Big Game Hunts

Big game hunts cause hunting fever like no other hunting experience. Just the mention of big game hunts triggers visions of huge trophy heads shooting through the imagination, like wild sugarplums at Christmas. Alaska offers some of the very best big game hunts. The many species of big game found in Alaska gives rise to a veritable smorgasbord of large animals to choose from.

Topping the big game hunts in Alaska, brown bears known as Kodiaks, found on Kodiak Island are the largest of this species found in North America. There are moose with racks measuring up to 70 inches, caribou roaming the ridges, and plentiful deer in the coastal areas. There are also Dall sheep, goat, Muskox and wolves that run in packs in southeast Alaska. These and more can add to the big game hunting experience.

Muskox hunting may be new to you. These animals live in the Arctic. Originating in the frozen regions of Asia, Greenland, Europe, North America and Northern Canada. At one time this hearty animal nearly disappeared from Alaska. In an effort to repopulate this species, several were captured in Greenland and transported to the Fairbanks area. They have since thrived in this area, bringing the population to the numbers required to permit harvesting these animals.

The muskox is a large stocky longhaired animal with a short tail. Both the male and female have horns. A mature bull can be about 5 feet high and weigh up to 800 pounds. They eat grasses, forbs, sedges and woody plants. They can dig through heavy snow with sharp hooves, while foraging for food, but thrive better where the snow is shallow or without snow. Just the thought of tracking and hiking miles through the expanse and wild wildernesses in Alaska, with its vast array of natural untouched beauty, is enough to arouse a good case of “I want to take a vacation” fever.

The Division of Wildlife Conservation in the state carefully monitors and conducts habitat enhancement. All areas require hunting licenses, of course. Some areas require special area permits, since Alaska has literally dozens of specified areas to hunt in.

Floatplanes are used when hunting vast and remote areas of Alaska’s wilds. You may even find hunting from snowmobiles and boats, a favorite in the coastal regions. In order to assure that your big game experience is successful and an enjoyable memory, make certain that you begin to condition your body months before the trip. The inability to hike long distances carrying backpack and gun, over many miles of rugged terrain, could seriously hamper your hunting trip.

The ADF&G Wildlife Office in Anchorage provides hunting information over an automated phone system. To access this information call 907.267.2347. So what are you waiting for? Make your big game hunting plans, grab your gun, your best hunting buddy and have some fun.