Hunting in Alaska - MeatEater Style

smokin'stoegie said:
The required Yeti coolers to carry an adult moose with be an extra 10 grand..... lol
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Very good point! I didn't even do the cost analysis of the Yeti coolers. Very nice coolers ... very expensive coolers!

Even if I only take back half of a moose ... or even a third ... that is 3 to 5k in Yeti coolers ... lol Well a least I would have a life time supply of Yeti coolers and can put it in my estate ... :)

As mentioned in the post by shoota a small generator and a used chest freezer would be the cheapest way to go ... and I already own a Honda 2000 VA portable generator and my brother has an extra chest freezer.
 
I am wondering whether I should plan a moose hunt in northern BC or in Newfoundland. From a moose per hunter ratio, accessibility and distance from southern Ontario, which would be the better choice? Newfoundland is a 37 hour drive for me while northern BC is a 60 hour drive (according to Google maps via a Canadian route).

Any opinions / comments would be welcome.
 
moose hunting in Newfoundland will probably always be there, but in BC who knows.... with that government and road blocks and protests.... I'd go to BC
 
As mentioned in the post by shoota a small generator and a used chest freezer would be the cheapest way to go ... and I already own a Honda 2000 VA portable generator and my brother has an extra chest freezer.[/QUOTE]


Just a though here. Would a household freezer handle the movement and vibrations (bumpy roads, up and down hills ) ? I don't know about present fridge freezers but I was always told not to power upa fridge/freezer for 24hr after moving it.
 
St Pauli said:
As mentioned in the post by shoota a small generator and a used chest freezer would be the cheapest way to go ... and I already own a Honda 2000 VA portable generator and my brother has an extra chest freezer.


Just a though here. Would a household freezer handle the movement and vibrations (bumpy roads, up and down hills ) ? I don't know about present fridge freezers but I was always told not to power upa fridge/freezer for 24hr after moving it.
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Good point. I didn't think of that. Although a big enough freezer can just be filled up with bags of ice when on the move and perhaps the generator wouldn't even be needed if the meat is already frozen solid at the beginning of the journey.
 
No idea if this is a cost effective or even available item. Are there scaled down refer units made like the ones that go on semi trucks or shipping cans that use refrigeration?
They would be made to handle the abuse.
No idea what mobile food trucks use. Maybe talk to a food truck guy/girl see what they use and their experience with the equipment.

Research what RV's use. No idea if it is something special or just run of the mill stuff.
 
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Carbon12 said:
I am currently watching the Alaska hunts by Steven Rinella in Meat Eater via Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80126646)

I am fascinated by the adventure of it all and dream that someday I too could hunt in the far north. I thought I would start this thread to hear other people's real life experiences with hunting in the Alaska, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, Northern Quebec, etc. If anyone has hunting pictures from up there ... please feel free to post them.

I am also interested to know the details and logistics behind even planning such a hunting trip and what is involved from gear and transportation to licencing. Steve and crew also have some nice rifles ... I wonder if its his or the sponsors. I see Vortex scopes a lot on the show and the rifles look like Remington 700s.

Weather and cooking / eating in these shows are also very interesting. Eating what can be harvested off of the land .. or sea. It is all cool. :)
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That show is fantastic! I love the hunts with Steve and Joe Rogan... that's got fun written all over it.

The Yukon is on my to-do bucket list. At almost 50 years old, I'd like to make this hunt happen sooner than later!

I have hunted Ontario all of my life. Not much in this province I haven't seen / hunted.
I still hunt Ontario as well as Quebec and Alberta.
Each province is different in most respects from landscape to legalities.

As far as planning a hunt in the Yukon or Alaska, the structure would be like planning any other remote hunt.
If you're using an outfitter and guide, than you likely just need to fork out cash, find out what you need to bring and get a flight up there.

IF you're planning on running your own show, you need to do a fair amount of research. (No different than any other remote hunt planning - just a different locale)
Some things to consider :
Where you're going and is it hunt-able land / where the animals are
Who you are hunting with
Licensing / Game seals/ Draws for NON-res
Gear you'll need - are you going bare bones - old school backpack hunting or more robust
Money money money - This $hit ain't free
Transportation - how are you getting to your hunting area? Is it navigable land, do you require horses, ATV's etc
Know the local flora and fauna
Etc

And know your limits!! And not only YOUR limits but that of your crew. I have hunted / guided and outfitted for 30 years now. I've been on some crazy hunts, and am very aware of my capabilities and comfort levels. I have brought some guys on hunts that they should not have been on. They just were not prepared for certain situations. So, if you're putting a team together, make sure you know your crew and their capabilities. The last thing you want is a guy wiggin out in grizzly country! Act within your norms, but don't ever be afraid to challenge yourself.

Post pics when you get back!!
 
This website is a one-stop-shop for information. I am just blown away how they cover everything. Here is the list:

Alaska Hunting Information


Alaska Hunting Information


Alaska's Game Species
Maps & Area Information
Hunting Regulations
General Information
Hunt Planning
Big Game Hunting Intro
Tags, Tickets, & Permits
When & Where to Hunt
Selecting a Guide
Transporters
Lodging
Plan Your Hunt
Rules and Requirements
Regulations
Reporting Your Hunt
Guide Requirements
Land Status, Access & Federal Hunting Regulations
Transporting Firearms
Hunting Permit Information by Species
Transporting Game
Common Hunting Violations
Equipment
Navigation Equipment
Spotting Game
Firearm Maintenance
Firearms & Ammunition
Sighting-In Your Rifle
Health and Safety
Physical & Mental Preparation
First Aid & Travel Safety
Water Treatment
Low Impact Camping
Bear Safety for Hunters
Game Meat
Eating Game Meat
Meat Care
Diseases & Parasites
Hunting Tips
Shot Placement
Bullet Distances
Recovering Wounded Game
More Resources
Licenses/Permit FAQs
Raffle/Auction Program
Hunter Education
How to Clean a Skull
How to Brain-Tan a Hide
Subsistence in Alaska
Videos on Hunting
 
I have been hunting moose as a resident in Nl for about 10 years now. Im just getting home from southern ontario, it was about 20hr drive to the ferry in NS from Cobourg ON. I took a night crossing that left at midnight, arrives in NL at 0700. Then it depends where you want to go. I believe non residents of the province require an outfitter, no idea what they are charging. Oh I also have a freezer in the back of my truck that im currently running on a honda generator, its a standard danby and i have been running it for 2 weeks travelling now. I can go 8+ hours without it pugged in so I just use the generator every once in a while or in the evenings. Its been working great for me. Hope this helps
 
cjp said:
I have been hunting moose as a resident in Nl for about 10 years now. Im just getting home from southern ontario, it was about 20hr drive to the ferry in NS from Cobourg ON. I took a night crossing that left at midnight, arrives in NL at 0700. Then it depends where you want to go. I believe non residents of the province require an outfitter, no idea what they are charging. Oh I also have a freezer in the back of my truck that im currently running on a honda generator, its a standard danby and i have been running it for 2 weeks travelling now. I can go 8+ hours without it pugged in so I just use the generator every once in a while or in the evenings. Its been working great for me. Hope this helps
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Hi cjp

This definitely helps me. I most likely do it the way you described. It sounds like a tried and true method.
 
I guess the truck vibration would not effect a freezer much if it is off? I imagine when a freezer is allowed to settle a bit first before it is power by a generator there shouldn't be any major issues ... transports with freezers drive around all the time on highways ... must work.
 
OP, if you're based in Ontario, I think the most affordable DIY hunt is Quebec. My understanding is that if you are hunting in a ZEC, you can still DIY in Quebec, but that could be mis-interpreting the website.

Now, you have to be careful where you go, because in some areas the locals will kill you over moose territory, but my understanding is that the further north you go, the less of a problem this is.

I ride through Labrador via northern Quebec this summer on my little WR250R Yamaha. From Saint John, NB, I was in Les Escoumins by dark. From there, it's 2 hrs north to Baie Comeau, then a few hours of pavement to Manic 5 dam (and this is very woodsy!). Then you're in THE WOODS. Only settlements are Relais-Gabriel, Fire Lake Mine and Fermont.

I think a motivated Ontario resident could drive to Baie Comeau in a day, and then be in real, hardcore wilderness in one more day. Make sure your truck's in top shape, you need a spare tire or three, etc etc.

NOW HAVING SAID ALL THIS

I'm not 100% if you can hunt in ZECs by yourself, but that's what the rules seem to say.
 
If I found myself in need of a very remote hunt I would head to the far northern parts of Ontario. Still good numbers of moose and very few people willing to do the work required to hunt where there are no roads. Have a pilot drop me and my gear off on a good river system. Camp and hunt from my canoe and enjoy the solitude while having a good chance at taking a moose. Seeing your from Ontario yourself you would avoid the cost of paying an outfitter and the non resident cost of a tag. That said it would be a lot of work and you would need to be comfortable in remote country where help is a long way away. The Yukon has been a dream of mine since I was a boy. Being a husband and father with responsibilities I have to find my adventure somewhat closer to home.

Hurketthunter84
 
TheCoachZed said:
OP, if you're based in Ontario, I think the most affordable DIY hunt is Quebec. My understanding is that if you are hunting in a ZEC, you can still DIY in Quebec, but that could be mis-interpreting the website.

Now, you have to be careful where you go, because in some areas the locals will kill you over moose territory, but my understanding is that the further north you go, the less of a problem this is.

I ride through Labrador via northern Quebec this summer on my little WR250R Yamaha. From Saint John, NB, I was in Les Escoumins by dark. From there, it's 2 hrs north to Baie Comeau, then a few hours of pavement to Manic 5 dam (and this is very woodsy!). Then you're in THE WOODS. Only settlements are Relais-Gabriel, Fire Lake Mine and Fermont.

I think a motivated Ontario resident could drive to Baie Comeau in a day, and then be in real, hardcore wilderness in one more day. Make sure your truck's in top shape, you need a spare tire or three, etc etc.

NOW HAVING SAID ALL THIS

I'm not 100% if you can hunt in ZECs by yourself, but that's what the rules seem to say.
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be sure to read that before hunting as a non resident in Quebec

https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/english/pub...g-regulations/special-rules/non-residents.asp
 
Hurketthunter84 said:
If I found myself in need of a very remote hunt I would head to the far northern parts of Ontario. Still good numbers of moose and very few people willing to do the work required to hunt where there are no roads. Have a pilot drop me and my gear off on a good river system. Camp and hunt from my canoe and enjoy the solitude while having a good chance at taking a moose. Seeing your from Ontario yourself you would avoid the cost of paying an outfitter and the non resident cost of a tag. That said it would be a lot of work and you would need to be comfortable in remote country where help is a long way away. The Yukon has been a dream of mine since I was a boy. Being a husband and father with responsibilities I have to find my adventure somewhat closer to home.

Hurketthunter84
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Great advice. Northern Ontario is still extremely remote.
 
TheCoachZed said:
I ride through Labrador via northern Quebec this summer on my little WR250R Yamaha. From Saint John, NB, I was in Les Escoumins by dark. From there, it's 2 hrs north to Baie Comeau, then a few hours of pavement to Manic 5 dam (and this is very woodsy!). Then you're in THE WOODS. Only settlements are Relais-Gabriel, Fire Lake Mine and Fermont.

I think a motivated Ontario resident could drive to Baie Comeau in a day, and then be in real, hardcore wilderness in one more day. Make sure your truck's in top shape, you need a spare tire or three, etc etc.
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The vast spruce wilderness between Baie-Comeau and Fermont is mostly crown land. So it's less regulated and expensive than a zec.

However the hundreds of logging roads are occupied during moose rifle hunt.
To hunt there without conflict you can:
-go during the bow season
-find an access by boat, train or plane

As you go North from Relais Gabriel to Fermont the moose population decrease. There's less leafy food and 6 months of snow.
 
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The Meateater podcast is excellent. If anyone is interested in listening to it I recommend starting with episodes 85-87 Afognak Island Elk Hunt and The Meat Tree part 1 and 2. It’s a crazy story about hunting on Alaskan islands.
 
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