Westy — I am new here too, so welcome to both of us! 😆 I have been to AK on three hunts, 2 for caribou and 1 for moose. You are wise to do a float as opposed to a static drop, both for reasons of hunting success and just enjoyment of the trip. So far as outfitters/bush pilots, my experience is that the bigger outfits will promise you the world and then just dump you where it’s convenient. That’s my single most vital advice: do everything possible to verify the quality of your flying service and if you have any doubts, get a written agreement for what they are expected to do. Lots of these guys here, I’m sure, are experienced AK hands, so when you get it narrowed down they may be able to say “yes” or “no” to the outfitter you’re considering. Check as many references as you can find! Good luck. You’re smart to start early.

I dont know if you are a subscriber to the magazine, but in this last issue there was a excellent article on exactly this! Really worth the read so if you are not a sub, you should go pick one up!:D Other than that best of luck and we expect to see pictures when you get back!
Chris

I spent a few years guiding there in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Several air services to check into what they have to offer, would be Rust flying service and Ketchum air service (both out of Anchorage). great caribou hunting near lake Illiamna. Check with Illiamna air service They both have LOTS of option/etc that could fullfill your needs. Good luck. Taz

I have used both Illiamna and Ketchum. Good reviews on the first, bad for the second (didn’t even try to come close to delivering what they’d promised). Check references! dave

A very good place to start with these questions is Alaska Outdoors Forums Hunt Planning Primer. The people on the forum know what they’re talking about. Do the basic research first and then ask them specific questions at the Alaska Hunting Forums. They get a little tired of the all-too-general “where do I start” queries from the Lower 48.