Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Mid-Life Crisis - Alaska Moose Hunt

Call it a life-long dream, or call it a mid-life crisis (probably a little of both), but my hunting buddy and I want to do an Alaskan Moose hunt. We're interested in a "DIY" hunt but it would likely require booking a flight service for a drop hunt. I'd like your general advice, locations, best time to go, etc. We're in the early planning stages on this.

I have looked into several services online, such as Papa Bear, Renfros, and Willow Air. Papa Bear is the only outfit that I've contacted, and it sounds like their drop hunt costs have increased big time (10-12k for 2023), and they now hold a company lottery drawing to decide who gets to go with them. They have a great reputation & that's who I'd like to use, but man that's a lot of cash for a drop hunt.

I realize booking this year is very unlikely due to folks being booked up, but I would like to go in 2022 or 2023. Also wouldn't mind having a chance at a caribou - unless the two species don't mix territory or season dates.

Any and all comments are welcomed... tell me what I need to know.

I'm prolly way rong,but I thought in Alaska you had to have a guide or a resident to hunt certain areas and species?
I'm at the age and status in life where this could be an interesting thread.

If that is a mid life crisis it is a good one.

Excellent choice.

I don’t believe moose hunting requires a guide.
I have been exploring the idea too.
I will follow your thread.

I’d do a float trip. Don’t need a guide for moose, caribou , black bear in most areas

Not for moose, caribou or black bear..

Call 40 mile air ASAP, tell them you want to hunt in unit 20E. They will know where to take you. If you are lucky the state will issue a emergency order like they did last year. To allow you to hold RC860 permit (caribou) and RM865 permit (moose) some big moose in 20E.

Sounds like adventure to the Max.

Just remember moose make elk look small !!

10-12k is awful pricey for being dropped off and hunting. That about 4k per hour in flight costs.

Those transportation costs in Alaska are stupid expensive but they got ya over a barrel and they know it. The truth is that its probably better to fly to Africa and hunt a bunch of those various antelope species and baboons and such things. Theres lots more variety of game and youll get to use the rifle more.

Ha! I'm afraid you're right, Bob. My days of youth are... well, they're gone, but I want to do this hunt before I can't.

Thanks for that recommendation - I will add them to my list of places to research. I don't think I can swing a hunt this year, however... I should (hopefully) draw the elk tag that I've been waiting 15 years for, so September 2021 will hopefully find me chasing big bulls in the quakies.

There's a learning curve to everything, when you do things yourself the first time,

And I don't know the kill success rates that are being given to you,

But 12k is a hell of learning curve,

How important is the kill, or do you just really want the experience?

I've been on 2 Alaska hunts, and for Moose I'd likely go guided if success was a major factor.

And if doing a drop camp, I'd certainly hope your the first group there that season.

Hunted with Papa Bear in 19 and am going back in 22. Yes their prices have gone up, but they provide a superb service. Their attention to detail and the quality of their area is arguably the best in the state.

Prices on everything are going up as demand exceeds supply. Just get on the list and go. A few dollars won't matter in the long run, and a near guarantee of success make it all worth it.

Remember the addage, " But once, cry once. " Good luck and on me if I can help.

If you don't mind me asking, ball park price for your hunt in 2022?

Never mind, I see the price above for papa bear.

I would head to BC for moose and will this year assuming the border opens.

I would make sure the Canadian borders are open before I planned a trip up there ( IF you are driving...and I would cause getting the moose meat back is a priority)

40mile I guarantee booked for this year and next year.. they are probably one of the best in the business..

Has anyone done a float hunt with 40 Mile Air?

tag this thread.

I hope to do this somewhere in the 2023--2026 window.

The demand far exceeds the supply for fly-in hunts in Alaska.There's more to it than just flight time. Much time and effort is put into
building remote landing strips.

good luck with your search