Hello guys and Merry Christmas Eve to all. This is not trapping related but I’m sure there are a lot of trappers that also hunt moose. I am planning a hunt for 2024 somewhere in Alaska. I’ve never been to Alaska and I have no idea where to start. I’ve searched a lot of the forums but having trouble trying to narrow it down to an area. I just finished reading a book called “Hunt Alaska now” by Dennis Confer. Some very good info in there. If anybody would be willing to help me out with the process and areas to look at I’d greatly appreciate it.Don’t have an extra 30K to spend on a guided hunt. This will more than likely be a one time hunt for me. Thank you
John

Typically online application period is November 1st to December 15th for the following year. Keep that in mind for next year if you want to get in on the 2024 hunt.

Thank you. Not all areas are draw tho correct? I would need to narrow it down to an area first?

DIY fly out? DIY float trip? DIY road based? Road based pretty much puts you in the interior. Units 20 A,B or C. Totally doable DIY hunt just don’t short yourself on time. Give yourself at least two weeks to get it done, three weeks would be better.

I was thinking I would like a fly out ridge top/lake combo instead of a river float. The only thing I have against a float is I don’t like to see other people lol. But I’m definitely open to suggestions as I don’t know the best way trying to have a 5-6000 dollar budget. Will be me and two of my hardcore elk hunting buddies. Thank you for your reply.

Once you figure out an area I highly recommend you talk with the area biologist, one guide I know had to cancel all his hunts for one area do to moose numbers being so low. We got a nasty winter storm last year that was pretty hard on the moose. They just did a moose count in my area and there was a 33% drop. Maybe by 2024 things will be looking better..............

Thank you . That’s good to know.
Very respectable of that outfitter to cancel hunts instead of taking the money anyways. What if the exact area I decide on is in the same area that one of the more popular outfitters use? Do they have their own areas where other air taxis are not allowed to land in??

Travel wise it might be out of your price range but here in unit 18 we have moose but no roads. There are some boat rentals I hear in Saint Marys. This is in western Alaska 450 mi NW of Anchorage. Probably find a closer moose somewhere else.

I'm not an expert moose hunter, but I've done it enough to offer 2 bits of advice to a new guy who doesn't have a local expert to hunt with. #1, focus on latter part of season. It's colder, bulls are out and moving around more, easier to spot, especially in more open valleys. #2, get as far away from other hunters as possible. How far away depends on your budget.

No.

I assume you've looked at the regs?
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildliferegulations.hunting

I haven't hunted Unit 18 but I've heard the moose numbers are currently high; note though that some areas are not open to non-residents. Definitely no roads to hunt from, but then, I wouldn't recommend road hunting moose anywhere in Alaska.

These are the two most important things to remember as you prepare for your hunt.

Float hunts are rarely a wonderful idea. There are normally lots of people floating ahead of you (and more behind you!) A lot of places are simply inundated with NR "diy" hunters. Hundreds of them. You need to be flown in where there are less hunters; it will be more expensive to get there!

Pete

Thank you Dirt.
When I hunt Colorado outfitters have “their” area.
If you kill an animal in there other outfitters are not allowed to pack your animal out. This is why I was asking
So I just pick an area, then find the closest air taxi and talk to them and get it booked?
John

Waggler,
Yea I’ve looked over the regs. And I have an overbearing friend that has been there. He has given me some advice and also said he would take me. Only thing is I could never go with him!!! I learned a long time ago to pick your hunting partners wisely! Definitely not looking for a road hunt.
I will look at 18.
Thanks John

Thank You Jeff.
I will take a look at that possibility. Moose and no roads sounds like what I want.
John

Thank you. My schedule is very flexible so I will give myself plenty of time. I will take this advice as I don’t like to see other people on my hunts.
Thanks
John

I’ve just about ruled out a river float. I would prefer not to see anyone on my adventure. So I just pick a spot that looks good and go?
Thanks for the advice.
John

Actually, I would talk to an air taxi or transporter and ask their opinions of where to hunt. Not saying any or all are upstanding members of the community. A good one will try and put you on moose. Nobody can control where other people might or might not hunt in any given year, so company is always a possibility. Hopefully, you know how to butcher a moose? Some areas packing is made difficult because meat has to stay on the bone, because of past wanton waste issues or perceived issues. Packing moose is difficult and not fun. Be prepared to pack or shoot one with a short packing distance. Around here getting away from hunters, may mean getting away from moose. There may be a reason hunters are hunting an area and not another.

Is that 5-6000 dollars a total for all three of you ? or a per person budget ? Does it include travel to Alaska and home again ?

Remember that anywhere you fly into, you will need to fly out of. Flying out a moose or three will add considerable expense because of additional flying time.

I just noticed I totally blew it in my advice above: I should have said "wouldn't" instead of "would".
Looks like you've already figured this out though. Good idea about hunting partners; been there, done that.