Alaska Caribou Hunting Is A Popular Activity For Outdoor Types

By Linda Maynard


Alaska caribou hunting is exciting and adventurous. Big game hunters come from around the world to seek out one of the Frontier State's iconic big game mammals. The state's caribou herd continues to thrive and offer hunting opportunities for residents and non-residents alike. Outdoor enthusiasts who come to the state need to be prepared for inclement weather, wild bears and other potential safety hazards.

Every year hunters take about twenty to twenty-five thousand caribou during hunts. While this may seem like a large number, because the state's herds number nearly a million animals, the annual harvest does not have a negative impact on the overall population. The state's caribou population remains strong and stable.

Hunters in Alaska are eligible to shoot both male and female specimens, depending upon the type of permit they hold. Both sexes are antlered, although male animals have much larger antlers. Adult males weigh nearly four hundred pounds, while females often weigh only about half as much. For comparison, they are much larger than deer, but considerably smaller than either elk or moose.

Hunters should be prepared for many challenges. Non-resident hunters need to be aware that weather and environmental conditions in Alaska can be harsh. Cold, wet or even snowy weather can occur even early in the season carrying with the risk of hypothermia for anyone who is unprepared. In some areas mosquitoes can be a serious nuisance. Also hunters need to be alert for bears.

In addition, the state is known for its abundant black bear and grizzly bear populations. Hunters need to field dress their kills quickly and pack out the meat so as not to produce odors that may attract bears. Grizzlies or brown bears are especially dangerous and hunters need to exercise caution in bear country. Any meat that cannot be packed out should be suspended high in a tree to minimize the chances of an unwelcome bear encounter.

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 should familiarize themselves with all hunting rules and regulations. Ignorance is no excuse for violating the law and poaching offenses can carry heavy fines and sometimes jail sentences. Hunters also need to respect the private property rights of landowners where applicable.

Alaska caribou hunting can be fun and adventurous. The state's thriving population makes for ample hunting opportunities. This rewarding game animal is common but often lives in hard to reach areas. For this reason, hunters need to be well equipped with survival gear and well seasoned in survival skills.




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