Caribou Drop Camp DIY Hunt Brooks Range Alaska 2020

[@steveholding7682]

Thanks guys for the great hunt..my friend Dean, & I were scheduled to go on this exact hunt on Sept 1 2020. August, my friend died of a brain tumor...I watched every minute of your adventure and lived it as if Dean & I had gone ! Life is short, cherish & enjoy the time you had together and the times you will have in the future. I may never get to go on an adventure like this, but the feelings I had watching your trip I know my friend would be happy you shared it with me! Thanks. Steve

[@tomhurley1563]

Wow, that is an incredible comment. I am sorry for you loss but I am glad this gave you enjoyed the video. I never thought a simple little video like this would have any kind of impact on someone. Thank you for sharing.

[@glend4704]

I’m sorry to hear about your friend Dean. I lost my best friend and hunting buddy of 40 years to cancer a few months ago. We did our first ever out of PA hunt for caribou in Quebec 25 years ago this August. We got into a massive migration of thousands of caribou and both got 2 bulls with our bows. I second your thought on cherish your time together! Life is short and precious, I miss my friend so much! I’ve worked in the Brooks Range in Alaska many summers (seasons) but I’ve never been able to hunt it. I worked 7 days a week, months on end, hunting wasn’t an option. It was still awesome to see the caribou and other animals even if I couldn’t hunt them.

[@Nello353]

Sincere condolences on the death of your friend,don,t let his death deter your dreams you know he wouldn’t want that to happen.

[@sonnymolina8748]

Great job guys what an adventure so proud of you guys and great idea with the coffee cups well done guys

[@406highlanders]

So many of the things that happen to you guys has happened to me in Alaska. My dad and I did the same thing once with the pots and pans on a rope, been stranded for days waiting for a plane. My last trip we had two electric fences one for tent and one for the meat. Them bears up there get pretty bold.

[@fatrabbit32]

Nice job guys! My friend and I have done the DIY AK trip for moose 3 times now without bringing home a moose. We’ve come sooo close and created memories that can’t be explained only experienced. Two drop camps and one float hunt that turned into a white water expedition. Already planning our next adventure. Congrats on an awesome hunt and story telling!

[@davebelden3715]

Nice hunt. Caribou are an awesome animal to hunt with a bow. Unfortunately, you can't call them in or set in a tree stand and their environment can be brutal but you got it done. Congratulations to the two of you. Hope you get back up here to do it again. Mr. Bruin, I'm sure, thanks for the meal.

[@terrynelson2668]

I kinda want to chase some caribou now. Great video!

[@2xltmountainman988]

Pretty cool! Living the dream!

[@justinsalaskanadventures]

Well what an adventure! I live in western Alaska and deal with giant brown bears on the regular, few tips for next time, electric bear fence, you can DIY one for not much, and also use a radio, that’s what we use to keep those pesky critters away, nice job and glad you enjoyed it!

[@BEW1969]

My friend and I were supposed to go 8-5-2020 but had to put off until this year. We went through the same outfit, Arctic Air. Probably used your tent! Anyways, we were dropped off about 10mi south of where you camped at. Temps were high, weather was great but no rain deer. Sheila told us to head for the hills. We already were hunting the tops of the hills. Well the weather set in, no rain deer. So I urged my fried to look over the next rise. Well low and behold a bull shows him self and my friend tags out. We go the rest of the week and no rain deer. Well the day we are supposed to fly out of the field, Shelia messages us and say that they cant pick us up for 2 more days. That night, a griz comes into camp an tries taking my buddies meat. We shot at it 2 different times. The bear comes back early in the AM and takes my buddies hide and horns. So the next morning we go looking for the head and cape. On our way back to camp, I spotted 2 decent size bulls headed our way. We high tail it to get in front of them. I got a 200yrd shot off and dropped a good size bull. We were just about finished quartering when we got a message saying that the plane will pick us up in 1hr. We haul back side back to camp and tear down camp, pack everything to the shore. 5 min later, the plain landed. Awesome trip!

[@billsteel1594]

You was hunting rain deer?? Now that’s funny

[@BEW1969]

@@billsteel1594 This is the only continent that call them caribou. So yes, we were hunting rain deer.

[@garyo4456]

The “walk” isn’t as bad as the “sandwich”!! 👍😜👍

[@Shade_Piper]

Awesome hunt Tom! Watched it with my Dad the other night. Looks like a ton of fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@bayoubilly6971]

Thanks for all adventure and the info

[@kawikaalsadonjr.2604]

Aloha from Hawaii. What an awesome hunt. Great job gents 🤙

[@brianmartin684]

Going on a caribou hunt this year out of bettles Was highly considering going with this flight service. Was a great hunt thanks for sharing

[@jimhanson7476]

Yes sir, dang nice... well done

[@akdrywallguy60]

Never chase caribou - they know how to walk through that crap! The smart 'bou hunter waits in camp for them to come... Great hunt - the Brooks is an amazing place to be and experience!

[@Grayghost1969]

Great video thanks for sharing!

[@johnpomazi9587]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Jealous. Supposed to go on a diy moose hunt in the Yukon but canceled due to COVID. Glad you made it.

[@TylerHaddix]

Awesome job. Great video.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Great video

[@johnblackie314]

Awesome documentary of you guys Hunt . Congratulations on your success, to bad for the bear getting your meat. Great Memories Made ! What sunglasses were you wearing there ? Keep on keeping on and Stay Safe !

[@BrandonJayBlack]

Nice work dudes!

[@zeke1eod]

Nice job, hate the meat was eaten by bears. Would love to see a break down video of expenses and planning. Thanks for sharing, God bless

[@rubenvasquez021]

Just ran into your guys channel damn this is cool!!! This is one of my dream hunts with a bow

[@marchaberern2331]

I loved the video. I would love to know more specifics about cost and travel in Alaska and camp cost and all.

[@tomhurley1563]

All in we were probably right at $5k each. The hunt cost has gone up a bit now so I would expect closer to $6k now. I think the drop camp cost is $5k now, that includes camp and food. Really all you need to bring is your clothes, hunting gear, and sleeping bag. Hotels on Kotz are super expensive, I think like $300/night. We have Alaska airline miles and had enough to fly free too so that helped. Shipping the meat back cost $100 per box on Alaska airlines and a caribou was 2 boxes of meat and 1 box of horns. So you figure $1,000 minimum on costs outside of the hunt itself and that is bare minimum.

[@arrows2521]

I have a booked caribou hunt this September. A couple questions for if you wouldn’t mind answering. Is there anything you would, do different. I am also going with attic air. Would you recommend there rental package, or bring your own camping gear. We are like you and are back country hunter have ultra lite tents and mini wood stoves. Is there enough wood to have a fire in a micro stove in a tent. If you would do it a again what would advice would you give. Just want to pick your brain appreciate any info. God bless. Thanks

[@tomhurley1563]

With the rental we had their big Coleman stove and used it to warm the tent some one day when it was probably below 0 with wind chill. Most of our days were mild and we didn’t need heat. Our 15deg bags with liners were way more than enough to stay warm at night. It depends where you get dropped but from what I saw and know I wouldn’t count on there being much wood. You can find a little but it’s pretty much just from willows. Also remember that everyone is getting dropped in relatively the same places year after year on these lakes so most of the good wood is used up. I’ll try to finish my gear list and trip review video soon and get it posted to help some too.

[@johnkorenek4759]

I really enjoyed the video congratulations on the kills

[@harleyeg05]

I am planning a hunt to AK. I have never been there Before. In watching this I am very impressed with the set up and what they did for you at the Drop camp. Would you be willing to share the info. with me and contact info to help me plan and get a hunt like this for me and my son? Thank you Wonderful video and the truth of the hunt, and the fun, and the adventure and realness of it was truly one of the best DIY hunts that I have seen to date. This video truly gave me hope. I like your comment at the beginning about it being daunting but really not that bad. I am at the 'Daunting stage' currently and this video gave me hope! Thank again.

[@jasonjeff3121]

Awesome! Well done I did this exact hunt in 2020 we literally set camp up in same spot you guys did we saw 9 bears luckily the closest one was 700 yards from camp

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

What kind of bear countermeasures are allowed?

[@yenjerry007]

Hey guys the video brought back memories from my hunt. I see you stayed at the Korean lady's b&b...I know, we were in the same room! Did you guys go out the front door and order the $45.00 pizza next door? We harvested one during our hunt and hope to make it back out there one day. Who knows? Maybe we'll see you there.

[@williambeckett9369]

Curious what you used for filming. Looked like a handheld camcorder and cell phone. Let me know. I’m heading there soon. 👍 Congrats on the hunt and thanks for sharing.

[@johnkelly5882]

Thanks Tom for the video. Lots of good tidbits in there. My son and three others are going up for the same hunt with Artic Air this fall. Couple questions. 1) Did you guys go in with bear spray and side arms in addition to the rifle and bow? If you didn't take a side arm and spray post hunt did you want to have them ? 2) Whats your thoughts on a bear fence/electric at least for the meat ? Thanks sir. John

[@tomhurley1563]

We had a glock 10mm with us the whole time. We didn’t bring bear spray, you can’t fly with it but I think Arctic Air can provide some. I would say if weight allows I would bring the fence. I am working on a gear and what we learned video I’ll post soon that hopefully will have some tips too.

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

That brush looks like wonderful bear cover. Sooo sorry to see the loss of meat o the 1stone.

[@troy4219]

Some day, maybe 🤔

[@chuckorsborn5920]

I have hunted in the Arctic for over 20yrs and have been at that exact spot. I will give you a hint. I always keep my meat right in front of the door to my tent typically within 50ft or less. I try to keep my latrine area upwind of camp. We do not use game bags at all when it is cold as they get bloody and stink we keep clean bags for the flight out only. I have never had bear problems on meat but most everyone who leaves meat out to far will get it stolen. I get pretty aggressive if we see bears and chase them out of the country. Keep in mind I am a Alaskan resident and will shoot them if the need arises but I have never had to . What you guys did on the last night was good but I would have been even closer. I really think the the biggest problem guys have is leaving their meat in bloody game bags. We stack up large piles of brush put the meat on it put brush over the top than a tarp over that tie it down real good then pee all around it . We put more brush on top of the tarp so it gives us time if we did have a visitor. My meat is my trophy so that is what I do!!!!!

[@tomhurley1563]

Nice I like that idea, I agree that the meat is super important and we were pretty upset when we lost Zach's meat. At that point we were willing to do almost anything to make sure we kept mine. I figured I might bring an electric fence or at minimum a bunch of bells to put around the meat next time.

[@josephclark8731]

Great insight Chuck, my dad and I will be on this same trip next year. (already have the booking in place) Bears are a big concern for us. Not for the personal danger but for exactly what happened on this video. Will definitely take notes from your comment!

[@Alaskabuilt_]

Outfitters 🤦‍♂️ anyone can shoot anything in Alaska for life and limb.... you should always use game bags. It’s for the bugs. Outfitters don’t give a crap about meat. Most of its wastesd. They claim to donate it but it never is. It’s all about the greed. Nothing more than a modern day gold rush. The greedy will destroy it all. Oh guess what, I’m a Alaskan resident also and have been for almost 30 yrs

[@tomhurley1563]

@@Alaskabuilt_ I hope you find something to watch on youtube that makes you happier. So much negativity, that's a shitty way to live man.

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

Is there any sort of bear proof storage container ... easy to handle ... easy to transport ... that could have saved your meat? Or ... maybe an electric fence setup? With all the good effort you fellows put into the trip... hope there is a next time ... along with bear planning.

[@percywesley3999]

Great video but the mine been there since 80s had nothing to do with the change of migration warmer weather has 75 percent I believe but they are caribou the most wondering animal thee is....caribou have always crossed the road they jus changed migration and it’s gotten way warmer lastly 12 years or so

[@rickjobin8241]

I'm so glad you got a caribou. And I have a question to ask. If you kill and tag a bull and a bear eats it up. Can you shoot another bull for the same tag because of the loss of meat. I liked watching your hunting experience. I don't hunt but I'm sure it would've been an expensive trip with no meat to bring home. Good job on the video footage. But I would've liked to see more videos of the fishing and catch..Enjoy your caribou they're the best meat in the world.

[@tomhurley1563]

No you can not shoot another one, it's just part of the risk unfortunately as we would have loved to bring all our meat home. Thanks for the kind words, I have a few clips of catching fish but at an hour long I had to cut some stuff haha.

[@caroharris6297]

Kotzebue Sound. 🌊

[@troyabadie6397]

Enjoyed video can I get you answer a couple of questions would you bring some kind of alert system for meat and did Shelia weight you and your gear separately and what did you tip pilot going and coming back and if you were going back whats the one thing you would bring to make your trip even better besides that bear fence I appreciate your wisdom Thanks

[@tomhurley1563]

Sheila didn’t weigh out gear, however they was a scale there and other hunters we’ve talked to did gets theirs weighed so I would plan on it being weighed. As far as one item I would bring next time.... we really had everything we need and then some.... I would 100% never got to Alaska without great rain gear and puffy pants and jacket. We had days with a high of 30 with sustained winds so well below 0 windchill and out puffys kept us nice and warm.

[@troyabadie6397]

@@tomhurley1563 Thanks for reply what about money tip for pilot

[@tomhurley1563]

Troy we did not tip the pilot..... we had planned to originally but we flew in with some guys that were also pilots and had done many more hunts than we had like this. They didn’t feel like a drop camp type hunt required a tip or at least not a large one like a real guided hunt would. You’re basically just hiring a pilot as a transporter and not a guide..... hind sight maybe we should have tipped some but I do feel like it’s quite a bit different than a guided hunt. I think like all tips it should be based on your overall experience, if you feel it warrants a tip then by all means, if you don’t then I don’t think you should.

[@dustinclark8186]

@@tomhurley1563 allways tip

[@youmang]

Robert Keen yeah man!

[@davidmcvey8612]

Great video, we have an upcoming hunt with Sheila this year. One question we keep overthinking is waders. Boot on or stocking foot? Any recommendations here would be greatly appreciated.

[@M.H357]

Amazing, Thanks for sharing guys. How much is the average cost per person, and what do you think of doing similar trip with kids 12-14 years old?

[@AMOutDoors223]

Great Video and congrats on the caribou!! Doing this exact trip in 2022. Do you have a shareable gear list? Any advice on boots/wadders and or other gear you would recommend or not recommend? Thanks

[@tomhurley1563]

I will be putting together my gear list and general review of the trip to try and help some people out. It should be up in a couple of weeks

[@jonsampson8964]

Doing similar trip late August of 22, would love a gear list and specifically what you did about boots and whether you took two pairs?

[@mikecash6672]

@@jonsampson8964 I'll be there August 24th to fly the 25-26 out. See you around.

[@chrisswift2383]

What kind of waders did y’all take and how did they perform

[@tomhurley1563]

I had some waist high frog togs I believe. Zach had some sims chest waders. I used crocs and had rubber bands to keep them from coming off. Zach had his wading boots. We only used them to cross the main creek next to camp and just used gaiters while walking. It was fairly dry while we were there and we had no issues and not a lot of water to cross in our location.

[@OG_Outdoorz]

Curious, but would've thought being closer to the mountains would give you more options. Any chance at moose or black bear in the area?

[@bryanclausen6624]

I will be doing the same hunt come September.

[@tomhurley1563]

Heck ya have a blast

[@mdoublev1]

I'm booked for 2022 with Arctic Air also. I was wondering if you were able to take your packs on as a carry on with Alaska Airlines?

[@tomhurley1563]

Ya I had a stone glacier 5900 and no one said word.

[@williamwehbe1641]

Tom could you please share who you booked this hunt with, fly in, etc… it seems like they know what they are doing. Thanks

[@ShawnGinaKya]

Great hunt guys. Was wondering if you had a weight restriction on the flight out to camp? If so how much was it?

[@jfkiiikelly654]

Gents I noticed two tents. Is that part of the rental for two guys?

[@jessicawilson9442]

Loved the video thanks! Im doing this in a year or two. Any advice on best gear to keep your feet dry and warm? I know its pretty wet and squishy out there

[@tomhurley1563]

What worked for us was our standard hunting boots (crispi and lowas I believe) with good gaiters. I had King's gators and Zach had Kuiu and both did good but it did not rain most of the time we were there so we weren't walking through wet grass the whole time. Any big name gaiter would work, I wouldn't go cheap there and then any top of the line hunting boot should be good. I have heard of guys wearing muck boots but for us and where we were that would not have worked as we covered a lot of miles every day. I do highly recommend taller boots as the tundra is terrible. I had the Crispi Idaho and loved them. If you are going later in the season maybe something with insulation but it was decently warm for the most part for us. We also each brought a 2nd pair of boots but didn't really need them. If weight allows I think a 2nd pair is a great idea.

[@fieldofscreams]

Beautiful background. Right?

[@glend4704]

So how did this compare to hunting elk for you two? I’ve hunted caribou wirh my bow one time and killed two bulls. That was enough for me. I’ll take chasing elk any day over caribou. Don’t get me wrong, my caribou hunt was fun, but once was enough. I will NEVER get tired of chasing elk wirh my bow!! On a scale of 1-10 I’ll give a caribou hunt a 4 while chasing elk with a bow is 10!

[@tomhurley1563]

Elk hunting is what we love for so nothing really compares to that. I will maybe hunt caribou a few more times in my life if I had to guess. It’s more about the experience and the adventure on these hunts. Nothing gets a guy as fired up as bugling bulls though.

[@stomatador]

I'm headed on this hunt in a few weeks. If you have a gear list and weights would you be willing to share it?

[@kellyhicks4344]

How did the Black Ovis merino and Adak bino case work for u?

[@tomhurley1563]

The merino was great, I love the Bono harness for archery because it’s quiet. One thing is we didn’t deal with lots of rains, not sure how it would hold up to that. I did have a rain cover from a different harness I carried just in case.

[@glend4704]

The “outfitter” should’ve set you up with an electric bear fence.

[@westoaklandutube]

"Double shovels on both sides." I expect/accept excitement. But have you ever thought of editing?😢😂😮

[@zacharycole7193]

What dates did you hunt?

[@tomhurley1563]

We hunted the last week of Aug. I think we got to the field the 26th.

[@zacharycole7193]

Thank you

[@dustinclark8186]

Sad deal. No bear fence. No noise makers

[@markrand290]

Damn bone arrows are a bunch of bullshit put them in the truck no wonder the Cowboys won as far as the Kali in Bowles

[@Pilotc180]

Give your bows to someone you dont like and use your rifles

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

Nice shots, lousy music background. Lyrics are nothing positive... just saying. Dialogue is good. Thank you for the video.

[@joeyelton407]

love the music....to each his own.

[@seanmccoy8423]

Too bad the camera man doesn’t seem to notice the is a focus feature, along with a zoom on the video camera.

[@Alaskabuilt_]

Antlers not horns.... yes it matters. Is a man a woman? A antler is not a horn. We need to stop this bs.