SHEEP HUNTING
Be prepared for high altitudes and steep slopes on a sheep hunt. Hunts are planned as carefully as possible, and care is taken to avoid unsafe conditions, our clients will not be pushed beyond reasonable capabilities.
That being said, it is important to be in as good physical condition as possible before hunting. Although we try our best to make each hunt as short a hike as possible, game is unpredictable and one must be able to cover some country without becoming incapacitated.
FIREARM
It is generally recommended that a .243 or 300 be used for sheep hunting, or the rifle you are most comfortable shooting 250-300 yards with. The important factor in a successful hunt is being proficient with the rifle you choose to bring. Know where the bullet is hitting at different yardages, from 100 to 400 yards. If the rifle is one that you have been using for many years, chances are you won’t have any trouble. We do have a shooting range to get sighted in before going into the field. Average horn size is around 35″ with 12 1/2 to 13″ bases.
How many bullets should I bring?:
You should bring at least two boxes.
We have a shooting range on our property to test fire your rifle when you arrive. Due to the nature of airline luggage handling these days, it is likely they are less than kind to objects resembling gun cases.
Typical distance for shot:
There is of course nothing typical in hunting, but you can expect your shot for a sheep to be between 250-400 yards.
Please be aware not all hunts can be successful as populations fluctuate year to year.
Clothing should be comfortable for climbing and boots well broken in. A sheep hunt is not the place to break in a new pair of boots!
Certainly you may bring what you want in the way of gear, but all of your gear should fit in your frame style backpack due to weight restrictions and space limitations in our bush planes.
We we have satellite phones for emergency, along with the use of In-Reach so we will always be in contact. Our guides will regularly check in on status.
Our sheep hunts are booked for 10 days to allow for bad weather. It is not recommended to pass up game, as another opportunity may not present itself.
Location of Sheep Hunting Area:
Wrangell Mountains
Nutzotin Mountains
Within the Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the north side
We have a special concession permit to hunt within the park.
Hunting Method:
Hunts are 10 days
We are currently only offering one-on-one guided
Fly out to spike camps, airstrips at sheep camps are generally at higher elevations
The camps consist of tents complete with heaters, cots, and cook stove. Food is provided. Some camps have small dry cabins.
When are Sheep Hunts Available?
August 10 – September 20
Topography of hunting areas:
Starting out from camp there can be uneven ground (tundra tussocks) and brush, rocky rivers, could have to cross numerous times as you make your way up mountainous terrain, steep inclines, loose rock, boulders, shale, moss covered rock
General recommendation for level of physical fitness required:
You must be able to traverse uneven ground of tundra tussocks, and be able to climb steep inclines.
Cannot be afraid of heights or have vertigo
There may be stream crossings, the rivers are cold and fast.
There may be boulders, rocky ground.
The better shape you are in, the better the chances you will have to keep up with game
Transportation to and from the hunting area:
Transportation to and from the field is supplied by Super-cubs or Piper-cubs. It is your responsibility to get to the main camp of Nabesna.
If you are flying in from out of state, you will need to rent a car and drive to Nabesna from either Fairbanks or Anchorage, about a 300 mile drive from either city. We will get you all the directions you need through email. Or follow the link below.
MOOSE HUNTING
They are not the big dumb animals people have been led to believe. They are extremely cunning and elusive.
We look for heavy palms and good eye-guards. Most of our moose are heavy antlered, averaging from 57-62″. Be prepared to do some sitting. Glassing is done from high ridges or tree stands.
The terrain is tundra, tussock humps, and not easy walking. Comfortable, warm, form-fitting waterproof boots are required. There may already be snow cover by this time, but it will be wet, regardless.
There are many good waterproof clothing lines available now, so bring what has worked for you. Dressing in layers has always worked well, to adjust to the level of activity and/or temperature of the moment. Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves!
A large caliber rifle is recommended, such as a 300, 338 or 375, with some penetrating power to get through that thick moose hide at a vital spot.
Type of gun you should bring:
A large rifle is recommended, a 300 and up
However we highly recommend you bring a gun that you are comfortable shooting.
Moose are usually in thick brush, if a shot is not placed properly the moose could get away and be lost. Be prepared to follow up with a second shot immediately so that this can be prevented.
How many bullets should I bring?:
You should bring at least two boxes.
We have a shooting range on our property to test fire your rifle when you arrive. Due to the nature of airline luggage handling these days, it is likely they are less than kind to objects resembling gun cases.
Typical distance for shot:
There is of course nothing typical in hunting, but the average shot for a moose is around 75-300 yards.
Some of the moose camps have warm, dry cabins to retire to at the end of a hard day’s hunting. Count on rising early and staying out late for a successful hunt. All of our guides are experienced in the care of trophies.
Trophies and meat will be flown back to Nabesna. It will then be the decision of the client as to whether to take the trophy home with him or leave it with us to transport to D & C Expediters in Anchorage for shipping, which will be at the client’s expense. If you wish to take the meat home, you must bring large cooler/s to pack the meat in to transport back to Anchorage for processing or shipping. We will gladly accept any meat that is not taken.
Location of hunting area:
We hunt moose on the north side of the Nutzotin Mountain Range
It is about 30 miles from the Canadian border.
There are several rustic cabins and we use tent camps as well.
The camps consist of spacious tents complete with heaters, cots, and cook stove. All food is provided. We utilize In-Reach so we are just a text away, our guides keep us up to to date on status as well.
Hunting Method
Hunts are 10 days
At the moment we are only offering one-on-one guided
Fly out to hunting camps
Spot and stalk
Patience is required when glassing from hillside, waiting for the bulls to move.
Sometimes when conditions are right, calling is used to bring the moose in.
When are moose hunts available?
Moose season in our area begins September 15 until the end of the month.
General recommendation for level of physical fitness required:
You must be able to traverse uneven ground of tundra tussocks, and be able to climb hills to gain altitude in order to spot the moose.
There may be stream crossings, the rivers are cold and fast.
You need to be able to sit for long periods of time
You will not need to climb as much as a sheep hunt, but you may be required to cover some distance quickly.
The better shape you are in, the better the chances are that you will get your game.
Transportation to and from the hunting area:
Transportation to and from the field is supplied by small Piper aircraft, Super cubs.
It is your responsibility to get to the main camp of Nabesna.
You will need to rent a car and drive to Nabesna from either Fairbanks or Anchorage if you are flying in from out of state. We will make sure you have all the directions you need before you depart.
BEAR (Grizzly or Black Bear)
Some grizzlies are blond on the shoulders with a brown diamond on the back with dark feet, others are dark brown with silver tips. These bears average about 6 feet and some can be as large as 9 feet. When possible, camps are set up where evidence shows a bear has been working. Glassing is done from a high vantage point and watching for activity does take patience and time, but it’s well worth the effort.
A large caliber rifle is recommended, perhaps a 338 or 375. In our area, the grizzly population is high enough so that we are allowed to take one every year compared to one every four years in other areas.
Location of hunting areas:
Grizzly Bear hunting takes place out of Nabesna, the north side of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park.
Hunting Method:
Hunts are ten days.
We are currently only offering guided one-on-one
Fly out to spike camps.
The camps consist of tents complete with heaters, cots, and a cook stove. All food is provided.
Bear hunting consists of long periods of spotting, and the possibility of having to move very quickly to get into position for a shot when the bear is spotted. Bears tend to roam large areas.
Nabesna bear hunting consists of spotting and stalking in the mountains or along the rivers and glaciers.
We do NOT bait bears, or hunt from the road.
General recommendation for level of physical fitness required:
We recommend that regardless of the hunt, you should be in as good a physical shape as possible.
You will not need to climb as much as a sheep hunt, but you may be required to cover some distance quickly.
The better shape you are in, the better the chances are that you will get your game.
When are bear hunts available?
You can hunt Grizzly in the spring (June 5-14) and fall (August 10 – September 30)
Topography of hunting areas:
Mountainous terrain, a lot of climbing, can be cold near the glaciers. Tundra, rocky areas, hills. Temperatures range from 32 to 60+ degrees F.
Transportation to and from the hunting area:
Transportation to and from the field is by using small Piper aircraft, Super Cubs.
It is your responsibility to get to Nabesna, if you are flying from the lower 48 you will need to rent a vehicle. We will make sure you have all the directions you need.
Type of gun you should bring:
A large rifle is recommended, perhaps a 338. or 375.
However we highly recommend you bring a gun that you are comfortable shooting.
You should also be able to fire several rounds in a row. Bears can be very resistant.
How many bullets should I bring?:
Two boxes.
We have shooting ranges on our property to test fire your rifle when you arrive.
Typical distance for shot:
There is of course nothing typical in hunting, but the average shot for a bear is around 75-200 yards.
