Hunters who have appropriate clothing to hunt Elk, Deer or Moose normally have all the clothing needed for a Caribou hunt. The layered clothing concept works well and enables hunters to add or remove a layer as needed. Truly waterproof rain gear and boots are a must. Towards the end of April, Arctic Adventures sends each hunter trip preparation information which includes a check list of clothing and equipment recommended for the hunt.
"During the past 20 plus years of hunting in the far North, I have often seen the weather swing in just a few hours from sunny skies / 60 degrees F., to wind whipped rain/ 35 degrees F., and finally to blowing snow. From my experience nothing will work more effectively to keep you warm and dry than the new Scent-Lok Supreme Gore Tex Deluxe parka and pants system. This system combined with Scent-Lok’s base layers, Thorlo’s Extreme weather socks and waterproof footwear will enable a caribou hunter to hunt everyday regardless of the weather or where a trophy caribou may take him in that vast country. Let’s face it, a hunter who spends a lot of money on a trip-of-a-lifetime does not want to spend his time in camp because he doesn’t have the proper clothing to face the elements."
Dick Scorzafava has hunted and filmed at three Arctic Adventures’ hunting camps.Hunt coordinator – Scent-Lok’s Wildlife Point Blank Television ShowField Editor – Bear Hunting, Waterfowl, Fly Fishing, Woods & Waters US and Team Retrieve Magazines Pro Staff Team - Scent-Lok, Matthews Bows, Vapor Arrows, Knight Rifles, Game Hide
Most shots at Caribou are taken across open tundra at ranges of 50 to 300 yards, often with a steady crosswind. We recommend flat shooting, medium caliber rifles such as the .270 Winchester, the .30-06 Springfield or the 7mm Remington Magnum loaded with 130 to 150 grain bullets. We also recommend you have a gun sling to make carrying the gun easier during the hunt. The success of your caribou hunt depends heavily on your shooting ability, so we urge you to spend time at an outdoor shooting range, preferably one with 200-yard targets, not only to sight in your gun, but also to get to know your equipment and your shooting ability. Be sure to vary the distances so that you can shoot quickly and accurately at any range. You should be totally familiar with your rifle. When you’re looking down the barrel at a trophy bull there is no time to doubt your ability to make a clean, one-shot kill. We suggest each guest bring a maximum of 30 rounds of the same ammunition used to sight in the rifle in preparation for the trip.
"In size, Caribou bulls pick up about where the largest Mule Deer leave off. They are not particularly tough, at least not in the way that Elk and Bears are, but they are generally not impressed by bullet “shock”. So the most important thing is to hit them in the right place. With proper shot placement any centerfire cartridge from .243 or up is really adequate. However, the tundra is often an extremely windy place, and heavier bullets buck the wind better than light bullets. With this in mind, then, the best cartridges for Caribou range from .270 Winchester to the .300 Magnums. Within that range, it doesn’t much matter what you choose so long as you have confidence and you choose at least a medium weight for caliber that will provide adequate penetration as well as expansion."
Gen. Craig Boddington hunted with Arctic Adventures at Lake Ikirtuuq in August 2001.
"It is my experience that a caribou hunt with Arctic Adventures will offer you many opportunities to take a trophy bull. The quality of that trophy and the total hunting experience will be enhanced by extensive glassing and critically "looking" at a great number of animals. To do so effectively and comfortably requires quality optics, binoculars and spotting scopes, which will provide high level optical performance as well as stand up to the harsh arctic conditions. The high performance and fully waterproof/fog proof products from Leica Sport Optics have proven year after year to fulfill these requirements. Click to view full articleBy Terry Moore, V.P. Leica Optics, who has hunted Lake Ikirtuuq each year for the past 11 years with invited professional writers.
"The far North is a very exciting place to be and home to some great Caribou hunting. But in order to insure the best time possible, you should plan and be prepared for anything as the Far North can also be unforgiving!
One thing you can almost always count on in this country is that the wind will be blowing. This adds a great degree of problems for the Bowhunter, especially if you never get a chance to practice in the wind. If you do have the chance to practice in windy conditions prior to your hunt, do so -- it will be the best practice you'll ever have in preparing for a Caribou hunt." Click to view full articleRandy J. Walk, President, Hoyt USA
During the month of May, Arctic Adventures sends out a “Spring Kit” to each of our hunting-guests to finalize all arrangements and help our guests prepare for their upcoming caribou hunt. The “Spring Kit” includes up to date trip preparation information which is a thorough checklist of clothing and equipment hunters will need during their caribou hunt.
