swisslake

I will be hunting this year in the Talkeetna Mtns. Timing is the question. Is it better to say Aug. 20-30 or Sept. 1-10? thanks

ArcticBowMan

Generally earlier is better from what I've heard with sheep hunting mainly due to the weather. Lots of folks get out right on the August 10th opener, but ocassionally they still get caught in bad weather. I'd opt for August if given those couple of options, but that is because moose season kicks into gear usually on the 1st of Sept.

I take it you are going guided or with family? What did they suggest?

Lefty Llewellyn

Agree with ArcticBowMan, the earlier the better for better weather. September dates would have a higher risk of cold and snow.

For other hunts in Alaska (moose & caribou) I liked hunting as late as possible to get the colder weather for meat preservation. However I would not want to be 5 miles in a mountain pass and have a foot of snow fall and the drop off lake freeze up. Been there, done that!!!!

j3k2c1

Weather is much better the earlier you go.

rfwerth

I agree with the other posts. I went in August of 02 (seems like I started around the 10-14 or so) and we were in a fair amount of snow (and freezing rain and freezing rain and other fun stuff). I went up in the Brooks though, and I suppose the weather would normally be a bit worse up there.

Have a great time! It's an outstanding hunting experience. Oh, and start jogging or using a nordic track!

Edit - just wanted to add that we even got hung up for an extra day flying from Fairbanks to our base camp. Some other hunters we talked to in Fairbanks were held up for a lot more than one day.