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Alaska Caribou Hunting Provides Adventure

By Linda Maynard


Alaska caribou hunting offers adventure for outdoor lovers who enjoy the challenge of hunting big game animals. The state is an amazing place to hunt with its frontier mystique and its vast unspoiled wilderness. The state's big game population continues to thrive and hunters come from around the world to pursue game here. The area can be harsh and unforgiving so visitors should be prepared for challenging weather and other hazards like dangerous river crossings and brown bears.

The annual harvest in Alaska is typically between twenty and twenty-five thousand caribou. The state has nearly a million caribou residing in roughly thirty-two different herds or populations. The population fluctuates slightly from year to the next but currently numbers between an estimated 900,000 and one million animals.

Hunters may take both female and male animals. Both sexes have antlers, although the male antlers are much larger than those of the female caribou. A typical male specimen weighs between 300 and 400 pounds, while the females tend to weigh between 175 and 225 pounds. These mammals are much larger than deer but not nearly as heavy as elk or moose.

The weather can be harsh anytime of the year so individuals should be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions. Snow can occur in any month and strong winds can hinder visibility. Hypothermia can be a serious threat to people who are unprepared for wet cold weather. In warmer months, mosquitoes can also be a nuisance.

For safety in bear country you should field dress your kill as soon as possible, but avoid opening the gut cavity until you have salvaged all other edible meat first. This will prevent odors that may attract a bear. Try to pack out meat as quickly as possible. Any portion of the animal that cannot be removed right away should be suspended in a tree or cached in an open area to minimize the risk of bear attack when you come back to retrieve it.

Life threatening situations can develop rather unexpectedly. Poor judgement can make dangerous situations even worse. Travelers should be prepared with first-aid kits, warm dry clothing and other essentials. In addition, hunters should know basic survival skills.

Hunters need to make sure they are familiar with the rules and regulations for where and when they are hunting. Laws to prevent poaching are enforced and fines can be hefty. In addition, hunters need to be mindful of private property rights and respect posted signs on private lands. Responsible land stewardship should also be practiced. Pick up after yourself and leave the area in the same natural condition you found it in, if at all possible.

Alaska caribou hunting can be an exciting adventure for a well prepared hunter. The state's herds are still quite numerous and they offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity for big game hunters from around the world. Hunting in this region has its own unique challenges, but those challenges also can make the hunt very rewarding. These majestic big game animals offer great opportunities for sportsmen and women who enjoy pursuing a unique game animal in an unparalleled wilderness setting.




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