"Average Joe" | A DIY Alaskan Caribou Hunt

The Alaskan tundra is home to unforgiving terrain, unending remoteness, and unpredictable weather. And for most, the thought of hunting the area is permanently behind a wall of excuses; it’s too far, it’s too expensive, it’s too difficult.
But when you set your mind to something, when you dig deep and get creative, all things are achievable. Watch as Joe Griffin, a Michigan-native, sets out to prove this during his inaugural trip to the tundra in search of spot-and-stalk, do-it-yourself caribou hunting success.
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[@TheMerlinmk19]

I've been sitting on this hunt...for a long time. You have finally pushed me over the edge - 2022/23 just officially entered the hard planning stage as a result of this video.

[@HuntWise]

That's awesome news! It's totally worth it! Good luck!

[@joegriffin2140]

This is why we made the film. Go do it man

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Good luck man.

[@powderhog2]

If you do it, don't do it illegal like they dumbasses did. I've heard the Alaska state troopers have already been notified.

[@tyb3938]

@@powderhog2 what was illegal about this hunt? I have never hunted in Alaska but if their regulations are like our home state of Idaho you need a lawyer to help you navigate them

[@owensanchez9353]

I really got to say I love how impromptu this hunt is, it’s awesome. Really adds a tangibility aspect to it. Good job very well put together. This hunt is officially on my bucket list now

[@OutdoorsAllie]

This is awesome. Huge congratulations to Joe! Great work Huntwise Team! Very well done.

[@nathanhuizenga7953]

Awesome video! Way to help show that an adventure like this is possible for an average guy!

[@darktimbermedia7067]

Awesome man. Loved it. Keep working your ass off man. Need more content like this.

[@24barron]

Excellent job with this video. Story was told and filmed so well. 🤘🏼

[@tylerruelas5296]

Wow. This was awesome. Thank you KZbin algorithm. Never seen any of your videos before today. Going on my first hunt next week in Texas and couldn't be more pumped. Congrats on the bull and thanks for this video!

[@HuntWise]

That's awesome Tyler! Glad you found us and good luck in Texas! Send us some photos in our Instagram DMs!

[@SteinerOpticsUSA]

Congratulations Joe! Great video that should help more people realize their dream of an Alaska hunt!

[@joegriffin2140]

Thanks guys!!

[@HuntWise]

Steiner, thanks for being a great partner in this!

[@larryhernandez8825]

Thanks for taking us along, awesome video. congrats!

[@HuntWise]

Thanks Larry! Glad you enjoyed following along!

[@judytruman2894]

Great hunt and video, Joe! I expect to see more in the future

[@HuntWise]

More to come!

[@nickdorroh1258]

So awesome, Joe!! Thanks for sharing your story and adventure with us!! Congrats on your hard earned bull!! Looking forward to seeing what doors this opens for you on future hunts!! 😁🤙🏹🦌

[@HuntWise]

Joe is the man!

[@nohothanddalehough3092]

Every outdoorsman should visit Alaska at least once. Great video and really shows a can do attitude!

[@itsobvious5835]

That was fascinating. Thank you. I always wondered if someone could do something like that, and now I know.

[@bsmith554]

Can we get a video of the cost breakdown of flying the meat back and the overall logistics of the trip?

[@HuntWise]

Video is live breaking the entire cost, gear selection and logistics on our YT!

[@bsmith554]

You guys are awesome, thank you!

[@marklumley619]

Costs an arm and a leg to get that meat home so I was surprised he shot a non trophy. My cow caribou that I took to display with my bull was bigger than his bull

[@nativetexanoutdoors37]

Dude this was a kickass video!! Showing the ups and downs on a DIY hunt you never thought you'd do! Keep it up!

[@HuntWise]

Appreciate it brother!

[@mattarseneault]

Man... I couldn't be happier for you guys. Now I'm happy. Thanks lads

[@HuntWise]

I’m glad! It was an adventure!

[@kennyjimerson4438]

Amazing video quality! I'm starting to plan this hunt right now. It may not be exactly like this but this gives me an option that I never knew existed. Everywhere I look people are talking about guides and bush piolets. This is my 10-year goal, and with the help of this video, I believe it is more achievable than I had ever imagined. Thank you for shedding some light on how the "Average Joe" can do this!

[@HuntWise]

Good luck! Thats awesome!

[@johngay4157]

Awesome hunt and great story, Joe!

[@joegriffin2140]

Thanks John!

[@williamk1452]

I packed my backpack, and I got on a plane to Anchorage. Hitchhiked and backpacked for 2 months! Every person treated me like a long lost cousin. The last person picked me up in Hope and dropped me off at the gate for my flight home. Wouldn't take gas money!! Them folks are special!

[@HuntWise]

Alaska is a special place.

[@tyb3938]

Freaking awesome video. I can afford a guide but to me that takes what is awesome about hunting out, the sense of adventure, discovery and challenges to find and harvest a animal. 2 months ago we watched a video on the Brooks range where they flew in on a guided hunt and after a little research we figured we can hike in from the highway. So awesome to see you do that exact thing and harvest a nice bull. Congrats and thank you for inspiring us to get off our couch and explore.

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it! Such a great hunt and a perfect way to see Alaska for the first time!

[@zeldarobinson3382]

Great video Joe and on fulfilling your dream , as you said with planning and hard work anyone can follow their dreams

[@HuntWise]

So true!

[@MountainADX]

We bumped into you guys a few times out there. Great job on the video.

[@HuntWise]

All sorts of good folk hunting the Hall Road!

[@lenanbo1]

Amazing video and better harvest man. I love seeing successful diy hunting videos like this cause it motivates me and I’m sure others to get out there and do something bigger. Congratulations

[@HuntWise]

That's the idea! I hope this is yet another reason for you to get out and onto an incredible adventure!

[@michaeltubbs2493]

Great video some great info what is really needed congrats to you thanks for sharing!

[@HuntWise]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NPLife]

Great video guys! Rocked the story telling.

[@HuntWise]

Thank you! It's a story worth telling the best we can!

[@pamelapelech3249]

What a great successful trip. Well planned and it gave you success.

[@HuntWise]

Thanks so much! It was an awesome trip and we will definitely be back!

[@TonchyShultz]

Great video... very nice filming and whole hunting , congrats for beautiful Caribou. Woow . Best regards from Alberta 👍🍁🌿💕🦌👌

[@nickharris9026]

Great story, well filmed/edited. Thank you

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@incognitothanks8424]

I was literally talking to my buddy that just went into the military about going on a trip up to Alaska. I believe this just made my decision we will be going in the next 3 years. I’m also from Michigan. I live about 40 minutes north of G.R

[@shaneclark207]

Nicely done. Strong work. An epic trip, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And the style of video, the commentary…….very fitting. And to wrap it all up with the forecast of the future if your son…..shows the kind of man you are. Cannot say enough good about this vid and the character you showed in it.

[@HuntWise]

Joe is an awesome advocate for hunting and bringing new hunters kids or adults, into the hunting family.

[@codysett1]

Great video Joe.

[@chrisverville3285]

It is nice to see another Michigander get out and do it.

[@jbrunoimagery]

Outstanding guys!!!! 📸🎥Well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@HuntWise]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it man! Hopefully we see you guys soon!

[@JoeTheFarmer]

Loved this video fellas!!! Great production value and Joe you were awesome telling the story. Hope to hunt together again soon! 😁👍🏼👊🏼 -JTF

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it Joe! Hopefully we'll connect here sooner than later!

[@jmanoutdoors4261]

Great Film.

[@HuntWise]

Thank you!

[@KrazyforScavs]

Definitely love see a cost breakdown snd gear list. Congrats!

[@HuntWise]

The video live breaking this down on our YT right now! Gear, logistics, etc!

[@JS-nf1sn]

Awesome video. Inspiring. This is what hunting is about.

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@greghertzberg6220]

Great stuff, good job!

[@brianbakeberg6111]

This is exactly what I'm doing in 2 weeks I'm so freaking excited

[@ItsChoeTime]

Marvelous piece.

[@wyattyoung7]

Awesome video, would love to see another video on the breakdown of gear needed and cost of this trip

[@HuntWise]

Gear, total costs and logistics video is up on our YT channel!

[@Live_Wild_Outdoors]

Great video! Great hunt! Truly inspiring to get out to Alaska. It has also been on my list! I just need to do it! Nice work!

[@HuntWise]

Go for it! That was the idea. It may seem like a crazy undertaking, but its available for everyone to take advantage of!

[@konnersieffert9223]

Great video guys!

[@HuntWise]

Thanks so much!

[@callmecamo2]

Very cool, guys.

[@themangarage2203]

Congratulations on a great accomplishment and hunt. The animal is just the icing on top.

[@HuntWise]

You got that right! Thanks for the nice words!

[@zekedejonge6828]

Yeww Grand Rapids!! loved the vid, good to see some locals on youtube.

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@ericwiitala5407]

Congratulations and I find that this has given me hope. 👍🇺🇲🏹

[@QuitoQueso]

The more I learn about caribou hunting, the higher up my bucket list it moves. Seeing y'all do it DIY really has me thinking now. Maybe I can work it out to be a MBA graduation present for me.

[@HuntWise]

It is such a cool hunt, definitely recommend you give it a shot! I think that’s a good plan man!

[@alexanderharvie1854]

Really cool video to help others figure out some "How-To". Thanks!

[@HuntWise]

Glad it was helpful!

[@southernhood5145]

great job on the video guys

[@HuntWise]

Thank you!

[@fishgrubblades1779]

Very nice, I'm a DIY hunter since the beginning. Only have guides when mandatory. Excellent video.

[@nastynateanddaboys]

Or if you want to not go to prison because you can’t read the reg book well enough to know not to shoot right next to the fucking pipeline. Not out of the corridor at all…

[@robgrubb420]

Woo hoo thanks for sharing this was awesome.

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it man!

[@kurtvangelder8217]

Looking good Joe! Nice job. I'm just going to assume my invite for the next one is in the mail..... Kurt

[@joegriffin2140]

Let’s do it!

[@Rugged_Peaks_Media]

I just want to say as an alaskan you did a great job on this video. Evening here things can be overwhelming of planning a hunt. Good work and congrats

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the note!

[@nastynateanddaboys]

Besides the obvious law breaking 😂 Glad you didn’t shoot a hole in the pipeline… Next time get a guide

[@torreyintahoe]

Well done video and a great story. I think you could even integrate a bush pilot and keep it reasonable. We climbed Denali when I was younger and obviously needed to get flown in. We didn't have a climbing guide and the whole trip was very economical with gear probably being the most expensive part.

[@WyoHomeing]

Awesome vid and awesome advise

[@HuntWise]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrRyanmcmahon]

LOve the Forloh stuff, So good. Inspiring video too.

[@HuntWise]

Worked great for us! It definitely holds its own and we will continue using it!

[@pokerman9108]

Great job.

[@nj-bz8pv]

Nice job man!

[@drested1793]

Great video, coolest diy hunt vid in awhile. 14:20, what’s that “hydration” I see there?

[@craigenraphael7398]

Excellent work guys, doing it yourself gives the experience something that is unexplainable, unduplicatable and invaluable. "How do you eat an elephant? One Bite at a time!"

[@HuntWise]

Thanks a ton! Really appreciate it! Yes, with proper planning, it's amazing what you can get done.

[@weekender38]

Outstanding video from start to finish. CONGRATS on your SUCCESS in every way. The animal was only a part of it.

[@HuntWise]

It's all about the journey and experience! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonathandickerson4831]

Great job, Alaska is on the table for sure!

[@HuntWise]

Glad to hear it man!

[@jonathandickerson4831]

@@HuntWise it's fun to see another Michigander on KZbin.

[@HuntWise]

@@jonathandickerson4831 If you're ever in West Michigan shoot us a message on social!

[@calmlikeabomb1340]

Cool video. Nice job on caribou.

[@HuntWise]

Thanks a ton man! It was an adventure - cannot wait to get back there!

[@levigilbert5940]

great video !!

[@HuntWise]

Thanks!

[@chillydogg2132]

Awesome video

[@HuntWise]

Thank you!

[@mountainridgeoutdoors6800]

Congratulations. Great job with everything On our list now. Thank you

[@HuntWise]

Glad to hear it man!

[@mountainridgeoutdoors6800]

@@HuntWise Heading up in August 2022 !!! cant wait to try our hand at your trip.

[@M.H357]

Congratulations from your fellow Michigander.

[@aaronkeup1071]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@HuntWise]

Thanks! Glad you Enjoyed it!

[@joegriffin2140]

Thanks Aaron!

[@ericdovenbarger526]

@@joegriffin2140 i am a for sure idiot when replying to these posts but getting better. Loved the video. I do see where some of the native Alaskan folks are not happy but you did the entire trip DIY and did it by the book 100%. No argument at all. Drive on and keep rolling.

[@HuntWise]

Thanks man!

[@josephgraham5706]

Not putting music in made this more powerful. "The Holy Land" for hunting. Damn.

[@hunterlinscomb1061]

Hands down one of the best videos I’ve seen lately, congrats on the kill !!

[@HuntWise]

Thank you! We really appreciate it!

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@lebutch078]

cool trip, keep feeding the youth.... good work from New Zealand

[@HuntWise]

Thanks, will do!

[@brockedandloaded6034]

One hell of a video. Props to your camera man. He's great. I'd love a gear and cost video.

[@HuntWise]

Appreciate it! It was quite the adventure and it was super fun to tell this story.

[@406highlanders]

Great video, that pipeline and buildings look way too close but maybe there's a place its diverts a long ways from the road. The last time I was up there was 2014 and had a great time hunting caribou

[@andrewyoder88]

What's crazy is it's harder to draw an Iowa deer archery tag than it is to get hold of some western big game tags. As an Iowa resident I'm glad it is that way. Even though it takes 5 years to draw we still get a lot of out of state guys in the southern part

[@UrMom_says]

Great video. He explains things very clear & concise. I'm not sure I'd call him an "average joe" with all that expensive high end gear and $5000 bikes in the garage but I get the point. Looks like a fun challenging hunt

[@joegriffin2140]

Hey man. Get your perspective. That was my buddies garage that filmed it. I’ve got a Huffy 😂. But there are some gear items that I believe should be on the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. (Clothing/pack/stove/tent). This doesn’t mean an average guy can’t afford this stuff, it just takes some planning.

[@UrMom_says]

@@joegriffin2140 you make a good point 🤔

[@reesejones8756]

So awesome

[@HuntWise]

Thanks Reese!

[@crazynerd666]

Very cool hunt man

[@HuntWise]

Appreciate that man!

[@jahuzlemcbuzle1118]

Love these kinds of video. Down to earth men doing what hunters dream of

[@diecast4359]

Man you Need to keep this going man I wouldn’t be surprised if you do t go big one day

[@HuntWise]

Joe is awesome and we'll be doing more in the future!

[@TexasRoast]

NIce tent man, nice tent!

[@HuntWise]

I love that shelter! It’s fantastic and worked great in AK

[@kennynewell85]

Great video. Just found your channel. Subbed.

[@HuntWise]

Appreciate it brother!

[@AKDrNo]

You mention guides several times in this video. Guides are only required in Alaska for Brown Bears (Grizzlies) / Dall Sheep / Mountain Goats. Every other species does not require a guide and is often quite doable for an out-of-state DIY hunter as long as they do their research. Of course getting up here and getting around has a cost, but that's part of deal. As an aside, I used to work at a rental car place when I was in college and taking vehicles on the Dalton was specifically prohibited. I would say do what you did and bring an extra tire and wash the vehicle thoroughly (including the undercarriage) upon return. Nice video.

[@AKARCHER]

Awesome video, never hunted on that land, looks nice and easy. If you wanna see some other Alaska hunts I have two full seasons on my channel.

[@jv4read1]

thanks n congrats

[@HuntWise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pariscj]

Great video way to make people aware.. was hoping you used the bow

[@amateurbiggamehunter7691]

Cool video. This is one of my bucket list hunts. All said snd done, not including the price of the tag, what did this cost per person?

[@tanyajenkins919]

Congratulations

[@AlexanderHonsVonEber]

Man I live in LA but my homes always been in the woods.. I worked in TV out here for a while and you n ur bro brought an amazing production value to your hunt with limited resources. Super impressive! I would love a follow up shorter vid maybe going into some of the gear y’all used, some of the planning and strategy - use of resources/ tech , to plan and implement.. Well done… I do want to know what jacket that is your wearing all the time., I need one and am looking for something similar if u have a second hit me back. Cheers on a job well done bro..

[@HuntWise]

Appreciate the nice words William! We are thinking about how to convey that information regarding gear, logistics, and resources for the hunt! The clothing system we used is by Forloh, a 100% made in USA company out of Whitefish, Montana. We used the AllClima System for rain gear and soft shells!

[@HuntWise]

Project breakdown is live on our YT channel! Gear, total costs, and logistics!

[@theboundaryparadox]

We did this hunt DIY this year. 2/2 on bulls. 1 archery 1 rifle. Video getting posted soon on our channel!

[@homeschooled5683]

Impressive

[@ILikeCatsMoreThanILikeYou]

Hey brother, excellent video! Quick question, what both sling are you using in this video? It looks super solid

[@HuntWise]

Solo Hunter

[@HillCountryGoon]

Wow love this video! I’m getting into hunting recently and this really inspired me. So awesome to think someone like me, who’s brand new, could eventually achieve this! Also, what rifle/caliber did you use??

[@HuntWise]

Yes! That is the idea! There’s plenty of incredible opportunities that are within reach! The rifle was a 300 Win Mag.

[@HuntWise]

We also have a video that breaks our gear selection, total costs and logistics down on our YT!

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Awesome. But if Kifaru is "average", then I must be sub-species. LOL Loved it all. The shots from 21:00 on, perfect capture of that sunlight. Great stuff guys.

[@HuntWise]

Kifaru definitely makes higher end gear. Thanks for the nice words.

[@kurtlawson6995]

hell yes congrats awesome video top of my bucket list HUNT ALASKA thanks for takin us along

[@bullwinklebrown283]

The area where the oil infrastructure is it’s basically a huge sanctuary for caribou and all other wildlife bec the animals are so well protected there. Alaska has probably done a better job at developing the North Slope than anywhere else in the world. Having both commercial fished and worked up north all of my adult life I can honestly say the culture surrounding the development up there is impeccable. One drop of oil on the ground is too much (can’t say the same about commercial fishing) but it is like working under a microscope

[@bullwinklebrown283]

I spend 1/2 of my time up there working on the slope. I personally see hundreds of caribou daily (sometimes thousands) polar bears, Fox, millions of birds (summer time). Sad how many people want to try and regulate the area and never spent any time there.

[@powderhog2]

Sure looks a lot less the 5 miles from the pipeline. Pretty sure you should check your maps again bro!!

[@seakadventurer1330]

Like close enough to poke a hole in it

[@thomasjosephson4428]

There is a spot where the pipeline is close to the 5 mile corridor. troopers have investigated and have cleared him of any wrong doing.

[@tyb3938]

@@thomasjosephson4428 glad to see my taxpayer dollars being put to good use, probably ratted out by a guide not happy to see someone bypassing the system they setup to ensure we have to hire them.

[@capt_crunchwrap]

@@tyb3938 There isnt any systems that require guides for Caribout hunting in Alaska

[@kylekiziah7550]

Just did this same hunt 8/23-9/7, also rented a Uhaul but got stuck w a 15' box truck. Worked out great plenty of room and dry space. What made you go so early in the season? I bet the bugs where terrible for ya

[@HuntWise]

Bugs were actually not bad at all. The first day was a little buggier, but the weather cooled with the rain and the bugs settled down.