more Alaska questions, 20C? (See post 9)

[Mike Bolin]

O.k. I posted awhile back that it looked as if I could get free travel to and from Alaska next Spring. I spoke with my son this weekend and he is offering to fly me up, Spring or Fall and we would be able to stay for up to ten days. He is wanting to hike/climb in Denali, so I am needing to get some input on hunting opportunities that would be close for both of us-
him to hike and me to hunt. I contacted the Alaska Fish and Wildlife via phone and left them a message, but I have not got any response back yet. If any of you have any personal experiences hunting this area my primary interest is Moose in the Fall if it feasable in this area and Black Bear in the Spring or Fall. Info on primitive camping, possibly renting camping equip. and packframes or if reasonable cabin rental is available. Since I am flying up, I will need to keep the baggage weight down. Any websites or any kind of contacts will be appreciated. I am hoping that some of you live in the area and we could possibly meet up. I have a little bit of time, but I need to nail down some of the details so my son can plan his time off work. Thanks in advance-Mike

[beyondmyken]

Mike, I would suggest an outfitter to supply your gear.  check outdoordirectory.com for an Alaskan based forum.  There is no way my buddy and I could figure out how to take all gear needed for a moose float hunt without an outfitter 3 years ago.

[Jason Lester]

Mike,

  Forget Denali. Way to many people. There is a road that cuts across Denali highway I believe I'll ask Dad he goes up every year. In Denali park you cannot carry any weapon. Like I said lots of people too. Sure you can get off the normaly traveled path but you have a better chance of running into people. There is so much of Alaska to see. You don't need Denali park to see wildlife etc. JMO

If your there for just 10 days use you time wisely. Alaska is BIG. There are a few good other things I'll suggest. If your going to be in Fairbanks go to the China Pumphouse. Its a little expensive but not bad. But it is the best food I found anyhere. Again my opinion. If you have time for some touristy stuff, check out Eldorado Gold mine. Lost of good info and you'll leave with gold you panned. Neat place.

[John/Alaska]

Mike - Try the state site at  http://www.state.ak.us/.  Go to F&G, wild life conservation & explore

[Talondale]

Also keep in mind what kind of experience you're looking for.  Like Jason said AK is BIG and it varies in environs.  Down towards Anchorage it's big snowcapped mountains and glacers but Fairbanks is green mountains much like Appalachia, a totally different feel.  Personally, I liked Denali.  They have one road going through the park and buses that run the length at fairly regular intervals through the day.  You can get off anywhere you want and get back on later by just flagging down another bus.  I think overnight camping requires a permit and I can't remember if there are limits to how long.  In one day of walking I saw 32 grizzly, a caribo, a fox, and an eagle.  They had a wolf killed sheep near the road a couple of days earlier and Wild America had been there filming it.  Most of the people don't get off the bus so you can feel pretty isolated if you want.  I mean the park is the size of Rhode Island so if you get away from the road you are definitely alone.  The surrounding area is nice too.  I don't know much about hunting in the area though.  I spent 9 months in AK and never hunted once.  I was younger and didn't feel like I knew enough to do it on my own and didn't know anyone else to go with.  Great fishing though.  If I get a chance I'll try to scan some pictures and post them.  I'm sure someone else will post some good info here too.

[Jason Lester]

No doubt Denali is nice. My point is though that without paying addmission you can get the same atmosfere down the Denali Higway witch starts not far from the park and goes way over east in AK. Plus there is a better chance you can maximize you 10 days by getting in the mountains of the same range and hunting at the same time.

For a day trip Denali is fine. (if you trust those bus drivers. Kinda scary in Polycrome pass I think its called.) Any your right most people stay on or near the busses. So you definatly can get isolated.

[Talondale]

Definitely can't hunt in the Denali but I just went to see the mountain, and it was shrouded in clouds.

[Jason Lester]

LOL, I've been there three times and only seen it once for about 10 minutes. Saw it best on the flight in to Anchorage the first time. But that is a bit different perspective.

[Mike Bolin]

Hi fellars! Thanks for the input so far. I need to clarify that I am using Denali as a reference point. My son has hiked Denali before while on an extended business trip and is wanting to go back. I am just looking for areas near there so that we can camp/spend evenings together. I did finally make contact with the Wildlife folks up there and they were extremely helpful. They are sending me some information and when I nail down a specific area, I will let you all know. In the meantime, keep the comments coming! Thanks again, Mike

[Mike Bolin]

I had a couple of phone converstions with Game biologists in Alaska this evening. They both recommended unit 20C with 20A and 20B as back-ups. If anyone has any knowledge or experience with any of these areas I sure hope you'd share with me. Thanks, Mike

[Mike Bolin]

Oh, the non-resident season (Moose) runs tentativley from Sept. 5th thru Sept. 15th. Thanks, Mike