Caribou hunt in '06

[RDJ unlogged]

I am considering taking my daughter on a Caribou hunt in the '06 season. Any of you guys that have made this trip and have recommendations in regards to either hunt locations or outfitters used, I would appreciate any info you have. She will be 14 and I want this to be a FUN hunt in a productive area. Not stuck on trophy class animals and care more about quantity and reasonable opportunities with good shooting situations for youth. I would also like a comfortable camp that would be "youth friendly" that won't make her feel uncomfortable or be too "Rustic"! I am just starting to research this and have a couple of friends who have done trips but would like to open my mind to others recommendations as well. Also, what kind of $$$ range should one expect to pay into per person for a good quality hunt in a comfortable camp? Thanks for the input..RJ in Montana..

[Scott K.]

RJ,

I went a couple of years ago to Northern Quebec. The place we stayed was fairly new. Basically double wide mobile homes with about 5 rooms on each side. 2 people per room. Private showers and restrooms at the far end. 3 meals a day were prepared for us, much like a school lunch room. For lunch you could get a sack lunch or come back to the cafeteria to eat. We drive all the way, it's 28 hours from the time we cross the border at Sault Ste. Marie, thats the worst part of the trip. We normally have 3 people per truck to take turns driving. Deposits are due in Jan. The nice thing about this hunt is if the Caribou are not there the camp manger will call and tell us not to come and they just keep the deposits for the following year. Hunting is easy, just drive and glass until you find the one you want. There are caribou everywhere. You can sit and watch them cross lakes for hours. Total cost of the trip is usually about $1700.00 to $2000.00 usd per person total, for 2 caribou.
I am suppose to have 6 to 12 openings for the 2006 season. We exchange the money before sending the deposits and before we leave. The exchange rate is not as good as it used to be but it helps.
The hunt is in November and when I was there the temp ranged from -40 to +30F
If you have questions you can email me at:
scott.koenigsfeld@pioneer.com

[RDJ unlogged]

Just bringing this back up to the top. Any one else been after caribou? I figured this would have a bigger following..Thanks for the help, RJ in Montana..

[Fool For The Opti]

If you are in Montana, I would highly recommend hunting caribou in Northwest Territories--it is your closest trip and the Central Barren Ground caribou have some of the best looking caribou racks. You could drive to Yellowknife, NWT in 2+ days and just have a short flight direct to camp -- your gear and trophies will not be damaged on the float plane to camp. You avoid a large commercial jet and the baggage risks by driving. The drive up through Alberta and NWT is spectacular. The roads are excellent.

Call the group at Cabela's that arranges Outdoor Adventures. Ask for Greg Severinson. He has been just about everywhere caribou hunting. I have been to 2 different camps in NWT and really liked Aylmer Lake Lodge. Greg can tell you more about booking there. It has all the comforts of home. Top notch outfitter with spectacular caribou. Excellent food, guides and lodging. You can fish when done hunting. I recommend a later hunt--the biggest bulls come through last and by then they will be hard antlered instead of in velvet. I preferred NWT over Quebec for caribou. A buddy preferred NWT over Alaska. Good luck.