. Knowledge is power!
I’ll also check out your story. Great way to fuel the fire!