Just talked to Tok biologist, about 40 mile caribou.
Season opened Aug 12 last year, will be 11th this year. Closed on the Steese Hwy after just 2 days , was open on the Taylor all season. Different sub-units.
Quota last year was 2,000 animals, 3/4 to Fall hunt, 1/4 to Winter hunt. Last census in '17 showed more caribou than they thought.
Some animals along Taylor last two years, but no real numbers. Main migration never went there apparently. Provisionally same this year- to yet be determined.
i have not been up the Steese in my 50 years in Alaska. Something to contemplate if one likes combat hunting, tho that's big country.
Still leaning toward Taylor, going up about August 5 or 6 and backpacking slowly in toward sheep country on 7-9, for that opening on 10th.
If no caribou found (and camped on) , I know where there are sheep!
The hunting is always good- the getting maybe not so much.....
