In this 13-minute YouTube video, you’ll see Kristi Noem on her first-ever moose hunt. At the time of this Yukon adventure, Noem was governor of South Dakota; she’s now the newly appointed United States Secretary of Homeland Security.
Noem booked her moose hunt through Worldwide Trophy Adventures. Yes, these hunts are expensive — but it’s a lesson in “supply and demand.” The moose season in the Far North is relatively short, so outfitters don’t have the chance to host a lot of clients. Keep in mind that a moose-only hunt is 10 days; if you add a grizzly or Mountain caribou, then the combo hunt extends to 14 days. Even with the high price tag, the best outfitters have no trouble filling their schedule.
A hunter’s success on this type of wilderness adventure greatly depends on the skills and experience of the guides. And you need a bit of good luck when it comes to the weather, too. A 10-day hunt can be reduced in half with bad weather, and there’s nothing the outfitter or hunter can do about it. Access to distant wilderness camps are typically by bush plane, and if the weather is too dangerous to fly, then everything stops. Period.
As you’ll see below, Noem and her hunting partner, Jodi, were blessed with perfect weather conditions for flying and hunting, and both women end up shooting big bulls on their first day!
I had the chance to take a similar adventure with my dad and brother in 2000. We spent 14 days in the wilds of northern British Columbia on a combo moose/mountain caribou hunt. Instead of hunting a river system by boat, as Kristi and Jodi experienced, our party covered many miles each day on horseback.
I mention my family hunt because it was on my mind as I watched Noem get her shooting opportunity at a big bull. Your job as a good client on this type of adventure is simply to keep up with the guide (to the best of your ability), not complain, and be ready to act decisively during the moment of truth.
Best I can tell, Noem checked all the boxes on her hunt. And she was rewarded with a magnificent Yukon moose. Thankfully, her bull dropped on dry land, which made field-dressing and butchering the animal MUCH easier.
Congrats to Kristi and Jodi!
