The rugged terrain around the Alaska Range is a hunter’s paradise, and for a trio of adventurers, a large bull caribou became quite a challenge to track down. (LANDON ALBERTSON)
A BULL TO REMEMBER
THREE HUNTERS STALK A BIG CARIBOU IN THE ALASKA RANGE BY LANDON ALBERTSON
M
y first successful caribou hunt was a true Alaskan adventure and was easily my favorite so far. What made it even better was that I got to share the experience with Jen, my wife/adventure partner, and one of my best friends, Reed. It was an unforgettable trip for all of us.
THE FLIGHT IN It all started with my first flight in a Super Cub. Our pilot methodically loaded the plane and I climbed aboard. I strapped on my seat buckle and tightened the straps. Then I slid on a radio headset so I could communicate with the pilot during
our flight. We taxied to the edge of the runway and the pilot asked, “Ready?” “Ready!” I replied excitedly. The plane jolted forward and within a couple of seconds, we were soaring above the trees. Forty-five minutes over the breathtaking mountains of the Alaska Range was all it took for me to fall in love with flying. From the towering mountain peaks to the winding riverbeds, I was reminded once again just how beautiful Alaska truly is. But it wasn’t just the landscape that had us recalling our love for the land. The wildlife greeted us along the way:
Dall sheep, caribou, and even a grizzly bear spotted by Jen served as a perfect introduction to the Alaska backcountry. We landed at camp – each of us arriving in separate planes. Once we were on the ground, I noticed my face and cheeks were getting sore. It hit me that I hadn’t stopped smiling since we had lifted off. Still buzzing from our flights, we set up camp and waited impatiently for the hunt ahead. Base camp was next to the landing strip, which was located in a sliver of trees that reached to the riverbed. The river ran north and south and featured thick trees on either side. Steep
aksportingjournal.com | JUNE 2020
ALASKA SPORTING JOURNAL
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