Caribou Hunting » Outdoors International

If you’ve ever dreamed of caribou hunting, you’re not alone. Witnessing and taking part in the great Northern migrations is on the bucket list of most hunters out there. Unfortunately, many people think that it’s out of reach for them… And that’s just not the case!

A caribou hunt can be very affordable. We can show you how.

A caribou hunt can be affordable.

We have some great hunts with guaranteed tags, lots of caribou, grizzly bears and amazing hunting.

These are high success hunts.

You can expect to see from 10 to 10,000 caribou daily on our hunts, with the norm being 20-200. Wolves are relatively common, and we highly suggest that you have a tag in your pocket, but you have to be quick and a good shot as they are an elusive animal.

We can help you get there!

With a little planning, we can help you make your dream hunt come to fruition. We even offer an unguided drop hunt for caribou, and we do have some limited float options as well.

(208) 991-4868

Alaska

Caribou Hunts

Hunting Caribou Alaska

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British Columbia

Caribou Hunts

Caribou Hunting British Columbia

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Alaska

DIY, Unguided Caribou Hunts

Alaska Unguided Caribou

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Caribou are Difficult to Judge in the Field

Antler configuration can vary greatly between the subspecies of caribou.

While woodland caribou bulls of eastern Canada typically have smaller racks, the Quebec-Labrador bulls can grow significantly larger and wider. Central barren ground bulls are perhaps the most diverse in configuration and can grow to be very high and wide. Mountain caribou are typically the most massive, with trophy-class specimens boasting the largest circumference measurements of all six subspecies.

The bottom of the rack is extremely important to the overall score.

One of our clients, Rusty Smith with a beautiful Alaska caribou.

What’s down below separates an average bull from a great bull. You’re typically looking for double shovels, double bez, long and wide main beams, good mass, double backscratchers, symmetry, and more than two points at the top. Palmated points on top are best.

Caribou hunting subspecies:

Woodland Caribou
Quebec-Labrador Caribou
Central Canada Barren-ground Caribou
Mountain Caribou
Barren-ground Caribou
Arctic Islands Caribou

Alaska Caribou Hunting Gear List

Obviously, as an experienced hunter, you have a list of things you like to carry. However, this is an Alaska caribou hunting gear list that we received directly from an Alaskan outfitter. There may be a few things here that you hadn’t thought about.

The first thing to consider is weight.

If you stick to this Alaska caribou hunting gear list, weights will vary, but should get you close. Be sure to do your homework so that you are properly prepared for your hunt. If you have questions about this gear list, be sure to contact us or your outfitter.

Overall Total Weight of this Gear List: 204.73 lb. + [Your Body weight]

Clothing

Keep your clothing lightweight, warm and waterproof. Synthetic materials work best due to their drying and wicking capabilities. we suggest you do not bring cotton. It is slow to dry, and does not wick away moisture. In short, COTTON KILLS. Blaze orange is NOT required in Alaska.

Base layers top/bottom: Sitka Merino Core top/Bottom, First lite Merino boxers & T’s x2 *1.96 lb.
Intermediate layer top: Sitka Heavyweight Core Hoodie *.9 lb.
Puffy top: Kifaru Full Zip Parka*1.45 lb.
Soft-shell top: Sitka Jetstream *1.49 lb. (optional)
Vest: Sitka Mountain Vest *.52 lb. (optional)
Pant bottom: Sitka Timberline *1.89 lb.
Rain Gear Top: Sitka Kodiak *1.94 lb.
Rain Gear bottom: Sitka Stormfront *1.54 lb.
Gloves: Sitka Mountain & Merino liners *.44 lb.
Beanie/Hat: Sitka Jetstream & Merino, Baseball cap *.39
Lightweight bug net: Sea to Summit *.1 lb.
Extra Clothing: Sitka Apex top/ bottom, lightweight core hoodie, Sitka Kelvin Active puffy, Exofficio Give & Go boxer *3.5 lb. (Extra Base Layer, boxer, pant, mid layer, puffy)

Total weight: 16.12 lb.

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Footwear

Make sure you have broken in your boots (including waders and wading boots). The #1 thing we hear from our hunters when they return from their caribou hunt is that tundra is awful to walk in. It’s like trying to walk on frozen rolling footballs. A great pair of comfortable, well fitting, lace up, supportive hiking boots are ESSENTIAL!

Hiking boots: Lowa Tibet GTX *5.13 lb.
Rubber boots: Irish Setter neoprene uninsulated *4.29 lb. (may forgo)
Gators: Outdoor Research *.63 lb. (may use Sitka Stormfront)
Waders: Match your waders to the area you will be hunting. Consult with your outfitter. *.9 lb.
Socks: Darn Tough & Farm to Feet 4 pair *.75 lb.
Camp Shoes: Crocs work great and are lightweigt.

Total weight: 11.7 lb.

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Electronics/Photography

Your smartphone will probably be your go to. That being said don’t forget external chargers, they are awesome. Solar chargers don’t usually work very well because overcast days are the norm.

Phone with case: *.55 lb.
Phone Scope bracket: *.08 lb.
External chargers: Poseidon x2 *.55 lb.
Charging cords: Poseidon cord, Suunto cord, wall charger *.24 lb.
Flashlights: Petzl Tikka & E-lite headlamps *.19 lb.

Total weight: 1.61 lb.

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Possibles

Definitely bring something as a fuel source such as wet fire or trioxane tablets.

Batteries: AAA & AA Energizer Lithium Ion (Keep your batteries in something warm (like a wool sock) while you are in the field. Cold will drain them.)
Patch kit: Misc. glues and tenacious tape patches
Weapon cleaning & maint. Kit: Leatherman Skelatool CX w/ bit set, misc. small tools for rifle & oil (bits for scope caps and lug bolts) *.5 lb.
Tape: duct tape & leuko tape
Fire kit: Trioxane, flint/steel, lighters, waterproof matches
Insect repellent: 100% deet
Extra 550 cord: 50-100 ft.

Total weight: 2 lb. or less

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First Aid Kit

IFAK
Band aids/basics
Meds: pain killers, anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, energy
Chapstick

Total weight: 1 lb. or less

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Hygiene

Definitely take these items!

Baby wipes
Toothpaste & brush
Eye Drops
Skin Moisturizer

Total weight: 1.5 lb. or less

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Paperwork

License & Tags (Non-Res Hunting License, Harvest tickets for caribou, Locking tags for caribou bear and wolf, everything signed)
Alaska Regulation booklet: Hard copy
Copy of Contracts: Both Agent and any from Outfitter/Transporter (Inside ziplock)
Transfer of possession forms: From Outfitter (inside ziplock)
Write in the rain journal and Pen

Total weight: 1.5 lb.

Dylan Golightly Unguided Caribou

Alaska requires ALL meat to be packed out (bone in) prior to packing out the antlers and cape. This includes the ribs and neck meat. Be aware of the Alaska caribou hunting regulations.

Hunting Gear

Weapon(s)

Our hunters use different setups from 7mm Rem mag up to 338 Lapua; the 300 Win mag seems to be the more common choice, as well as Barnes bullets. I also wouldn’t buy a new gun over it if you have something in that range. Side arms are just matter of preference. A pistol is fun for ptarmigan hunting after you shoot your bulls.

Rifle & ammo: *11 lb.
Pistol & ammo: *5 lb. (optional)
Hard travel case: Pelican 2 rifle with customizable foam *N/A
Soft case for small plane travel: *1.14 lb. (optional)

Total weight: 17.14 lb.

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Pack

Pack frame/bag combo: EXO 500 or Kifaru Hunter frame, DT2 bag, Guide Lid, small belt pouch, Nalgene pouch *7.38 lb.
Hauling attachments: Cargo net & lashing strap, & gun bearer *1.5 lb.
Walking sticks: Easton Carbon Trekkers *1.05 lb.
Lightweight tarp: Kifaru Sheep tarp with MSR Groundhog pegs*.9 lb.

Total weight: 10.83 lb.

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Optics

I feel that a decent 10×40 or 8×40 is adequate. A spotter isn’t critical, but it would be nice.

Binoculars & harness: Vortex Razor 10×42, Sitka Bino harness *2.86 lb. (w/rangefinder & pouch)
Rangefinder & pouch: Leupold TBR 1000, FHF pouch ***
Bino tripod adapter with qd plate: FOR adapter w/qd plate *.19 lb.
Spotting scope with qd plate: Vortex Razor 27-60x85mm angled w/qd plate *4.38 lb.
Tripod & head: Slik 624, Manfrotto 700RC2 panhead *2.93 lb.
Foam butt pad: Z seat *.08 lb.
Cleaning items: Lens cloth, Lens pen *.2 lb.

Total weight: 10.64 lb.

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Land Navigation and Communication

A decent GPS and a compass are important. Lots of these areas are flat and everything looks the same when you start getting away from camp. Especially in the alders, would be easy to get lost. Learn to use some kind of coordinates whether it is latitude/longitude or UTM grid coordinates simply because if something were to happen, being able to communicate precise location is necessary. Also good to set waypoints when you find good calling spots.

Delorme Inreach *.44 lb.
Compass: Suunto *.13 lb.
GPS: Suunto Traverse Alpha &/or Garmin Fortrex 401 *.22 lb.
Radio’s: misc. walky talky

Total weight: .79 lb.

If you don’t want to purchase gear that you won’t use again after your hunt, check out www.rgunsngear.com. What a cool program!

***Use OIGET10 at checkout to get your discount.***

Camp Gear

This gear list is for two caribou hunters. Adjust accordingly.

Prior to setting up your camp, survey the area; try to locate your tent(s) on a cleared off, level spot next to trees or bushes that will protect you from the wind. Keep food items in totes with lids, out of and a short distance away from your tent.

Tent: Cabelas Geodesic 6 man *33.15 lb. (I wouldn’t recommend a floorless tent as most of these areas don’t have the solid ground for it. Also don’t bring too large of a tent because the flat spots that you can find usually very big.)
Cots: Cabelas lightweight x2 *22.15 lb.
Tarps: 2-3x Lightweight 10×10 ft. *5 lb.
Stove: Coleman 2 burner *8.95 lb.
Lantern: Primus Micron *.27 lb. (Take extra mantles.)
Heater: Mr. Heater Little Buddy *4.29 lb.
Chairs: x2 Tillak Sika Ultralight Camp Chair *3.64 lb.
Cook set: Primus Litech pot/pan *2.02 lb.
Utensils: GSI kitchen set *1.16 lb.
Long spoon x2: *.1 lb.
Plate, bowl, cup set x2: Fozzils sets *.5 lb.
Drink ware: Yeti Rambler Bottle *1 lb.
Pocket Boiler: Primus ETA Lite *.9 lb.
TP & Paper towels: *2 lb. (2 rolls paper towels, 6 rolls TP)
Aluminum foil: *.55 lb.
Soft sided Cooler: *.85 lb.
Propane & Isobutane Canisters: Purchase in Alaska as you can’t take them on a plane.
Dish Soap
Salt for Capes: Purchase in Alaska or prior to trip 5-10 pounds.

Total weight: 86.53 lb. (not including fuel and salt)

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Sleep System

Sleeping Bag: Kifaru 20 degree Slick Bag *2.84 lb.
Air pad: Big Agnes Q-core SLX *1.56 lb.
Pillow: Nemo *.19 lb.
Woobie: Kifaru *1.89 lb. (optional)

Total weight: 6.48 lb.

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Water Storage/Purification

5 gal collapsible jug: GSI folding cube x2 *1.4 lb.
Bladder in pack: 4L MSR Dromlite with drink hose*.37 lb. (may forgo hose attachment)
Nalgene Bottle: Bottle with human gear cap *.44 lb.
Chemical or pill form: Aquamira A&B *.14 lb.
Steripen; Classic Steripen with batteries *.41 lb.
Pump: Katadyn Hiker Pro *.92 lb.

Total weight: 3.68 lb.

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Storage

Dry Bags: Outdoor Research 55L & Ditty sacks
Compression sack: Kifaru 5 String Medium
Lightweight pullouts: Kifaru Lightweight Pullouts
Contractor bags: 1-2 Large heavy duty
Lightweight trash bags: 2-3 Hefty trash bags
Ziplocs: Quart & Gallon, small assortment

Total weight: 2-3lb or less

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Game Processing Gear to Take to Camp

Game bags Moose & Bear: TAG Bags, Caribou bags or Black Ovis Game Bags
Knives & blades: Havalon Piranta & Baracuta
Gloves: HME Kits
550 cord: 50ft reflective orange
Citric acid: Caribou gear kits
Large Contractor Bag

Total weight: 5.31 lb.

*Select an area away from camp for your “privy,” and cover waste prior to leaving. Consider burning food items, which are odorous or greasy to prevent problems with bears. Bag up metal and other garbage items to be hauled out.

Kyle Hanson glassing for Arctic grizzly bears AWCG2

OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL Consultant Kyle Hanson on a recent exploratory trip with a new outfitter in Alaska.

Food

This food list is for two caribou hunters. Adjust accordingly.

This is just an example of food you could take that will keep your weight reasonable. Feel free to mix and match, but be aware of weight.

Breakfasts: Off Grid Predator Fuel and “real food” (egg beaters, sausage &/or bacon)
Lunches: Misc. dehydrated & real food (Off Grid, Peak Refuel, Mountain House, PB&J, Salami cheese n’ bagel)
Dinners: Off Grid, Peak Refuel, Mountain House
Snacks: Probars, Probar Bolt Energy Chews, Dehydrated snacks, jerky, PB
Coffee: Dark Timber packs
Drink mixes: Hot Chocolate mix, Propel packs, Renu go packs
Real food for breakfasts & lunch: Meats, egg beaters, bread, PB&J
Seasonings & Olive oil: Garlic powder, Sea Salt, & Pepper, Olive oil packets and small bottle
Supplements/daily vitamins etc.

Total weight: 25-30 lb. or less

*Do not cook inside your tent. This can deplete oxygen and can damage the ten leaving you without shelter. Use of your camp stove to heat your tent can cause you to run out of propane. Bringing the proper gear will have you outfitted to be comfortable without wasting fuel.

Game Processing Gear to Leave at the Hangar

Packaging for skull: bubble wrap, shrink wrap, cardboard, duct tape, packaging tape.
Meat storage/freezer bags: Gallon & Quart Ziploc freezer bags
Knife set & sharpener: Outdoor edge kit
Hard Cooler: Igloo 100

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

This Alaska caribou hunting gear list would not be complete without these tips. Be sure you are fully prepared, and you will have the hunt of a lifetime.

Hunt Insurance

Any time you go hunting in Alaska, or anywhere for that matter, you should insure your trip.

Weapons and Ammo

Alaska law does not separate licenses or seasons by weapon.
Appropriate caliber selection is important. We recommend .30 caliber or larger. Smaller calibers will work just fine for caribou, but remember you are in grizzly bear country.
Select PREMIUM ammo and sight in prior to your hunt. While on a commercial flight, your ammo needs to be in the original box or a container specifically made to hold appropriate ammo.
Alaska archery requires a 40 lb. minimum draw weight for caribou hunting.
Also required is a minimum of 7/8″ broadhead with a 300 grain minimum (shaft/tip) weight. No mechanical broadheads are allowed.

Field Care of Trophy

We recommend consulting your taxidermist prior to your caribou hunt for instructions on caping and fleshing your trophy. Heads must be caped and fleshed in the field with the ears and lips turned and salted. We also recommend splitting the skull caps. They can easily be put back together by your taxidermist, and you will save hundreds of dollars on shipping fees. While in the field, keep your cape opened up, out of direct sunlight, and preferably hung in a small tree or bush so it can have air circulation and stay cool.

Meat Care

All edible meat must be salvaged. You are responsible for packing all edible meat back to the runway at your camp (including rib and neck meat). Meat of the front quarters, hindquarters, and ribs must remain on the bone until removed from the field (or eaten). Keep meat out of direct sunlight and a short distance away from your camp. Set it so it can cool and have circulation all around it. Don’t put your meat in a pile – it will either quickly spoil or freeze into one solid hunk. Antlers MAY NOT be removed from the kill site until ALL salvageable meat is removed. DO NOT STORE YOUR MEAT IN LAKES OR RIVERS.

Fishing

It is likely that you will be dropped near a stream or river which will probably contain Arctic char and grayling. If you wish to fish an Alaska fishing license IS required.

Wolves

We recommend that you purchase a wolf tag. They are a great bonus to a caribou hunt. Harvested wolves must be skinned (hide and skull) for transport out of the field and then sealed by local troopers or Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Bears

You are in grizzly country. Respect them. If you see a bear, avoid it if possible. If you encounter a grizzly, make noise. YELL continuously. Stand up and make yourself look as large as possible. Do NOT run. Defend yourself by shooting the bear as a last resort.

Staying Warm

Moisture is your enemy!

Your sleeping bag will hold moisture and a few days build up may make it lose its ability to effectively insulate you. Open bags up, hang, etc to let them dry as needed.
Wet or damp clothing can be dried in the sun or next to a small fire… be careful.
Damp clothing can be worn in your sleeping bag and your body eat will dry it overnight.
Utilize layering of clothing during the day, and do not overdress while hiking. Sweating will make you cold for hours.

Getting Picked Up

On the day your are to be flown out, have your gear packed and ready to go. Do not pile gear/meat/antlers on the runway area. Keep it assembled off to the side where it was unloaded. Depending on the weather, you may need to keep a tent up for shelter.

Stay near camp and be attentive to air traffic. Pick up times are weather dependent and not time specific. If the plane comes to get you and you’re not at camp or ready to go, the pilot may not be able to wait for you. If weather is unflyable, don’t panic. Remain at your camp and know that you will be picked up as soon as the weather breaks.

Caribou Hunts

We offer quality, high success, fully guided caribou hunting as well as unguided drop camps.

A caribou hunt can be affordable.

These are high success hunts.

We can help you get there!

Alaska

Hunting Caribou Alaska

British Columbia

Caribou Hunting British Columbia

Alaska

Alaska Unguided Caribou

Caribou are Difficult to Judge in the Field

Antler configuration can vary greatly between the subspecies of caribou.

The bottom of the rack is extremely important to the overall score.

Caribou hunting subspecies:

Alaska Caribou Hunting Gear List

Clothing

Footwear

Electronics/Photography

Possibles

First Aid Kit

Hygiene

Paperwork

Hunting Gear

Weapon(s)

Pack

Optics

Land Navigation and Communication

Camp Gear

This gear list is for two caribou hunters. Adjust accordingly.

Sleep System

Water Storage/Purification

Storage

Game Processing Gear to Take to Camp

Food

This food list is for two caribou hunters. Adjust accordingly.

Game Processing Gear to Leave at the Hangar

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Hunt Insurance

Weapons and Ammo

Field Care of Trophy

Meat Care

Fishing

Wolves

Bears

Staying Warm

Getting Picked Up

Caribou Hunting Success

OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL caribou hunters have enjoyed tremendous success on some great bulls over the years.