Author Topic: Short SE Alaska Bear Hunt (Read 1652 times)

Steve O · « **Reply #60 on:** January 31, 2011, 07:42:00 AM »

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.

tradtusker · « **Reply #61 on:** January 31, 2011, 08:33:00 AM »

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.

Steve O · « **Reply #62 on:** January 31, 2011, 08:42:00 AM »

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!

tradshooter · « **Reply #63 on:** January 31, 2011, 09:20:00 AM »

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.

straitera · « **Reply #64 on:** January 31, 2011, 10:12:00 AM »

This is one of the coolest stories I've read. I was there through your pix. Much obliged.

Montanawidower · « **Reply #65 on:** January 31, 2011, 12:59:00 PM »

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...

Montanawidower · « **Reply #66 on:** January 31, 2011, 02:37:00 PM »

PS... forgot the real reason for the post.

. Looked like your buddy had an inflatable Kayak? Better? What brand, weight, info etc.
Thanks

Jeff

Steve O · « **Reply #67 on:** January 31, 2011, 03:21:00 PM »

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.

Bill Watts II · « **Reply #68 on:** February 05, 2011, 04:52:00 PM »

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

J. Oles · « **Reply #69 on:** February 05, 2011, 05:00:00 PM »

Which model Alpacka did you bring?

How much total weight did you have in the boat?

Jason

Steve O · « **Reply #70 on:** February 05, 2011, 05:19:00 PM »

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!

bill langer · « **Reply #71 on:** February 05, 2011, 06:06:00 PM »

Nice read, thanks for sharing.

J. Oles · « **Reply #72 on:** February 05, 2011, 07:18:00 PM »

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

Steve O · « **Reply #73 on:** February 05, 2011, 07:35:00 PM »

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.

buckster · « **Reply #74 on:** February 05, 2011, 11:22:00 PM »

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.

JEFF B · « **Reply #75 on:** February 06, 2011, 12:53:00 AM »

steveO thank you for taking us along Buddy that is way Awesome!!!

J. Oles · « **Reply #76 on:** February 06, 2011, 12:24:00 PM »

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

boznarras · « **Reply #77 on:** February 06, 2011, 01:39:00 PM »

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:

Steve O · « **Reply #78 on:** February 06, 2011, 06:40:00 PM »

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

boznarras · « **Reply #79 on:** February 06, 2011, 08:56:00 PM »

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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Author Topic: Short SE Alaska Bear Hunt (Read 1652 times)

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