For Dall Sheep hunts, expect temperatures to be 40-70 deg for early August and 25-50 deg in late August. Snow is always a possibility in the Arctic. We have seen it snow as early as August 5 and had seasons we never saw snow until September. Every year is different. Good layering systems are a must for Sheep hunts where space and weight is of the utmost concern. Merino wool base layers usually perform best over a long hunt, but a lot of synthetic base layers are much better than they used to be. Ask us about more specifics if need be. Expect it to rain everyday, and be happy when it is not. Although it is not normally very windy in the Arctic in August, any bit of wind at altitude after physical exertion feels colder than it is. Plan to dress warmer than the temperatures forecasted. A good puffy jacket and puffy pants could be a life saver on a Sheep hunt. They help you stay warmer during long glassin sessions and can keep you warmer when sleeping if the temps drop. In general, Primaloft or a well treated down product work best. Leave any non treated down and cotton at home, they will be worthless once wet. Ask us about specific brands and models if need be.
Spring bear hunts may have the most eclectic and changing weather of any hunt we offer. Expect temperatures in the 30-70 deg range, and on certain days you may experience that entire range in a few hours. Most days will be 40-50 deg. Because of the long daylight hours during this time of year (16-18 hours) you will be out in the elements a lot. Bear hunting is a game of patience and you must be out glassing in order to see them. Wind is a constant on the Peninsula and Spring we can experience some harsh blows/storms with winds over 70 mph not uncommon. 15-20 mph winds are considered a breeze in our area. Pack and dress for colder temperatures than the forecast calls for. The wind will suck the heat right out of you. A windstopper layer is a nice option to fight this. Rain is also a constant on the Peninsula. This is when quality rain gear is of utmost importance. Expect to be in your rain gear everyday at some point or another, possibly all day. Passing squalls are a constant in the Spring. You may go from sunshine and 10 mph winds to 35 mph blowing rain and snow the next. Morning fog off the Bering Sea is also a common occurrence in our area due to most our camps being in close proximity to the Sea.
Fall bear hunts you can expect temperatures in the 30-50 deg range. Bear hunting is a game of patience and you must be out glassing in order to see them. Wind is a constant on the Peninsula and just like in the Spring, in the fall we can experience some harsh blows/storms with winds over 70 mph not uncommon. 15-20 mph winds are considered a breeze in our area and we have had many seasons with long stretches of days where the wind never goes below 25 mph. Pack and dress for colder temperatures than the forecast calls for. The wind will suck the heat right out of you. A windstopper layer is a nice option to fight this. Rain is also a constant on the Peninsula, especially in October. This is when quality rain gear is of utmost importance. Expect to be in your rain gear everyday at some point or another, possibly all day. It is not uncommon to have several day downpours when it does not stop raining. This is where the Helly Hansen 3/4 length parka comes in handy. All guides usually set up some form of tarp structure to glass under to keep the weather off of you. The Simms waders are a must in the fall in order to wade through or to cross the salmon streams, as the bears are usually concentrated in these lower river valleys.
During our September caribou hunts, expect temperatures in the 40-50 deg range. Wind is a constant on the Peninsula and September is no different. Although not as common as in October and in the Spring, we can experience some harsh blows/storms with winds over 70 mph. 15-20 mph winds are considered a breeze in our area and it is not uncommon to have long stretches of time with winds over 25 mph. Most days you will hope for wind, as during this time of year once the wind stops the bugs come out. Each camp is equipped with several bottles/cans of bug spray during these hunts. Although not required, a headnet may be handy. Pack and dress for colder temperatures than the forecast calls for. The wind will suck the heat right out of you. A windstopper layer is a nice option to fight this. Rain is also a constant on the Peninsula and quality rain gear is of utmost importance. Expect to be in your rain gear everyday at some point or another, possibly all day. We recommend both a lace up hunting boot and a set of Chotas/wading boots for these hunts. Some country is very dry and is manageable in just leather boots, but some areas you will be in and around water a lot, and when the Chota's come in handy.
For our Arctic Moose hunts, expect temperatures in the 25-50 deg range, and on certain days you may experience that entire range in a few hours. Most moose hunts you will either experience cold and clear days where with temps in the 30's or below, or rainy overcast days with temps in the 40s. Although wind is not usually a big factor in our area, always pack and dress for colder temperatures than the forecast calls for. The wind will suck the heat right out of you. Rain is also a constant during moose season. This is when quality rain gear is of utmost importance. Expect to be in your rain gear everyday at some point or another, possibly all day. This is where the Helly Hansen 3/4 length parka will come in handy to shed the bulk of the water off of you and keep your breathable rain gear from wetting out. Simms waders and wading boots are a must during most days of a moose hunt as we are usually river based and in and out of the water a lot. Moose thrive in the wet areas in the river bottoms. It is not uncommon to have to stalk and kill a bull in knee deep water. Having a pair of Pac boots or well fitted rubber boots are nice to have for days you are off the river bottoms and climbing up to glass, or going after a bear on a hillside. Waterproof duffel bags and dry bags are a must on these hunts. Between the constant rain and the river rafting or jet boating, you want to keep your gear as dry as you can.
Because our Grizzly and Black Bear hunts can be hunted from Mid August thru the end of September, there is a wide range of weather and temperatures you could experience. But for the most part, in the Arctic, mid/late August you can expect temps in the 35-60 deg range. Late August to mid September you can expect temps in the 25-50 deg range. Rain is always a possibility in the Arctic and good quality rain gear is a must. If you are hunting via raft or jet boat, good waterproof dry bags and hip boots/waders are key. If you are doing a backpack and alpine style hunt, good leather hunting boots are more preferred. Contact us for more specifics depending on your hunt dates and preferred hunting style.
