Do Caribou Respond to Calling Techniques from Hunters?

Calling in Caribou: A Tundra Tactic

When it comes to calling caribou, the most effective approach is to mimic the sounds of a cow in heat or a calf in distress. This can be achieved using a high-pitched call, such as the Alpine call or the Cow in Heat call from the Primos line, which can be used to simulate the sounds of a cow in estrus. Hunters should aim to make 5-7 calls per hour, pausing for 30 seconds to 1 minute between each call to allow the caribou to respond. Research suggests that the most effective calling times are during the peak of the rut, typically mid-to-late October in the Arctic tundra.

Selecting the Right Calls and Techniques

Different calls can be used to achieve different responses from caribou. For example, the Cow in Heat call is most effective for luring bulls, while the Calf in Distress call can be used to attract cows and calves. Hunters should experiment with different calls and techniques to find what works best in their specific area and during different times of the year. It’s also essential to consider the terrain and use calling techniques that are suitable for the environment, such as using a louder call in open tundra or a softer call in dense willows.

Meat Care and Fly-In Hunts

When hunting caribou in remote areas, it’s crucial to follow proper meat care and handling procedures to ensure that the meat remains safe and edible. Hunters should aim to harvest the animal quickly and humanely, and then take the necessary steps to cool and store the meat. This may involve packing the meat in a cooler or using a temporary meat cache to slow down spoilage. For fly-in hunts, hunters should be prepared to handle meat care and handling in a remote setting, and should bring necessary equipment such as coolers, meat saws, and tarpaulins to ensure a successful hunt.