If you haven’t hunted in Alaska or in a tundra environment, you should know before booking a moose hunt, there are a few things to consider. First off, there seems to be a trend going right now on float hunts. Just know that float hunts are more difficult overall and a float hunt doesn’t allow a hunter to truly get to know an area. Many believe this is a easier way to go but after the 2nd camp set up you do you will realize the value and ease of staying in one place. If we assume that my opinion on this subject is correct, then a base camp hunt with good scouting before you arrive is the key to success. This would lead you down the fully guided option, although there is an exceptional unguided option as well.

Two things will make all the difference in the world for your moose hunt, guided or unguided…proper gear and physical conditioning. Gear wise, you will need, top of the line, rain gear, good wind resistant gear and a layering system that will allow you comfort in the varying temperatures that you will encounter in the month of September in Alaska. Kryptek gear is born of Alaska and built for the conditions, as well as having the most advanced camo pattern on the market today. Kenetrek boots would be my boots of choice along with some tundra boots (hip waders) for the wet boggy conditions you will likely face. For a moose hunt gear list look here. As far as physical condition, hiking in tundra, is a humbling experience. It’s like walking in two feet of wet marshmallows all day long…it’s exhausting. You need to be in good shape for best success, even on the guided hunt (this is not a fat man hunt). On the unguided hunt it is imperative to be at least a 8 out of 10, physically, because you will be packing out your bull, which can take 10-12 trips (for many hunters this is the hardest thing they will ever do). Train to Hunt is a great resource to get you into moose hunting shape and you can find that here.

Lastly, the question of Unguided vs. Guided.
In my opinion it’s all about budget and how important success is to you. Our guided hunt went 100% success last year on 61 inch average bulls, and year in and year out they go close to 90%. At $18,500 it’s not in everyone’s budget. Without question if guided is the way you want to go this is the best one we have for the money. It is based out of a remote lodge and includes all flights from Anchorage. No extra fees on any flights which makes this hunt a tremendous value in the market, especially with their success and trophy quality. You can find that hunt here.

With the unguided option it’s much cheaper but comes with a lower success rate of 75% with the same trophy quality of 61 inch average. The bonus on this hunt is $5500 for the hunt, including all flights out of Bethel. Don’t even ask about this hunt if you are not in top physical condition and ready for a adventure. The area is one of the best in the state of Alaska for moose density and quality. In fact, the fish and game are concerned about overpopulation in this are so they have extended the season to the last 10 days of September (peak of the rut) and will allow hunters to shoot any bull! You can find out more about this hunt here. If you would like to talk to me about moose hunting in general or these specific hunts I can be reached at 208-867-6675.

by Marc Warnke

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