Everybody, glad you enjoyed the read. One nice thing about taking the time during or shortly after the hunt to write about the adventure, rather game is taken or not, is you get to relive it numerous times. In addition, every time you re-read it, even decades later, every sentence opens the flood gates to the memories and feeling you had at that time. It was my pleasure to put on paper; it’s something that should be done much more often.
Thanks Wapiti
Mark & Doug, you guys know are welcome to stop by anytime. If I know my wife, she is already using this as an excuse to plan a Bar-B-Q with Karen & Penny.
Kibok&Ok, there is not much more to add regarding the equipment; it is mostly fairly generic:
• Clothing was a mixture of KOM, KUIU, & Sitka
• I already listed my thought regarding the Kifaru tent
• I used an insulated air mattress much like the Big Agness, but in a mummy shape, instead of my foam Thermarest. It worked much better, but being old and fat I am going to splurge on a Big Agness.
• For packs I used a KUIU 3000 and Dave a Kifaru with the packing shelf. Overall the KUIU handled the loads more comfortably wit heavier loads. There are cinch straps everywhere on the KUIU and the loads never moved. However, the KUIU pack is not intended for the type loads it was subjected to, the frame developed several cracks, the bag ripped at the handle when I lifted it with a ninety pound load, and the stitching started unravel in two places. The Kifaru fared much better. Everything being considered, and ignoring cost, I would opt for the KUIU because it is the most comfortable pack and carries the load better than any pack I have used. Just expect to replace it about every third trip. Seeing as how my money supply is limited, on my next trip like this the old Army ruck sack will probably be taken.
Rick, regarding a guide, one is not needed for non-residents when hunting for moose, caribou, deer, or black bear. I hunt wilderness areas in Montana all the time so Alaska does not stretch my comfort zone very far, if at all. My recommendation is you have some wilderness experience, good woodmanship skills, and most important, the ability to handle the mental side before going to Alaska self guided. Pick your partners well, I have been lucky in that respect on most every extended hunt I can remember.
Kenny, I would enjoy sharing a fire and some coffee with you if you ever make it out this way. The fire and coffee is on me if you ever decide to chase the Wapiti.
Hopewell & Kawika, both halves of the arrow are in the quiver.
Topic: Pigger Went North (Read 6055 times)
