David Alexandrowicz and his 2021 monster bull that grossed 454
Though sometimes an overlooked and taken for granted species, a true Alaskan Barren Ground Caribou is a remarkable animal, a fun and adventurous hunt, and a great addition to any trophy room!
Our Alaskan Peninsula Caribou hunts are operated out of our Legendary David River Bear Camp approximately 20 miles SW of Nelson Lagoon. Once arriving at David River on the Bering Sea, you will be hunting either on our two Federal Guide Concessions or onto State Land where bands of caribou have been located. Although the Lower Alaskan Peninsula Herd is not a migrating herd and is smaller than some other herds in the state, they are well known for their great genetics and the potential for a Boone and Crockett animal. You can expect to harvest a bull in the 350 - 400” class with a few bulls a year going over 400”. These hunts are 7 days in length and we are now operating every September. Hunt dates are Sept. 16 - 22 and Sept. 24 - 30. On odd numbered years (2025, 2027 etc), we access our hunting areas primarily by airplane where you will be flown out to a spike camp location with your guide to a camp that where trophy bulls have been spotted or expected. This is a tent based hunt where you will be hunting spot and stalk on foot. On the even numbered years (2026, 2028 etc), all of our hunts are based directly from our David River Base Camp. You will be staying in cabins each night and accessing the hunt area via 4 wheelers. This is a great opportunity to hunt in a remote trophy area but with more comfortable accommodations for those not able to or wanting to do a tent based hunt. Success and trophy quality is equal on both of these hunts.
Wolves and wolverine are also available to hunt during this time. Ptarmigan and waterfowl hunting is also open during this time of year and are fun to chase once you are successful with your caribou, if time allows.
After arriving in Anchorage, you will then need to take a commuter or charter flight into Nelson Lagoon, our closest village for a base of operations. A MMOA representative will meet your flight there. From there you will be driven the 18 miles down the Bering Sea beach to our Camp, tide dependent. Once arriving at our legendary David River Bear Camp, enjoy comfortable heated cabins situated around the kitchen and dining facilities. Share camaraderie while feasting on home cooked meals. Power and hot showers are available at the beginning and end of the hunt - all within a 40-minute flight of your spike camp in prime Brown Bear country. While base camp is plenty comfortable, it is not a Lodge. It was established as a wall tent camp in 1971 and has evolved into numerous comfortable cabins situated around our own airstrip.
After arriving you will meet the staff and move into your cabin to rearrange and pack your gear. You will then shoot your rifle to check its zero, do our necessary paperwork with the State, and then, if weather allows, fly out to your spike camp. As bad weather is a very common occurrence on the Peninsula, be prepared to lose time stuck in Base Camp until weather permits us to fly you out to camp.
Baggage: You can travel to David River with your normal luggage/suitcases and these large bags can be left at in your cabin. Once in camp though, you should plan to repack your gear into small soft duffel bags that fit easily in our bush planes. Your total gear should weigh no more than 100 lbs, including rifle. Between 50 and 80 lbs is best. The scheduled flights generally charge $3+ per lb. for anything over 50 lbs. It is best to ship your heavier gear to us in advance.
Typical looking spike camp
Spike camps are strategically placed via Super Cub at established locations based upon the current movements of the Caribou. This is a spot and stalk style hunt where you and your guide will be glassing from a high vantage point close to camp. Camps usually consist of 2 sturdy expedition grade shelters: 1 for cooking and lounging in and 1 for sleeping in. Along with a heat source, good hot food, and a personable guide, we provide cots, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags to make it one of the most comfortable True Alaskan hunts. Satellite phones and Inreachs are in each camp and each guide checks into base camp each day.
For those hunts conducted out of our David River Base Camp, hunters will stay in cabins with a padded bunk and heater. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by our Camp Cook, lunches are normally taken with us and eaten in the field. 4 wheelers are used to access the hunting areas close to camp where caribou live and move through. From there, you will be on foot in a traditional spot and stalk hunt.
Sal Dilorezo and his 2022 bull that scored 421"
You must purchase a hunting license and a Caribou tag with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before arriving. Wolves are also prevalent in the area. It is no longer required to purchase a wolf tag in GMU 9D.
| Alaska Tag & License Fees | Non Resident | Non Resident Alien |
| Hunting License | $160 | $630 |
| Caribou Tag | $650 | $850 |
Ptarmigan (grouse) hunting is available as well as waterfowl hunting. Brant and sea ducks are prevalent and fun to hunt when we have extra time. You will need to purchase a State and Federal Duck and Waterfowl Stamp. See the table below for information on tags and license fees.
Fishing for Silver Salmon and Steelhead (if running) can provide much enjoyment if weather and time allows. If you hope to fish, a fishing license is required. See the table below for information on tags and license fees.
Although the Caribou season is not open during the Brown Bear season, it is possible to combo both hunts together into a 22 day hunt (7 day Caribou at the end of September followed by a 15 day Bear hunt). See our "Fall Brown Bear" page for more details.
Barren Ground Caribou Hunts Gallery
