Technical Gear
- Rifle (bow, pistol, or muzzle loader)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Ammo (2 boxes)
- Knife
- Binoculars
Camping/Backpacking Gear
- Pack- sheep and goat hunt at least 7,400 cu in.
- Lightweight Sleeping Pad (ridgerest, therma-rest, etc)
- Treking pole or ski pole
- Small first aid kit (include 2 power bars, 2 large trash bags, matches and firestarter)
- Lightweight Sleeping Bag (approx. 0deg bag for most)
- Water bottles 1-Quart (2)
- Rain Cover for pack
Clothing
- All clothing should be quick dry, not cotton (except town clothes)
- Leather Hiking boots with extra insoles (stiff with good support)
- Glacier Socks (Can order from Barney’s Sports Chalet)
- Gore-Tex Jacket with hood
- Fleece pullover and Pant (good fleece, not sweats)
- Long sleeve shirt (i.e. button-up or henley…)
- Light, mid-weight long underwear top and bottom (2 pairs)
- Wool/poly blend Socks (5 pair)
- Baseball Cap
- Balaclava
- Leather Gloves
- Plastic Boots- Scarpa (recommended for sheep and goat hunts)
- Lightweight camp shoes, (optional, crocs work well)
- Rain Gear (Good, water-resistant or waterproof lightweight set)
- Quick-dry Pant
- Base-layer tee shirts (coolmax or quick-dry) (2-3)
- Underwear (3 pair)
- Sock Liners (5 pair), (optional)
- Stocking Cap
- Lightweight polypropolene gloves
Personals
- Sunglasses
- Reading material
- Toothbrush and paste
- Chap Stick
- Medications and copy of prescriptions
- Camera and extra battery
- Bug repellant
- Washcloth and TP, small individual hand wipes
- Blister Kit and Band-aids
- Paperwork- hunter’s safety card, medical information, draw permit, hunting license, etc.
Preparing for Your Hunt
Here’s a little information that should help things roll smoothly for your upcoming hunt.
The Flight
Be sure and let us know your flight information, the hotel you choose, and your cell number. It is best to fly in one day before your hunt and allow a day or two after your hunt ends to fly out. It is highly recommended that you get a changeable ticket in case you would like to leave early, if we are done quickly, or leave later for weather or other reasons. Be very aware that many flights leave Anchorage within an hour or two after midnight as a “red-eye” flight, so please double check the date and time (am/pm) of your flight to ensure you don’t cut your trip short by a full day. We may be able to shuttle you from the airport to the hotel you choose, depending on when other hunters are scheduled and how soon we come out of the field. We will be happy to give tips on other places to visit if your hunt finishes early or if family or friends choose to visit Alaska with you.
It is best to pick a hotel close to the downtown area or the airport. A few suggestions:
The Hunt
Your hunt will depend largely on the physical and mental shape you show up in. Alaska hunts may be different than other hunts you have been on. There are few trails to use and most terrain is very rugged and challenging. It is disappointing at best to not be able to pursue the trophy you’ve sought after. The better condition you are in, the more likely you are to see higher-quality animals. My best hunter so far was from a very flat area, but he trained by hiking in the stairwell of one of the taller buildings in town. The StairMaster at the gym isn’t a bad idea either.
Gear
Fall weather in Alaska can be very wet. Temperatures range between 25-50 degrees and rain and snow are common. Staying dry and layering is the key to being comfortable. You need to be able to peel off layers when moving and throw them back on when sitting. Look for warm, quick-dry materials such as fleece, polypropylene, poly/wool blends (smart wool, cool max) etc. NO COTTON! Cotton is not warm and tends to stay wet. Camo or any understated color is fine. Down Sleeping bags can be nice but must be kept dry in order to be warm. If your bag is down make sure you get a waterproof stuff sack for it.
If you can’t find what you need at home there are several good stores online:
At some point before leaving Anchorage we will do a gear check together to ensure everyone has the equipment they need. We provide the tent, cooking gear and camp food, water filtration, spotting scope, radio, PFD’s, dry bags, meat bags…..
Most hunters have questions about gear on their first trip to Alaska. It’s a different kind of weather and terrain and a different kind of hunting, so feel free to contact me with any questions. I’d much rather have a few discussions now than have the wrong gear later. We want your hunt to be a great experience.