Are You Ready Adventures

JD Richardson grew up in Alaska's interior running traplines with his father, shot his first caribou at age 11, and spent decades hunting and trapping before earning his registered Alaska guides license in 2019. He founded Are You Ready Adventures to honor Tom Karshekoff, a senior guide and mentor who passed away before JD could take his licensing exam. The company name comes from Tom's catchphrase on those brutal mornings—"Are You Ready?"—when conditions were rough but the hunting was prime.

Are You Ready Adventures operates under a special use permit with the BLM in guide use areas 22-07 and 21-01 (Alaska game management units 22A and 21E). They run four distinct hunt packages:

April 15–25 | 10 days | $20,000

Snowmobile-based hunts from main camp at Klikitarik and back camp on the Golsovia River. Expect to cover 100–150 miles per day on good weather days. Spring hides are prime condition with long, sharp claws fresh from winter denning. Wolf season runs through late April/May, so you'll hunt those too. Optional ptarmigan hunting when males show their bright burgundy spring plumage.

August 1–30 | 10-day sessions | $18,000

Three scheduled hunts (Aug 1–10, 10–20, 20–30). You fly into Saint Michael, boat to Klikitarik camp, then hunt via Argo (terrain vehicle) for mobility and fair-chase spot-and-stalk once game is spotted. Spike camps use Arctic Oven tents with cots and wood stoves. Up to 3 hunters per hunt. Camp amenities include traditional sauna and shower. Bow stand locations available for compound or recurve hunters.

September 1–30 | 10-day sessions | $24,000 ⚠️ Currently booked through 2026

Three windows: early September (best for grizzly + moose), mid-September (bears still active, moose moving to calls), late September (peak moose calling). Base out of Klikitarik, fly in/out of Saint Michael. All fair-chase spot-and-stalk. Hunters can bring back meat (most take backstraps and loins; remainder distributed to local villages). Trophy preparation on-site; trophy expediting recommended for getting antlers and capes home.

January | 10 days | $20,000 ⚠️ Alaska residents only

Snowmobile-based hunt from Klikitarik camp. Bulls shed antlers as winter progresses, but 50"–60" racks are still available early in the month. Predator hunting and trapline work happen during the hunt. Accommodates 2 hunters; dates flexible but early January preferred.

"We realize this is Alaska, and the wild will never be tamed. However, Are You Ready Adventure guides will do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable hunt."

• •Camp Setup: Main camps equipped with generators, freezers, saunas, and hot showers. Spike camps use Arctic Oven tents (warm, durable, waterproof) with cots and wood stoves. You're never roughing it—comfort matters so hunts work for hunters of all ages, sizes, and physical capability.

• •Transportation: Snowmobiles for spring hunts (100–150 miles/day coverage). Argos for fall hunts (terrain vehicle access to hunting areas, gear recovery, and meat packing without excessive backpacking).

• •Guide Expertise: JD's moose calling skills draw repeated client praise. His son Dominic is training as the next generation guide. Past clients highlight his knowledge of weather, animal behavior, tracking, and mentorship approach.

• •Alaska hunting licenses and tags (buy online at hunt.alaska.gov)
• •Travel to/from Saint Michael staging point
• •Air cargo fees for trophies and meat from Saint Michael
• •Trophy expediting (though they provide referrals)
• •Gratuity

Non-hunting companions: $4,500 for any hunt.

> "JD Richardson is one of the most knowledgeable guides I have hunted with in my life. His moose calling skills would amaze all guides and hunters who would have the privilege to hunt with him." — Mike Hawkins

> "Probably the best hunt I ever went on. I've hunted with 5 guides in Alaska and John Richardson is by far the best." — Russell Nethery

(907) 933-1339 [email protected] Based in Saint Michael, Alaska (west coast, southern Norton Sound)