New to Fairbanks, AK. New to forum. New to predator hunting!

I'm working 6 day weeks and have only had time for evening hunts so far this year. But if I plan a weekend, I can get off and go. Either way, I've only been out a few times this year and nothing to show for it so far. The snowshoe hares are cycling back again, so Lynx hunting should be good in the following years. Rimfire Matt's right on about trying to get a "do all" gun. I like my .22mag and take it when I'm targeting Fox and Lynx, but when I go out for Wolves, I just take the AR-15. I never plan to find a Fox in Wolf country when I go out. Of course if one appeared, I could pop it with the AR, but again, the chances are usually pretty slim. Shoot me a PM if any of you guys want to get in touch.
 
I would like to take a trip to fairbanks for sure. maybe the end of febuary? If lodging isnt too much that is. Im leaving tonight for Kodiak for fox hunting. Last year we didnt do too well, but I blame that on weather. So far conditions look good.
 
Snowcamoman,

I agree with your assesment of the snowshoes current upward cycle, according to the states annual harvest report from trappers, lynx taken in 03-04 were 752, down from 2191 in 99-03. This cycle is predicted to peak in 2010. I disagree with your belief that fox will not be found in a wolf packs territory. Unlike a coyote or lynx that will leave the immediate area, fox will stay and eat from wolf kills, this is documented and I have witnessed it from a distance were a fox maintained his distance but would come in and take a bit and run, this is not to say a wolf won't kill or throttle one but it is far more tolerant of a fox than a coyote. One other thing that I read was that all of your areas were occupied by trappers. Know this I am a trapper as well as a predator hunter, 99% of all trappers here to not own the land they trap. You as an Alaskan have as much right on those trails, as they to. Some will try intimitation to keep you off, but the bottom line is it is State land, as long as you do not bother their traps you are not breaking the law. Last year on your AFB a trapper told an officer from game management he could not go down his trails, who to you think won that battle. I do not like when people come down my line but I have no choice, as long as they don't mess with me I don't bother them. The sad fact is this, if you are not going to hunt because of trappers in your area you are going to drive a long way to find a place to hunt (I am sure this will stir up a hornets nest with some people). I offered CZ in a pm an opportunity to go this weekend but he did not respond back, if you would like I extend that offer to you. PM me if so, Most importantly is to you own a snowmachine?
 
tikaani,

Sorry for not responding sooner. As to this weekend... sadly I cannot I have friends coming in from out of town. Super Bowl party and all that. my hawks have been waitting to long! I do not own a snowmachine, But I can Get one. As far as the trappers go, I don't like being around there lines for the same reasons they dont want me there. it's no biggy just nice to be in a place to call where there aren't any.
 
tikaani,
I don't disagree with Fox being in Wolf areas. I just don't go out hunting for Wolf and plan to call fox. That is my reason for taking the AR15 and leaving the .22mag at home. If I'm trying to target Fox/Lynx, I'll just take the .22mag, but if I think I'm going to try and target Wolf, the AR comes along. I've seen Fox eating on Moose Kills also, it's just that I don't intentionally go out for both. Once I hit the trails, I try to just look for the big Wolf tracks and then work it from there. I pass up other critter tracks and try to focus on getting closer to the wolves. As far as hunting trapper areas. I just like to try and stay away from trapping lines. I try to respect the lines and just do my own thing away from them. I don't mind putting miles in to hunt, but the problem with that up here in the winter is having to possibly camp out on long drives. Winter camping is alright, but not my favorite at -50 below. I shot you a PM on hunting. I have a snowmachine, trailer etc.
RimfireMatt, I hope the Kodiak hunt goes well. I've heard good things about the Fox there. Take some pictures of them and post them when you get back. Good luck.
 
I'm going down chena hot springs road tom. to see what that area is like. I heard you can hike down the snowmachine trails really easey back there. has anyone been out there? don't know if i'll find any fox, but if i miss em' comin in i'll try for some squirl and grouse on the way out.
 
Make sure you go past Two Rivers, a lot of homes between here and there. Used to run a trapline , but won't say were, some disagreement with partner. A lot of trappers on CHSR. Some of the trails will have cabins on them. Beware of State Park past Two Rivers, no hunting. Good luck
 
I've been enjoying the discussion on rifles and calibers, especially as it relates to Alaska (I live in Palmer). I've just recently become interested in predator calling and haven't decided on a dedicated rifle yet. What I'm carrying is a Browning A-bolt in 30.06, loaded with Remington's Accelerator cartridges. These came out a few years back and are a specialty item to order, but it's a 55 grain, .224 bullet in a plastic sabot. It's an accurate little combination, about 1.5" groups at 100 yards, and the ballistics are outstanding, but I've yet to fire on any fur.
Has anyone tried these rounds on predators? I'm very curious about the terminal ballistics and concerned about pelt damage. These rounds obviously have a lot more energy than other .22 centerfires.
So far I've really only done some armed recon, but I'm hopeful to experience a successful calling session soon. Here in South Central I see a lot ofcoyote and fox sign, and there are documented wolf packs in the area, so I'm anxious to see what shows up.
 
Thomases

I've been looking for some of those 06' rounds up here but haven't seen any yet. I'm prolly' going to end up buying a 17 rem. though. after reading and reading up on this topick i think that the 17 rem. is the best choice for my uses. I called a cross fox in yesterday but the season has closed. got him into 60 yds or so. He paused long enough for me to take him before he figured somthin' was up. Let me know what you find, I'm a newbie to this too. But after the first season I have really learned alot.
 
CZ-
I stopped at Sportsmans Wharehouse first but they couldn't get me accelerators unless I placed a $250 order. In Wasilla I went to Chimo Guns and they stock them, but only a box or two at a time, so I reserved a box and came in two days later to pick it up. Cost $30 for 20 cartridges. So the lesson might be to ask around at the little gun shops for the specialty stuff.
As for a firearm I'm really leaning towards a Bushmaster Predator in .223/5.56 caliber. I'd really like an AR-15 style rifle (just because), and at first thought about going with a .308 (AR-10) or one of the other heavier calibers. But I've decided to stick with the .223 since that's all I really need, and that's what the rifle was designed around.
I've been out calling a couple times but didn't spot anything responding to me. There's still a month left.
Good luck.
 
The 243 WSSM would be ideal for critters and would double as a good deer rifle.

The 17 is great round but cost to much to shoot.....rather have my 22LR.

The 223 and 22-250 have too light of bullets for heavier critters like wolf.......the 243 Win has been popular but the new 243 WSSM is even better.
 
Back
Top