Story By: Jason Lepak
What an epic summer! Not only did my daughter, Sophia, marry her high school sweetheart, Jake, but I also had the opportunity to bond with my new son-in-law and my son, Roman. Together, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a reindeer hunt on Nunivak Island, a remote volcanic island 35 miles off the Alaskan coast. Nunivak spans 1,600 stunning square miles of permafrost-covered terrain, rich with wildlife and native Cup’ik Eskimo culture.
Our journey began with a boat ride across the untamed Bering Sea, heading toward the uninhabited western shore. The landscape was a breathtaking expanse of tundra as far as the eye could see. I quickly became familiar with a new nemesis: the Alaskan tussock. These earthen mounds, varying in width and height from one to three feet and covered in grasses, hide crevices that make the terrain deceptive. From afar, it looks smooth, but up close, it’s anything but.
Despite the tricky footing, frequent sightings of wild musk oxen grazing in the distance were awe-inspiring. I gathered some of their wool, called qiviut, from the ground—it’s considered the softest and most expensive wool in the world.
Our hunting party divided into two groups. I headed out with my son and the exceptional Matt White, a Huntin’ Fool Hunt Advisor. We spent much of the day hiking, glassing, and taking in the wild beauty of the Alaskan tundra, spotting red foxes and sandhill cranes.
As the afternoon progressed, we spotted a shape near an inland water source. Binoculars confirmed it was a solitary bull reindeer, about 1.5 miles away as the crow flies. After checking the wind, we chose an approach to minimize our chances of being detected.
Moving in single file, we came within half a mile when the bull bedded down—though his massive antlers still towered above the grass. We slowly closed the distance to 400 yards. Roman found a prone sniper position to shoot from. After a couple of hours, the bull awoke, stood, turned his back to us, and walked away. There was no clear shot. My heart sank.
But Matt quickly devised a new strategy: an expedited stalk requiring the perfect balance of urgency and stealth. Amazingly, we closed the distance to just 150 yards without being seen. The anticipation and adrenaline were intense. Using trekking poles with a Quick-StiX adapter, Roman dropped to one knee, stabilized, steadied his breath, and took a perfect broadside shot.
The bullet found its mark—steam from the lungs and fur flew in a cloud. The bull ran a short distance and dropped. Roman’s accomplishment brought me a surge of joy. The bull’s summer coat featured stunning patches of white on its head and neck, a testament to the wild beauty of this island. Its antlers were enormous, covered in majestic, soft velvet.
We gave thanks to God for the bounty, then harvested the meat and cape. The long trek back to base camp began—now burdened with heavy packs—across the dreaded tussock fields. While Roman and Matt seemed to glide effortlessly over the native grasses and rocky hills, I moved more cautiously, trying to avoid missteps that could lead to injury. The physical challenge was real, and I felt grateful to have such capable family and friends by my side.
At 9:45 p.m., still in daylight, we spotted silhouettes on the horizon—Jake’s hunting party returning to base camp. We were filled with joy and excitement when we saw antlers, full packs, and a meat sled being dragged. After high-fives and story swaps, we discovered something incredible: Roman and Jake had each spotted, stalked, and shot their bulls simultaneously—nearly to the minute—despite being separated all day.
Jake’s reindeer, part of a group of three nomadic bachelors, featured a rare double shovel—a trophy specimen to behold.
Weather dictates life on Nunivak. Some days brought wind and rain that made hunting difficult, but these were also the moments we cherished—gathering around base camp, swapping stories, and getting to know our fellow hunters: Matt, Randy, Ed, and Lonnie. The shared laughter and camaraderie still bring a smile to my face.
Downtime allowed me to study the incredible adaptations of reindeer. For example, they are among the few mammals able to see in the ultraviolet spectrum, which helps them detect winter food sources and avoid predators. Reindeer moss and wolf urine absorb UV light, making them more visible against the snow. Their hooves and eyes change seasonally, and they have some of the fastest-growing antlers on Earth.
Later in the week, after a long day of hiking in the rain and wind, we came across a water inlet near base camp. Imagine our surprise when we saw a bull reindeer swimming across the channel—a clear shooter. We raced to the shoreline, and I tried to calm my breathing. Just as the bull began to exit the water, I squeezed off a shot before it could fully reach firm ground and escape.
My trusty .300 Winchester Magnum hit its mark, dropping the reindeer instantly. It took a moment to comprehend the awe of what had just happened. Out of all the ways I had envisioned success on this hunt, reality far exceeded my expectations.
Despite our incredible hunting successes, the most impactful part of the trip was learning about the Cup’ik Eskimo people, the indigenous inhabitants of Nunivak Island. Their culture is deeply rooted in the land and sea, emphasizing a subsistence lifestyle and a harmonious balance with nature. The Cup’ik way of life is beautiful, relying on traditions passed down for generations. Spending time with these remarkable people gave us insight into their customs, stories, and the challenges they face in preserving their heritage in the modern world. It was a privilege to be in their presence, and I was often mesmerized by their skills, kindness, and witty sense of humor.
What a special summer! I not only gained a new family member in Jake but also forged unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most remote corners. We brought home succulent meat and trophies, made new friends, and experienced a culture steeped in tradition.
The summer of 2024 was like no other—one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. You may wonder if there’s anything better than an Alaskan hunting adventure. From my perspective, the secret ingredient is family and friends—the perfect recipe.