The AlaskaField Guide
Alaska Caribou Hunting

Alaska Caribou Hunting

Alaska caribou hunting — guided and unguided hunts across the Alaska Range, Brooks Range, and western Alaska. Herds number in the hundreds of thousands.

42 outfitters offering caribou hunts

Top Alaska Destinations for Caribou Hunting

About Caribou Hunting in Alaska

Alaska has more caribou than anywhere else in North America — hundreds of thousands of animals spread across numerous herds statewide. Caribou are one of the few species non-residents can hunt without a licensed guide, making them an accessible entry point into Alaska big game hunting. Hunts range from fly-in drop camps in the Alaska Range to guided river float hunts chasing the Western Arctic Herd, one of the largest caribou herds in North America.

What you need to know

  • Non-residents can hunt caribou unguided — study the unit regulations for the specific herd before booking any air taxi or drop camp.
  • The Mulchatna and Western Arctic herds offer the most animals; the Delta herd is more accessible but smaller.
  • River float hunts are popular because you can cover ground and follow moving animals.
  • August hunts produce cows and younger bulls in velvet; October produces the largest hard-antlered bulls.
  • Be prepared for wet, cold weather and long pack-outs — caribou quarters and antlers add up fast.

Quick facts

Trophy class
400+ inches SCI (Boone & Crockett: 390+)
Main season
August – October (varies by unit)
License/tag
Non-resident license + caribou tag required
Guide required
No — one of few species non-residents can hunt alone
Best regions
Alaska Range, Brooks Range, Western Arctic
Hunt types
Drop-camp, river float, fully guided, road-accessible