Alaska has 12 species of big game animals spread across 365,000,000 acres — an area one-fifth the size of the entire United States. Big game densities are generally much lower than you are probably used to in more southern states. Many big game species in Alaska make long movements between seasonal ranges. The key to successful big game hunting in Alaska is in doing your homework to determine both the best areas and times to hunt the species you are seeking.

For example, in many lowland areas moose are abundant all summer feeding in roadside ponds and sloughs, but begin moving up to less accessible higher elevations in early September, just when most areas open to fall moose hunting. The choice of hunting location in relation to moose movements at that particular time of year can make all the difference between coming home with a moose or not.

Caribou have even more pronounced seasonal movements. Caribou hunters traditionally experience feast or famine depending upon whether they are hunting where caribou are moving through, or in an area away from the herd's location. Doing your homework with local area biologists and air taxi operators can make the difference between success and failure.

References: http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.biggame_intro

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