Im looking to do a fly in trip in Alaska for Moose. Im planning on using a transport service to get me in and out of the bush. Looks like I have 2 options. One would be a float trip and the other would be a fixed camp location . Looking for Pros and cons on both. Im leaning towards the fixed camp location as I feel one would spend a great deal of time moving and setting up camp daily. Also, if successful on a Moose, you will be then moving meat around daily. I think if one were stationary, using motor boats to hunt every day and then return to camp, you could probably concentrate more on finding moose sign and spend some time hunting it. Just looking to see if anyone has done this before and if they can recommend a reputable transport service to get me in to a good Moose area. Most likely this hunt would take place in September of 2015. I have one guy with a deposit in hand already. We could have a max of 4 guys in one camp with 2 boats or if another group wants to go, you will need at least 2 in your party for your own camp. I was thinking of using Willow air in Alaska. Another option is Above Alaska Aviation. If anyone has done this or has any feedback on these outfits or another transport service, please let me know. If anyone would like to do this hunt , you will need a min of 2 in your group. Sissies need not apply. As far as my experience in Alaska, this will be my 5th trip. I have been on a King Salmon trip. I did a diy black bear and Sitka Blacktail deer hunt on Prince of Wales Island and killed a real nice black bear. I have hunted Admirality Island 2 times for Brown Bears. I lost a Brown Bear on my first trip and shot a nice Brown on my 2nd trip. I have done a 10 day guided fly in moose hunt on horseback hunt in Ft St. John BC and was not successful
Looking to do a DIY Moose hunt
tcook8296
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Im looking to do a fly in trip in Alaska for Moose. Im planning on using a transport service to get me in and out of the bush. Looks like I have 2 options. One would be a float trip and the other would be a fixed camp location . Looking for Pros and cons on both. Im leaning towards the fixed camp location as I feel one would spend a great deal of time moving and setting up camp daily. Also, if successful on a Moose, you will be then moving meat around daily. I think if one were stationary, using motor boats to hunt every day and then return to camp, you could probably concentrate more on finding moose sign and spend some time hunting it. Just looking to see if anyone has done this before and if they can recommend a reputable transport service to get me in to a good Moose area. Most likely this hunt would take place in September of 2015. I have one guy with a deposit in hand already. We could have a max of 4 guys in one camp with 2 boats or if another group wants to go, you will need at least 2 in your party for your own camp. I was thinking of using Willow air in Alaska. Another option is Above Alaska Aviation. If anyone has done this or has any feedback on these outfits or another transport service, please let me know. If anyone would like to do this hunt , you will need a min of 2 in your group. Sissies need not apply. As far as my experience in Alaska, this will be my 5th trip. I have been on a King Salmon trip. I did a diy black bear and Sitka Blacktail deer hunt on Prince of Wales Island and killed a real nice black bear. I have hunted Admirality Island 2 times for Brown Bears. I lost a Brown Bear on my first trip and shot a nice Brown on my 2nd trip. I have done a 10 day guided fly in moose hunt on horseback hunt in Ft St. John BC and was not successful
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Larrys cousin, Mike Stroff from Savage outdoors did a similar DIY but they floated 145miles down river and he took a really great bull. Looked like a neat trip with new country every day. Im sure if you emailed him or stopped by and talked to him at Harrisburg he would be more than happy to fill you in.
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Just out of curiosity, what does a transport to and from the bush like that cost?
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Most Alaskan residents shoot their moose from the road because of the work involved with getting 300 to 700 lbs of meat and 75 lbs of antler from the field to their homes. Remember in Alaska all of the edible meat needs to be packed out, and if I'm not mistaking that even includes rib meat.
I've shot two moose so far and the fun stops and the work starts when you pull the trigger. And those were guided hunts.
Sounds like a great hunt and if I were younger I would seriously think of joining you.
I've shot two moose so far and the fun stops and the work starts when you pull the trigger. And those were guided hunts.
Sounds like a great hunt and if I were younger I would seriously think of joining you.
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All meat needs to come out before the Rack. Definitely work once a moose is down. I talked to a guy who did it last year and it took him 8 hrs getting it out
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Ihave several quotes and they vary depending on the services they provide and the distance they are flying. Willow air gets $4500 per person and includes a motorized boat and fuel or a raft for float trips. Includes flying in and flying out. Also transport of the Moose if you are successful. Ive been on several bush flights and they vary, BC for instance was very remote, just the bush flight alone was $1500. My float plane from Ketchikan to Prince of Wales Island was $450 . My float plane flights from Junuea to Admirality Island was $950. The bush Pilots going rate these days is about $800 an hour.
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Lots of work but oh man is Moose meat good. Also Tom you need to be a good judge of antler width. Bulls must be 50 inches (think that's what it is) to be legal. And you will get a ticket for a 49. Joes a little younger than me so you know I ain't going lol.
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yes 50 inches and I think 3 brow points
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Sounds like blast. Good luck Tom.
The problem is, your only allowed something like 50 lbs of that meat on the flight back home. Shipping all the meat home is very expensive. A lot of hunters give it to the locals. You can drive to Newfoundland with a trailer and bring it all home. Plus Newfoundland has something like a 98% success rate. And no lottery. Just buy the tag. But Newfoundland is not as glamorous as AK. I'll grant you that.
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I have friends in newfie land. When I go that's where I am going. They bring the whole Moose out in the bed of their truck.
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He's looking for a DIY hunt. You must have a guide to hunt moose in Newfoundland.
Your not doing it yourself when you go with 3 other guys. Also, in Newfoundland there is nothing that would like to make a meal out of you. Like I said AK is more glamorous but a ton more expensive. I understand the attraction though. I wrestle with it myself from time to time.
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tieflyer, Tom is looking for DIY not necessarily meaning alone, I believe he means non-guided. He can clarify that.
Newfoundland is not an option. A nonresident can't hunt moose in Newfoundland without a guide.
Whether alone or with one or two others three or four guys from New Jersey in the Alaskan bush hunting Moose is going to be a great challenge and great experience.
So you are speaking for Tom? I know what a DIY hunt is. I wonder if you do. My point is, if you are going with a couple of strangers anyway, one of them might as well be a guide. Anyway I don't want to be drawn into a argument situation here. Good luck.
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Do a tremendous amount of research on finding the best reputable flight service there is with a proven track record of putting their customers in the best areas and producing the best results. Once you book and are confirmed with them you can really pick their brains for info to make your trip successful. They don't share their treasured info and advise to tire kickers. Reputable flight services take their hunters to the same areas year after year because they usually produce. Get references from them before you commit. The logistics and planning is no where near going to be as difficult as what your going to be up against when you have one or two 1400lb plus moose floating in the lake, in the swamp, or on dry land. With a couple good, smart strong guys you should be able to get it done. Sounds like a blast from the planning stages, preparations, and the flight home. Good Luck.
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