Question 1

What does the $4,000 Cover?"

Accepted Answer

Your $4,000 is a transporter fee The details of that are as follows: - We pick you up in Prudhoe Bay Alaska at Brooks Camp.- We transport you to the boat launch where you load your equipment onto the boat for transportation. - We transport you to a drop camp location on either the Ivishak or Echooka river systems- We pick you back up and get you back to boat launch then Prudhoe Bay- We assist you in Prudhoe Bay with shipping and get you back to Brooks Camp

Question 2

How does the booking process work?

Accepted Answer

Here is a detailed description of how to book with us. 
#1: You and each person in the hunting party must fill out a hunt request form. This form is located on our website: https://www.deadhorseoutfitters.com/book-a-hunt. Once you hit submit, it is an online form that is emailed to us. 
#2: Once the hunt request form is processed,  a confirmation email will be sent stating that you are on the calendar, and that email will have payment instructions. Please note depending on time of year it may take up to 72hr for a hunt request form to be processed and the confirmation email to be sent. We get a lot of hunt request forms all at once when our new calendars open. We work through them in the order they are received.
#3: At the same time we send out the confirmation email, we also send the invoice for the down payment. The invoice comes from Square. You have 7 days to pay the deposit to be locked into the calendar. If payment is not received, then the spots that are pending payment will be opened back up for booking. (This information is included in the confirmation email as well)
#4: The final payment is due by 01 August of the year you hunt.

We hope this helps :)

Question 3

What is your success rate on Caribou and Moose hunts?

Accepted Answer

For Caribou this is a tough question to answer. There are a few thing that truly  go into success. #1 how caribou are moving while your in the field. #2 How hard you (the hunter) hunts. Prior to 2023 we averaged around 60%-70 % success rate, 2024-now we have fluctuated between 20% and 50%. Please understand you're hunting a migratory animal. They move how and when they want over an extremely large area. There have been years where our success rate has been as low as 20%. It really depends on the Caribou herd movement (something we can not control). We average around a 15% - 20% success rate on our Moose hunts. This hunt is an antler-restricted hunt for non-resident hunters. (50" or 4 brow tine minimum)

Question 4

Do you rent drop camp gear

Accepted Answer

No we do not.

We do however have an agency that works soley with us and our clients that rents drop camp gear. Please see DHO Rentals page for what they offer https://www.deadhorseoutfitters.com/dhorentals If you rent from them your rental equipment will be waiting in Prudhoe Bay for you to pick up after we get you from Brooks Camp.

Question 5

Will You Move us if we are not seeing Caribou or upon request

Accepted Answer

No we will not

Caribou are a migratory animal, unfortunately there are times that you will not see caribou. We used to offer 1 move during the hunt but Unfortunatly unrealistic and needy hunters ruined that.

Question 6

Do you drop us off in front of the herd?

Accepted Answer

There is no "in front of the herd".  The Central Arctic Herd (roughly 30,000 - 35,000Caribou) traditionally migrates west into Prudhoe Bay, then South to the Brooks Range through the months of July, August, September, and October. They do not move as one unit. They traditionally move in pockets of Caribou; sometimes that pocket is 25-50 Caribou, sometimes it's a thousand, Sometimes its a bunch of random solo bulls or cows. The two rivers we operate on are in the migration path of the Caribou. Just because you're in their migration path doesn't mean you will see Caribou. They move when and how they want. You may have to hunt hard for them, which could mean hiking an additional 10-15 miles from camp. However, there are other times when you can harvest one from your Camp.

Question 7

Is there a weight Limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, There is a 60lb weight limit for your drybag and frame pack (combined).  Dry bag is to be no bigger than 120L and if possible please have your frame pack inside your dry bag. If you can't separate is fine just not fully loaded. There is also a 70lb weight limit for the cooler that is going into camp (if you bring one). Your weight limit does not include what you are wearing when you step onto the boat or what you are carrying in hand (i.e. your rifle)

Question 8

Can I add a tent to our drop Camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 
You have to coordinate through DHO Rentals for anything regarding camp rental. You can email them at dhorentals@gmail.com

Question 9

What about Bears?

Accepted Answer

You will see bears brown bears while you are in the field. Give them the space they deserve and you should have no problems. We have had two instances since being in business where bears have stolen meat from meat poles at camps. Other than that we have had no issues with bears. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: Just because bears have not been an issue in the past does not mean that they can not become one. Please educate yourself on Grizzly Bear and understand how to react if you should walk up on one or be approached.

Question 10

Are the tags draw tags or over the counter?

Accepted Answer

All tags are over the counter and can be obtained on Alaska Department of Fish and Game Website

Question 11

How do I book my hunt

Accepted Answer

Look for the tab on our website "Book Your Alaska Adventure" this will take you to the page that is needed to be filled out and sent. Please ensure that you double check the calendar to ensure the dates you want are open. **Note each "OPEN" on the calendar is a person not a party. 
 
Once you have completed that form it is emailed to us. We take that information add you to the calendar and build your invoices. We will email you to let you know that we have received your hunt form and to let you know that your invoice has been sent.

Question 12

If I harvest a Caribou early will you pick up my meat early?

Accepted Answer

No, 
 
You need to be prepared to manage meat care while you are on the ground. We recommend that you contact an Alaska taxidermist to discuss meat care and velvet care.

Question 13

Should I rent or buy a satelite phone?

Accepted Answer

No, 
 
We do not use Satelite phones we use Garmin InReach to communicate. We ask that you buy or rent an InReach that will ensure that you can communicate with us. Even though some Satelite phones can text message not all will connect and communicate with InReach.
 
If you do arrive without a Sat phone and no inreach you will not be able to communicate with us in the feild.

Question 14

Do I need a permit to carry a sidearm?

Accepted Answer

No you do not and we do recommend that you have a sidearm while you hunt. Though bears have never been an issue it does not mean its not a possiblilty.

Question 15

What Airport do I fly into?

Accepted Answer

For Caribou you will fly into Prudhoe Bay Alaska 
For Moose you will fly into Fairbanks Alaska and then fly with wright air service into Coldfoot

Question 16

Can I harvest Ptarmigan?

Accepted Answer

Sure! It is Ptarmigan season up here 10 August - 15 June, and they are generally everywhere.
But, we should warn you that shooting at the birds will likely scare away the caribou.
Soooooo… it’s up to you – after all, caribou are the main reason for your visit and we don’t want you to come away with just a handful of feathers and no antlers! Or, bear the scorn of your fellow hunters for scaring the game away.

Question 17

How do I transport my rifle?

Accepted Answer

You will want to bring your rifles in hard cases on the airlines to and from Prudehoe Bay or Cold Foot.
However, when you get to our Boat Launch, you will be required to remove them from the hard cases and put them in your soft cases in an effort to save room on the airboat. HARD CASES WILL NOT BE LOADED ON THE BOAT TO GO OUT IN THE FIELD – BE SURE YOU BRING A SOFT CASE WITH YOU IN YOUR GEAR!
The hard cases and any items you bring with you that you won’t need in the field can remain in our locked storage containers until you return from your hunt.
We always like to make sure our hunters know this – as someone ALWAYS shows up and forgets to bring their soft case with them. Most hunters don’t want to travel with their rifles exposed, but space is tight – especially on the way back – and the hard cases just won’t fit.

Question 18

Do you offer fly in hunts?

Accepted Answer

No we do not
 
We transport by Airboat only

Question 19

Can I link Global Rescue with my InReach SOS

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, 
 
When you set up your emergency contacts on your Inreach put Global Rescue number (+16174594200) in as one of your emergency contacts with a note that you have rescue insurance through Global Rescue. 
 
Your SOS Button is monitored by GEOS if something should happen that you have to hit your SOS button GEOS Reaches out to your emergency contacts and stays in touch with them through the whole event. We have been told by GEOS and Global rescue that once that contact is made GEOS will hand over all coordinations to Global Rescue and Globel rescue will message you back and coordinate all needed Medical Evacuation assests if need. 
Please Keep in mind we have not tested this but we do know that even if the hand off does not happen GEOS will ensure you are taken care of.

Question 20

If I don't rent a drop camp and bring my own what is my weight limit?

Accepted Answer

Our drop camp weighs around 100-125lbs total weight for a camp set up for 6. I you bring your own drop camp equipment you will need to stay 125lbs or below.

Question 21

Can I stay longer than 8 days?

Accepted Answer

No, 
 
Our scheduled hunts are 8 days long and we have other clients coming in.

Question 22

When is the best time to hunt?

Accepted Answer

There is really no best time to hunt, we see Caribou movment througout the entire month of August through September. Sometimes depending on the weather the 1st week of August may be a little slow but that is not always the case. 
 
The biggest difference between early season and late season is below: 
- Early season: 1st of August though around the 20th of August
          - Warmer weather
          - More daylight
          - More bugs
          - Caribou are in Velvet
- Late Season: 20th of August through 15 Sep
          - Colder weather (freezing temperatures at night)
          - Less daylight
          - Less bugs do to freezing weather at night
          - Caribou start coming out of velvet the last week of August

Question 23

What is your maximum number or minimum number of people you will transport?

Accepted Answer

6 is the maximum number we can transport on the boat so with that said that is the largest hunting party we will transport to the field. 
 
For Caribou our minimum is 1 (Solo) unlike some Outfitters we will transport Solo hunters to the field. 
 
For Moose our minimum is 2 hunters, Maximum stays the same as above

Question 24

Will I see other people?

Accepted Answer

The upfront answer to this is YES, you will see other people. Sometimes, unfortunately, a lot of them. There are a few reasons for this.

#1: You are hunting public land, other hunters will bring their own boats and go upriver to hunt. we see this with residents and non-residents. Typically, hunters are courteous and stay out of your way and out of range, but there are times when they are not. Over the past couple of years (2023-2025 seasons), we have seen a significant increase in people since the state shut down so much federal land for Caribou hunting. Hopefully, this levels out, but I plan to see people and camps.

#2: There are other Outfitters, and we have no control over where they drop their clients, how many clients they drop, or how often they run the river with their airboats.

#3: You and your hunting party are not the only hunting party we have on the ground and with the area being so large and open you will see other camps through your spotting scope and bino's. With that said, we try to place camps around 2 miles apart, so though you can see them, you are not close to them at all.

Question 25

Does my hunting party have to drive to the boat launch?

Accepted Answer

No, 
 
Unless you want to drive to us from Fairbanks you are not required to. We will pick you up in Prudhoe Bay and get you to the boat launch.

Question 26

Can I bring a pack raft to cross the river?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can but there are some things you need to consider prior to doing so.

#1: Your raft and Oars must fit in your dry bag and are included in your 70lb per person weight limit.

#2: The river systems can get very aggressive, and water can rise very quickly, so keep that in mind when crossing or floating. If you're not experienced, you may struggle to get back to camp or not make it back to camp at all. Unless its an emergency (i.e. Hitting your SOS button) we are not coming to get you because you can't make it back to camp).

#3: We pick you up where we dropped you off, so if you float down river you will need to be back at your base camp location for pickup.

Question 27

Can I wade across the river if I bring waders?

Accepted Answer

There are some spots that you can wade across the river. We highly advise against crossing the river and hunting for the day. The water levels on both the Ivishak and the Echooka river can fluctuate daily depending on the weather. You may cross the river to hunt in the morning and not be able to get back to camp in the evening. We will not come get you if you are stuck on the other side of the river.

common questions about Deadhorse outfitters and our services. If you don't see your questions here please contact us and we will get your questions answered