Charles Umemoto: Alaska DIY Caribou Hunt Report

HUNT: DIY Caribou Hunt
CONSULTANT: Kyle Hanson | Outdoors International

August, 2021

First time booking through Outdoors International but I’m a believer!

Paid no extra cost to book through O.I. but had another contact to address any and all questions that we had about our trip. Kyle Hanson got us the dates we wanted and with what we’ve come to know as the best caribou transporter out there. Thank you Outdoors International and Kyle Hanson!

DIY caribou where we brought our own camp/food as we had the equipment from previous sheep/goat hunts as opposed to renting the camp gear. This outfitter is by far, the most responsive and well informed outfitter there is. They provided all the information you’ll need and also provides suggestions on how to get equipment there and home, suggestions on caring for the meat, antlers, taxidermy work, etc.

Keep in mind that these are DIY ‘unguided’ hunts so they can’t provide any guiding advice but we were put in a great spot ahead of the migration.

Aside from being unable to provide information about where to hunt, everything from the early communication on booking, suggested gear list, places to stay in Kotzebue with plus/minus of each place, meat packing for heading home and caring for your trophies; everyone was amazing! Not to mention, the planes they use are top notch! WAY more comfortable than the super cubs!

Thank you for an incredible adventure!

After striking out with every Alaska caribou outfitter on booking for 2021, I did an online inquiry with Outdoors International on a whim that they could find us a DIY caribou hunt. Kyle responded quickly and we chatted about what we had hoped to achieve, when we’d be available and our overall expectations.

Within a day, Kyle called me back and said he had spoken to one of his top transporters and they could squeeze us in! I almost didn’t believe him at first so we spoke more about any extra cost in booking with Outdoors International (there was no extra cost) and if this was a quick booking where the results wouldn’t be there but it meant another booking for the outfitter. Kyle reiterated that when you book with them, it’s not only the outfitters reputation on the line but also their reputation. The ‘ah hah’ light went on and I realized that booking through them, in my mind, almost made it where the outfitter needs to try even harder to please because they too have a relationship with Outdoors International.

Long story short, KYLE is THE MAN and the outfitter he booked me with is AMAZING!!! What an adventure! Thank you Kyle and thank you Outdoors International.

• Overall, my trip was amazing.
• My outfitter’s communication before, during and after the trip was great.
• My guide was amazing.
• Physically, the trip was moderate.
• Would you book another trip with Outdoors International in the future? Yes!
• Can we use your stories and/or photos on our website? Yes.
• Can we use this in social media? Yes.

Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner

Outdoors International

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