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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Steve O on September 06, 2010, 09:18:00 PM
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Seems I have had the worst luck lately on my hunts. Lots of good planning to all be ruined by my job. Well, my latest trip to Alaska ended early in just about the same way :(
I did get to see some beautiful things and am sure I have converted yet another hunter to the TallTines tribe, but no bears were harmed in the following...
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Well Steve....sorry to hear that! Guess we'll have to get you a world record color phase blackie next spring to make up for it. I'm sure the rest of the fall will be good to you...Ryan
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I like Alaska. I like REMOTE Alaska much better. I have seen a lot of our 49th state from the Kenai Peninsula up to Fairbanks. Two spots that I have not experienced were the Brooks Range in the far north and until this past week, the extreme SE Alaska; the Prince of Wales region. I've always thought one of the boat based hunts would be grand, but they are grand in the way of expense also. Not wanting to brave the ocean on my own in the spring, I figured a fall hunt with the black bears homing in on the salmon in the streams would be doable. So for the past 4 years, I have been researching how to get the POW experience without the POW crowds.
My final plan was to charter a float plane to an island off POW. We would land on a series of lakes connected to the ocean. Inflatable rafts would give us the flexibility to find which of the many streams the bears were focusing on for thier meals and put us where we could ambush them from base camp.
It started off as a grand adventure for 4 in one of the many Forest Service Cabins that are scattered thruought the Tongass National Forest, almost ended up as a solo trip, but in the last month became a trip for two. It was nice to have a partner :thumbsup:
Here is a shot of the gear I took for two weeks in the bush (minus clothes, my TallTines, and waders).
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8090772.jpg)
The left group is my Kifaru 4 man tipi and stove along with a couple of silnylon tarps.
Next to that to the right is two weeks worth of food, jetboil for cooking, water purifier, lights and other misc camp items.
The next group to the right of that includes various fire making and starting eqpt along with knives and first aid kit.
The final group on the right was my 5lb ultralight inflatable raft. An Alpacka unrigged Explorer.
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Hey Steve O glad to see your back hope you had a good hunt. I not complaining but I'm sitll looking for a job.
doug77
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Ryan-- :D --I am definitely counting on you next spring! Good luck with your elk hunt!
Douggie--I know you are just waiting till AFTER whitetail season to put your nose back on the grindstone! :thumbsup:
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Atleast you made it to Alaska. It is a place I can only dream of, atleast for now. In your picture above you mentioned that little pile of stuff is your food for 2 weeks. What the heck is in that pile that will keep you fed for 2 weeks?
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The plan was to get out in the bush a few days before bear season opened and check out all the streams we could access and find the bears.
For those that don't know, the POW region of SE Alaska is a RAIN FOREST! It was a great test of all my Sitka Gear...that stuff just plain works! I was expecting rain all the time. We got that! What I was not expecting was bad storms--we had a night of 2 inches of rain and 60mph winds.
So, here is camp:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300802.jpg)
We set up a latrine in one direction and a covered kitchen/eating area with bear bags containing our food securly hung in the trees in the other. We did not want to have our only shelter shredded while we were out hunting by a bear with more of a taste for Mountain House than salmon.
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come on I need to get to bed. I have a hard day planned tomorrow
doug77
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Mike,
Here is a better shot of the food:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8070771.jpg)
On the left is my home made trail mix (dried fruits, pistachios, cashews, almonds, pecans, and dark chocholate M&M's) along with 30 energy bars of various brands and a couple of Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwiches for celebration.
The next group to the right contains various Mountain House, Backpackers Pantry, and my homemade dehydrated meals for dinners.
To the right of them is more fixins for lunches with a variety of fish in a pouch, potatoes, noodles, and single serve hamburger helpers.
To the right of that is all my breakfasts. These include instant oatmeals supplemented with dried fruits, nuts, and jerky as well as some packages of cold cereal with Carnation brand powdered milk and the fruit and nuts. Plus a couple MH bacon and eggs.
The last group on the right is my stove--a JetBoil--that boils the water with SUPER efficiency. 2 cups to a rolling boil in 2 minutes and I cooked all the meas for both of us for 6 days on one cannister of fuel. Also coffee and tea packets and some french vanilla powder. Starbucks have these packets of instant coffeee called Via; they are awesome.
There is food here for two weeks plus a couple days days in case we would get stuck! LOTS of food!
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Hey, it is only 6pm Alaska time...
Here is a shot of the flight in:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8290785.jpg)
and a pause in the action for a TallTines commercial :goldtooth: :
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8290789.jpg)
Seriously, in that shot, you can see I am wearing a pair of waist high waders. PERFECT. Hip boots are too short for exploring and chest waders are too big and hot. Stocking foot with good supportive felt soled boots made me like a mountain goat in the streams. Beware; Alaska is outlawing felt soled wading shoes in 2012 to help stop the spread of invasive species.
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Base camp was my 4 man Kifaru Tipi. It was good for the two of us.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8290792.jpg)
The tipi is set up for a wood stove. That is a great asset to heat things up and dry off a little. There was plenty of driftwood to cut up.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8290793.jpg)
Once the wood was piled up inside the shelter of the tipi, it dried out quickly.
The tipi was set up on the beach. This was not an ideal spot, but the best we could find. Everything else was either mature timber, rock, or sponge that you would step on and sink in 6 inches oozing water out the whole time. We were able to get down thru the gravel of the beach and got solid footing for the pegs. Solid enough to make it just fine thru the big storms we got. Here is my buddy wondering if we are going to make it:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9010845.jpg)
Another cool thing was he brought Mike Mitten's book for inspiration:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300797.jpg)
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As I said, the first few days were to be used for scouting:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9020853.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300805.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300801.jpg)
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Sorry to hear things didn't quite turn out as planned SteveO. In talking to you since you returned I have to say that your positive attitude even when things didn't go your way is an inspiration to me. I have a feeling the results will be a little, make that A LOT different in Manitoba. Glad you had a safe trip and I'm looking forward to our hunt next spring bud!!
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If you are going to be scouting out the streams, you really, really should bring along your fishing pole...
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300806.jpg)
Spawning male Sockeye Salmon
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300809.jpg)
Spawning female Sockeye Salmon
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9010827.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9010832.jpg)
Coho Salmon male
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9010834.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9010837.jpg)
We are blessed here in Michigan to have a good salmon fishery and I have fished for them in the streams a LOT. What I saw in Alaska amazed me. When one of us would hook a fish and it spooked some of the others, the entire river would look like it was rising 6 inches and you could see the wave of fish run up stream. THOUSANDS of fish in a pool!
Of the 10 or so streams we found on the lakes, this was the only one that contained the Sockeye and Coho salmon. It was also the widest and deepest and the only one containg salmon that was devoid of bear sign.
The bears were concentrating on the Pink Salmon also known as "Humpys" for the pronounced hunp on the spawning males back. I have some video of a male but only have still pics of a spawning female. The Pinks start out chrome from the ocean as well, but turn a different shade than the Sockeye for spawning.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310813.jpg)
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Brian--thanks for making me a bow I have the ultimate confidence in to perform in the WORST field conditions. One of the reasons the trip was abbreviated was becasue my friend's high dollar ILF bow was not able to stand up to the harsh SE Alaska enviornment. The wood handle failed.
He shot my TT quite a bit in camp and was amazed by the speed and accuracy of the set up. Perfect flight with the vanes and elevated rest.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310825.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9020851.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9020855.jpg)
When your life depends on hanging on to your boat while you are dragging it UP the rapids, your bow plays second fiddle. My TT was slammed around pretty hard on this trip and the worst thing that happened were a few "character" marks on the camo finish.
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Our plan was to head up stream until we found bear sign and a good ambush spot. We would hunt one of these the first night depending on the wind and after the first sit, press further up stream to see if we could find a better spot with more action.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310821.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310816.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310817.jpg)
Bear feeding site
Salmon processing
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310812.jpg)
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The whole area was EXTREMELY thick. This is a shot of a hole in the brus that I could actually see over 20 yards. It was so rare, I had to get a pic!
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310815.jpg)
A shot from one of my stands. Over looking a pile of salmon carcasses while standing on the other side of the river on the other. Sorry it is so blurry; I use a waterproof Olympus camera, but it is so wet and humid here it is impossible to keep the lens clear all the time.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P9020856.jpg)
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Wow! What an adventure!! It speaks well of Tall Tines to stand up to all it went through.
It also speaks well of you and your partner to do as well.
I sure hate it that equipment failure(partners bow) made for a shortened adventure.
Thanks for your attention to detail. Others can learn much from your documentation.
Your pictures are awesome as well!!
Thank you!
God bless,Mudd
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This was a very, very difficult hunt. It was tough logistically and it was tough technically--I don't have to deal with tides here in Michigan! Tides would take the narrows between the lakes from something you could paddle back and forth accross to a raging class IV rapid.
I knew that it would be like that going into it, but it has been said many times, "The tougher the journey, the sweeter the reward." I thought we had a 50/50 shot at bringing home a bear while planning this trip. After that first week, I knew that was VERY optimistic thinking. When my partner lost his bow and used the sat phone to check on things at home and found out he had big trouble at the business he owns, it was a very easy decision to pack it in and chalk this one up as an excellent fishing trip! In addition to being able to hook into a salmon on every cast, we caught Dolly Vardon and Cutthroat trout in the rivers and lakes. We we also treated to some of the most rugged an beautiful country a guy could ask to see.
A few more of my favorite shots:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310823.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300799.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8310824.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300795.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300796.jpg)
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Cool stuff Steve - what dreams are made of! Too bad it was shortened a bit from the original plan, but you still did a lot more than most people ever will. Sounds like quite an adventure!
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Sounds like a great trip in spite of the occasional storm, tide changes and lack of shooting. Anytime you venture into one of the rain forests along the coast, the weather can change quickly. Thanks for sharing and good luck next time.
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Man, that sounds like an awesome trip!! The fun is definately in the adventure... although if my buddies bow broke, he'd be waiting out the rest of the trip in camp and using my bow after I was successfull :D LOL!!
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Very cool. I guess a world class salmon fishing trip in the wilderness is a pretty good consolation prize if the bear hunting didn't pan out! For what it's worth, I was probably guarding a fish-less hole on the Betsie while you were catching those fluorescent fish. Sounds like all the prep work in selecting the gear was worth it.
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Steve,
Awesome story and pictures. Reminds me a lot of some of my adventures. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks guys. No complaints here!
I'm not telling work I am back in the lower 48 either. I am going to enjoy a week of taking the kids to school and catching up on some projects around the house.
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Magnificent!
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Top stuff Steve O,
That's a trip that many people dream of, Myself included. Thanks for sharing,
Memo
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Great story and pictures Steve. Too bad you guys didn't get any bears but you got great memories and that counts the most.
Jack
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Originally posted by Steve O:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2010%20POW%20Bears/P8300805.jpg)
Love this shot.
Thanks for taking us along Steve. Like BW said, your determination is inspiring. Gives me a bit of a jolt before heading west.
:clapper:
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thanks for the post, you do a great job of describing everything, WOW what a trip!
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Thanks for sharing the story and pic's of your adventure! Stuff dreams are made of!
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Very cool trip, although it does not sound at all fruitless to me.
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Beautiful pictures and story sir! :thumbsup:
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Well that sounds like a awesome trip. I really enjoyed your pics and story. Thx. for sharing. Congrats on a trip well made.
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Congratulations on a great adventure Steve!!!
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Steve, thanks for sharing. It brings back some fond memories of a father and son DIY hunt on POW for fall black bears. It sure does rain a lot there!
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Hey Steve what an awesome adventure you had. After seeing the pictures it makes me even more regret having to drop out. Sometimes things in our family life have to take priority. I'm in for Manitoba though, can't wait till this spring. Seems like you guys experienced all that Alaska really is, it will love you one minute and try to kill you the next. I have learned that many times there is more knowledge gained in not harvesting an animal than when you do succeed. A wise man once told me "ITS THE JOURNEY THAT COUNTS GRASSHOPPER" Live long and prosper "Chi-Master
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Thanks for taking the time to share your pictures and adventure with those of us who love to dream.
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Steve, thanks for the fantastic pictures, and sharing your trip with us. Best of luck in the future.
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Too bad your awesome adventure had to be cut short buddy...but you sure made the the most of the time spend in a wonderful place :notworthy:
Thanx for sharing it with us :clapper:
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Sounds like you made the most of the time you had. Too bad you had to cut it short. If you ever make it back up shoot me a message and maybe I can help you out. Just so you know, those fish you are calling spawning coho are actually sockeye. Best of luck in your future adventures.
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Rich, thanks for pointing out that glaring error! I will fix it up. Never thought of them.
You live in an amazing place.
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Rich, send me a PM. I've been to POW twice and hope to bring my second son up this spring. I'd like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind.
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That looks like it was an awesome trip ! I hope I can go on one that even comes close to that some day.
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Thanks Steve. I'm glad you took all of those nice pictures. I hope you get a chance to complete this adventure someday. Mike
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It was a good adventure. Love SE Alaska!
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Love the Tee pee, Do you know Patrick Smith ? I met him at a rendezvous in upstate NY, My friend Gregg Z uses his camping equipment and knows Patrick fairly well. Kifaru camping equipment is really thought out well. Nice trip, and thanks for the pictures.
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Great adventure Steve! Thanks for all the pics!
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Kenneth--I've met Patrick at a sheep show, but do not know him. He certainly knows what he is doing in the design of backcountry equipment!
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Hey Steve I just couldn't stand it, I had to take another look at all those awesome photo's.Again I'm sorry I had to miss that one. It would have been nice to hunt with Cody again, its been awhile since we shared a camp togrther. Well at least you and I will be in Manitoba this spring. I just sent in my deposit. Hope they will tie up a big color phase monster for me. I want to have some pictures for Brian with my Tall Tines.
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Thanks for sharing your trip with us Steve
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Nice job with the story and photos.
It may not have gone quite as you had planned, but it appeared to have gone well in spite of the obstacles.
Great memory maker.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing Steve :thumbsup: Great pic's and story. :clapper:
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Steve and Gary.....5 monster color phase's tied up....DONE!! I just need your preferences for color. I'm thinking Strawberry blond would look nice in the spring, and really bring out your eyes Steve!!
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Great story, Steve! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing. I got to thinking, I wonder if Mitten and the publishing folks think of putting out soft-cover books. Those hard-covers are sure hard to pack.
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Talk about some great pictures, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing your trip.... dream of it myself someday.
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I missed this one somehow. Sounds like a great adventure, too bad you had to cut it short. There is no where like SE!
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What an awesome trip Steve!
I wish there where more hunting trips like this posted.
A trip like this has been on my list for a while, one day ill go do it.
Looks like you guys had fun though, did you eat the fish? They would make a great source of food on a longer trip.
Looking back at what you know now, is there anything you would change in the way of Gear-Equipment, food? etc...
thanks for taking us along really enjoyed it
All the best for the rest of the year Bud
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I am surprised to see this up.
Andy, I would not change a thing. Everything performed flawlessly. I took my old and new Sitka Downpour raingear and both performed flawlessly. It is the only raingear I have ever had that actually works.
The waist high stocking foot dry plus waders were perfect too, but if I were going back, I would have a slight problem. Alaska is outlawing felt soles in 2012. They are trying to stop the threat of invasive species.
We did not eat any of the fish. It was enough work trying to explore the area and find the bears we felt a litle guilty just fishing! We did bring one frying pan to cook them, but were mainly set up for the quick and easy boil water, pour and eat in 10 minute plan.
I have since sold the 4 man tipi and bought an 8 man which will be like the Hilton out in the backcountry.
There is always new and better gear to upgrade to.
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Ya im sorry i missed it when you first put it up, i must have been in the bush.
It looks like keeping things dry is a bit of work out there, its just inevitable things would get wet over time. The waist high waders are a great idea i have a great lightweight set for fly fishing.
where you happy with the raft?
what would you estimate the the total weight of all your gear was?
You'r right there is some really nice gear available out now for these types of trips, and getting lighter all the time as well, but the price is also going up big time.
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The raft is what it is. I knew it would not be the easiest item to paddle accross the lakes (wasted side to side motion from no keel) but lived with it for the ultra light weight you need to get things into these bush planes and payload capacity. It never stopped me from going anywhere I wanted, it just took me a little longer to get there. Life is all about compromises ;)
And yes, you do not want to take anything there that needs any time to dry out...I love my Sitka Gear!
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Great pictures for a very well planned and executed trip. Sorry for your not getting a bear and your buddies hard luck. You really put the thought and effort into making it a success and it was, in that you did all you could and you had a safe hunt in some rugged and unforgiving conditions. The bear will be there for you another time. Thanks for all of your work in posting all of the logistics and equipment information.
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This is one of the coolest stories I've read. I was there through your pix. Much obliged.
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I also have a Kifaru 8 man. Its funny, I have always divided by two when buying tents. I bought it for a four man float trip to Alaska. We were very cramped! I use it for our Llama elk hunts and its a perfect 2 man tent with stove and gear. I have done some modifications to it over the years. I'll start a thread some day to discuss these improvements. Nothing like being socked in by weather lying on your back. Really sets a man to thinking of improvements...
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PS... forgot the real reason for the post. :) . Looked like your buddy had an inflatable Kayak? Better? What brand, weight, info etc.
Thanks
Jeff
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Jeff,
I would not say his raft was "better". It was easier paddling on the lakes, and it did only cost about $400 (it is a Stearns, but am not sure of the model), but it weighed 40#. I had some other hunts in mind when I bought the Alpacka and none of them would be better with an extra 40# on my back! That one would have been its own extra bag on all the flights from Michigan and back and that would have ended up costing a bunch of money as well. My buddy is a Platinum Frequent Flyer, so he has a lot better luggage deal than I do.
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Steve,
I've ben pushing around the idea of a spring POW bear hunt, and was hoping to basically do what you did but with a flat-water kayak. Do you know if logistically that could be possible?
I'm picturing paddling along the tidal flats looking for bears to spot and stalk during the days, and then terra firma for camping at night. Thanks,
Bill
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Which model Alpacka did you bring?
How much total weight did you have in the boat?
Jason
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The model was the Fjord Explorer and there was probably 250 lbs in it. That was the first day, it was not blown up fully or loaded proprly so it looks kinda crummy, but I was anxious to get hunting...
Bill, if you stay on POW proper, I am sure you can do it. You can take your own stuff by ferry or I bet there are shops in craig or even Ketchikan that you could rent one. I believe the bear hunts up there are going to a draw next year and they have some heavy duty restrictions on what and where NRs can do and go. If anyone can do it, YOU can!
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Nice read, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Steve
Were you able to get a good paddle stroke in the Fjord?
We are using the Yukon Yak here. Great boat but max's out a bit with my weight and a day pack.
Great photo's and looks like a fun trip.
Jason
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I took the longest 4pc kayak paddle I could find and that helped offset the height of the tubes IMO. There is no getting around the "waggle" of the short boat, but I did not want a 40-50# inflatable to backpack around.
I have heard of guys putting a boned moose in those Fjord Explorers and walking them out the creek.
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SteveO,
Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Glad y'all made it back o.k. and we able to enjoy some excellent fishing.
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steveO thank you for taking us along Buddy that is way Awesome!!! :clapper: :clapper:
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The best option is having both the yukon yak and a fjord explorer.
Your covered from overnight use to expedition. I used the pack rafts this fall every day for a month straight. Great products!
They allowed me access from head waters to salt water all in one day. Thinking about some kokatat bibs and h2o shoes to lighten up my kit for next season. That way I can carry my hiking boots in my pack and not have to compermise on my hike back to camp.
Jason
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I am glad somebody resurrected this. I missed it on the first round. Good to read about things in my own neighborhood seen through the eyes of another. I live in Wrangell, on an island just to the east of Prince of Wales island.
Steve, we pm'd some before your hunt. I am glad you got to make it and had a good time, even if you did not get a bear. A successful hunt does not require a kill, as you demonstrated very well. Your preparation for the conditions here was excellent.
To those others asking, the spring bear hunting is a good option as well. The bears are not congregated on the creeks like in the fall, but there are some advantages to consider. The hungry bears that just woke up are out on the grass foraging, and can be seen from a boat, setting up a stalk on a known animal. You can go ashore downwind, because you know where the bear is. Getting the bear out afterwards by boat is usually easier since the kill is made near the shoreline. Spring bears are not fishy, which is a another plus for both the meat and the pelt. They can be rubbed a bit, so careful glassing is important if you are wanting a nice hide.
Speaking of fish, the king salmon sport fishing is good in May/June and the fish are not into the spawn stages, making for good eating. A trip with a boat combining fishing and hunting might be ideal, if you can do it. There are many combinations of boats, lodges, float planes that you can put together. You can camp out, stay at a lodge on shore and go out for the day, or be on a boat with sleeping and eating aboard. There are lodges with small boats that you can use and go out on your own, or you can get a bigger boat with skipper. On POW, there are so many roads and campsites you could even car camp and get around pretty well, especially if you had a small boat with you.Like anything, depends on your budget and preferences.
The other advantage of this time of year is that it is the most likely time to have good weather, which not only helps make it more fun, but opens up more possibilities of where you can go safely. The weather and the ocean conditions are not to be ignored at any time of year, but the averages are more in your favor in May through August. Plus the long hours of daylight to work with.
When the sun is shining in SE Alaska, (yes it does happen) it is extremely beautiful. I might try to put up some pictures of that some time....with or without dead animals. It's all good when the sun shines. :cool:
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Walter,
You were right on, thanks for your experience.
If I ever went back to SE Alaska, I would do a boat trip if nothing else but to eat the fresh seafood! I did not go that way because of the cost #1 and #1A because it was VERY important to me to be somewhere I would not see another person. Seeing a boat or a plane would have ruined the trip for me. POW proper would have left that as a possibility, my little island WAY out gave me the solitude I desired. No Alaskan is going to spend an extra $1300 to fly out and hunt a black bear that they can hunt right down the road. Not many guys in the lower 48 have the ambition or desire to find a place like that. Next time that may not be as important to me, but it still may.
Through the whole planning phase of the trip, I could see myself grinning from ear to ear with my salmon fattened bear just like pictures I have seen of my buddy JoeBuck and his spring time Booner. Through the whole execution of the trip I did everything I could to make that happen, but as Godfather Gene says, "I was just not good enough".
SE Alaska is a very rough and very beautiful place. While I did not get a bear, I know I can go anywhere and make it, no make that thrive. I am content with the memories of the untouched wilderness, the whales migrating to Hawaii, the seals following me around the lake, the fishing, and on the one clear night, the most incredible display of stars one could ever witness.
Sometimes you get the adventure, sometimes you get the trophy :thumbsup:
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Steve
After reading your last, I am even more sorry I did not get to meet you in person.
Those who come to Alaska and judge success only on killing an animal are like a dinner guest who skips the meal, eats dessert, and leaves.
I totally appreciate your need to get away from everyone in the true experience of wilderness.
Some who have put forth the question of how to get along with the locals would do well to read your posts.
Thank you for the example you have shown, and thank you for recognizing how special this place is to those who live here.
Walter
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This is what hunting is all about Steve. A great read from front to back and back again. Very informative, thank you.
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Thanks for taking me along on your adventure!! TD.
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POW is one of my favorite places. Lots of good hunting memories made there.
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Great trip!
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WOW....great adventure.♠ :campfire: :coffee:
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"No Alaskan is going to spend an extra $1300 to fly out and hunt a black bear that they can hunt right down the road."
Wanna bet!
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Steve,
Thanks for sharing and as you have stated, that trip was kind of a theme hunt with bear being optional. The type of visitors that make us re-examine our oppinion of tourist. Looks like you guys experienced a great Alaskan adventure. Impressive planning and well documented.
Southcentral to Southeast Alaska has the second largest tidal exchange on the North American Continent. 20ft average. One of many ways to meet your maker.
We up here are no different than any of the finatics on this site and throughout the world. We have bows that cost more than the flights into the bush, not to mention optics and iron. The one constant is that good gear and common sense are mandatory here and most of us see no reason to test that theory. It is true, some get off the plane and are Alaskan, and some stay here their entire life and never become Alaskan. And contrary to popular belief, not all of us were running from a past, but were running for a future.
Respectfully submitted,
~CB
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Very interesting thread! I'm planning to apply for bear tags with some in my circle for next year. Have been thinking mostly about September. However, spring is sounding pretty good from reading this.
Now I'm trying to make sure it is doable for us, age range from 36 to 69 with one cancer survivor.