Scott Spencer
Handloader
- Mar 27, 2008
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If you had one opportunity where you had $20K for airfare, outfitter cost, tags, etc., to spend on a lifetime hunt for one of these big 3 which would you be inclined to choose?
Brown/Grizz, Yukon Moose, or Dall Sheep?
- Thread starter Scott Spencer
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
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I would do a Yukon combo hunt for all three. I would take along my trusty M700 LSS 338 RUM loaded with 250 gr PT's.
JD338
JD338
Scott, that is a really easy one for me, I would pick the Alaskan Brown Bear/Grizzly hands down! I just have a huge wish to hunt the biggest predator on our continent, outside of the polar bear. I really think it would be a blast to be up close and personal with the big bears.
The Yukon moose would be my second choice. Haven't really gotten into sheep, but they are on the hit list.
The brown bear hunt is the one I would like to do after I retire from the MC and treat myself to a real Alaskan hunt, sleeping in a tent and glassing and stalking the big bruins. Scotty
The Yukon moose would be my second choice. Haven't really gotten into sheep, but they are on the hit list.
The brown bear hunt is the one I would like to do after I retire from the MC and treat myself to a real Alaskan hunt, sleeping in a tent and glassing and stalking the big bruins. Scotty
257 Ackley
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2008
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Gotta be different and go with the sheep :wink: . All three would be great hunts, but the places most sheep live require you to be in top shape physically and be willing to hunt in pretty harsh conditions.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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- 6,297
Scott,
I'd go for bear. But, then, I'd pass on moose and elk (and I have) to track a mountain grizzly.
I'd go for bear. But, then, I'd pass on moose and elk (and I have) to track a mountain grizzly.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,344
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Bear and moose.
The USAF did not leave much walking power in me for Sheep! :evil:
The USAF did not leave much walking power in me for Sheep! :evil:
6mm Remington
Ammo Smith
- Feb 27, 2006
- 5,259
- 646
If a guy could swing a combo of Grizzly, Moose, and Sheep, that would be the ultimate. If I had to choose just one it would be the Grizzly bear!
- Thread starter
- #8
Scott Spencer
Handloader
- Mar 27, 2008
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- 0
Thanks fellas! The bear cost was actually surprising to me. I've been digging around some outfitters and it looks like you could do a grizzly for about $10-$13K if you choose the right outfitter. I don't know which would be better - a fall or a spring hunt. The price for grizz seems to be a little less and I presume that is because they are smaller for the most part than the huge coastal (fish fed) brownies. I know I've seen some 9-10' grizz in photos but most of the oufitters say their grizz are 7-9' and I see the brownies going 9-10'.
The moose hunts are almost sick at $15-$17K, although some could be done for about $12K. I'm just not sure of the quality of game/outfitter/opportunity at that cost. BC and western Canada moose run around $10-$12K from what I can tell. You do at least get a lot of the Yukon genetics in some places and 50"+ racks can be had in BC.
I found a couple of sheep hunts in BC for about $13K and that is why I threw them in there. Unfortunately I don't think my health will ever allow such a hunt now.
So......Brownie or Grizzly? Canada or AK?
The moose hunts are almost sick at $15-$17K, although some could be done for about $12K. I'm just not sure of the quality of game/outfitter/opportunity at that cost. BC and western Canada moose run around $10-$12K from what I can tell. You do at least get a lot of the Yukon genetics in some places and 50"+ racks can be had in BC.
I found a couple of sheep hunts in BC for about $13K and that is why I threw them in there. Unfortunately I don't think my health will ever allow such a hunt now.
So......Brownie or Grizzly? Canada or AK?
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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Either Brownie or grizzly is a good hunt. AK for brown bear; Canada for grizzly. You can't go wrong on either.
Consequently, 50 inch plus racks are not that uncommon here. The Yukon moose overlaps throughout this area with the Canada moose.
Consequently, 50 inch plus racks are not that uncommon here. The Yukon moose overlaps throughout this area with the Canada moose.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,807
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If a guy was tough enough for sheep, get after it while young and tough.
Us mere mortals who've seen youth, speed and endurance pass into the rearview mirror, well sheep might still be an option, but... For me, the sheep hunt would have been a better idea 20 years ago. At the time I was broke and in the military, no time or money, but I was tough. Might still be able to do it, but it wouldn't be easy for me.
Interior grizzly sparks more of an interest than the huge coastal brownies. Maybe I've seen too many of the big brownies while I've been in Alaska, fly fishing for salmon. They're huge, and a little intimidating, but at least where I've seen them it wouldn't be that much of a challenge to take one. Given a well placed shot from enough gun. The interior grizz though - that's a nasty customer, often found in tough country. Usually real good looking hides too. I dunno where I'd put another bear rug... Even my black bear rugs took up a lot of wall space.
Moose... You betcha! I'd love to tag a big ol' moose! Good eating and a huge set of antlers to hang on the wall. The moose is really an incredible animal, big bulls seem to be challenging to hunt from what I've read, and they make an awesome trophy too.
I think I'd vote moose first, and interior grizz second. Dall or stone sheep only if I was sure I was physically up to the challenge.
Wonder if a guy could combine a grizz and moose hunt and maybe take a wolf too? Why not? I'd be happy to do it in either Alaska or Canada. Dream hunt for sure.
Guy
Us mere mortals who've seen youth, speed and endurance pass into the rearview mirror, well sheep might still be an option, but... For me, the sheep hunt would have been a better idea 20 years ago. At the time I was broke and in the military, no time or money, but I was tough. Might still be able to do it, but it wouldn't be easy for me.
Interior grizzly sparks more of an interest than the huge coastal brownies. Maybe I've seen too many of the big brownies while I've been in Alaska, fly fishing for salmon. They're huge, and a little intimidating, but at least where I've seen them it wouldn't be that much of a challenge to take one. Given a well placed shot from enough gun. The interior grizz though - that's a nasty customer, often found in tough country. Usually real good looking hides too. I dunno where I'd put another bear rug... Even my black bear rugs took up a lot of wall space.
Moose... You betcha! I'd love to tag a big ol' moose! Good eating and a huge set of antlers to hang on the wall. The moose is really an incredible animal, big bulls seem to be challenging to hunt from what I've read, and they make an awesome trophy too.
I think I'd vote moose first, and interior grizz second. Dall or stone sheep only if I was sure I was physically up to the challenge.
Wonder if a guy could combine a grizz and moose hunt and maybe take a wolf too? Why not? I'd be happy to do it in either Alaska or Canada. Dream hunt for sure.
Guy
6mm Remington
Ammo Smith
- Feb 27, 2006
- 5,259
- 646
Guy Miner":3atnzvr1 said:
Going down first thing on Monday to purchase an over the counter wolf tag for my son and I! I think that would be a wonderful trophy to take, and to help put a little fear back into them of man also!
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
I am past the "best if used by" date and doubt that I could do the Sheep or even the grizzly hunt. However, I would surely be up for a trophy moose hunt.
- Thread starter
- #13
Scott Spencer
Handloader
- Mar 27, 2008
- 525
- 0
Thank you for the feedback and opinions my friends. I think one of the two giant predators - Grizz or Brownie - will be the animal I choose to go after if I can pull off a hunt in the next 2 years.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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Scott,
You'll love it. It will undoubtedly be a great experience. Mountain grizzly in their element can be a rush. I have no doubt that a big brownie ambling along a salmon stream or coming down to the beach is much the same rush. I can speak for the former, though not for the latter.
You'll love it. It will undoubtedly be a great experience. Mountain grizzly in their element can be a rush. I have no doubt that a big brownie ambling along a salmon stream or coming down to the beach is much the same rush. I can speak for the former, though not for the latter.
257 Ackley
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2008
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- 0
Guy - you and I are about the same age and even though we may not be as good as we once were, I know we could still get into good enough shape to climb a few hills. I have had several friends hunt sheep over the last few years that were younger than us and said it was some tough hunting, sometimes it is mind over matter if you want it bad enough. Sheep have always been at the top of my list, lack of funds seems to always get in the way. I'll keep putting in for a Montana hunt around Phillipsburg, Montana.
Elkman":1ff8is5k said:
Man, I just can't get these big bears off my brain. I am really hoping to get out and hunt them once I am more financially able! My old man killed this bear in Alaska, it went a little over 8ft, but you couldn't tell him there is a better hunt, anywhere than hunting Brown Bears. He made me promise him I would use the same M70 338WM when I go to hunt bears.
Oh, and just for reference, here is a 45" BC moose, taken outside Ft. St John. My old mans from the same hunt went went 47" I believe
Scotty's moose
Dad's moose
- Thread starter
- #20
Scott Spencer
Handloader
- Mar 27, 2008
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Thanks for the photos, Scotty. All are superb trophies!
I have always wanted a Yukon moose but the bear is cheaper and the "danger" and "carnivore" aspects add to the allure! I'm not sure I'll be able to pull off anything yet but I hope I get one shot to do the one big hunt whether it is bear or moose in AK.
I have always wanted a Yukon moose but the bear is cheaper and the "danger" and "carnivore" aspects add to the allure! I'm not sure I'll be able to pull off anything yet but I hope I get one shot to do the one big hunt whether it is bear or moose in AK.
