USA: Alaska Multi Species Hunt

[Altitude sickness]

It can be a very tough hunt. But with proper gear. It’s a breeze. I would insist on the last two weeks of the season. Unit 18 allows hunting all the way to October. Every day past September 25 gets better and better.

We saw a lot of average bulls. I passed a lot of mid 50s bulls

Of course after we had our two bulls down. A Mature bull heard our last evening calls and was outside the tent the next AM. And wouldn’t leave. An easy archery kill.

 

[MarkinMI]

...very nice, Philip, brings back fond memories of my hunt near there in 2001. Can't quite remember the GMU, but 19C sounds very familiar.

Was a combo hunt in the Dillinger River drainage with Master Guide George Palmer of Alaska Trophy Hunts.

My main goal was a Dall's Sheep, and on day 4 I missed a curl-and-a-quarter beauty with a shot, that in hindsight, I should not have taken. I still have nightmares about that beautiful ram.

But, I managed take a nice caribou bull that made B&C at 394 7/8, and on the very last evening of the hunt, harvested a beautiful silver interior grizzly that squared just over 7'.

It was the most beautiful (and harsh) country I've ever seen, or hunted in, and the northern light shows were something to behold. Truly the last great untamed wilderness in the US.

I'm guessing you stayed at the Takusko House in McGrath? Is it still run by that rough and tumble Russian woman named Shareen? She was something, and that's all I have to say about that!

 

[Scott CWO]

Some neat scenery and I got to see the seasons change while I was there.

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@Philip Glass Congrats on the hunt! The Fithian’s are good folks. Bobby has been very involved with the industry in Alaska and preserving non-resident hunting.

They are originally from Colorado and two of the other brothers are neighbors of mine. I bought part of my ranch from Bobby’s brother.

I see you got to meet Daniel. He is a special young man and grew up with my twins in the same grade. Daniel cared for our animals when he was younger when we were traveling. I’m glad to see that he was in Alaska working.

 

[Nyati]

Great hunt @Philip Glass , congrats !

 

[Philip Glass]

Great hunt @Philip Glass , congrats !

Thank you sir!

 

[Philip Glass]

@Philip Glass Congrats on the hunt! The Fithian’s are good folks. Bobby has been very involved with the industry in Alaska and preserving non-resident hunting.

They are originally from Colorado and two of the other brothers are neighbors of mine. I bought part of my ranch from Bobby’s brother.

I see you got to meet Daniel. He is a special young man and grew up with my twins in the same grade. Daniel cared for our animals when he was younger when we were traveling. I’m glad to see that he was in Alaska working.

Scott it is a small world is it not! Daniel is a wonderful, intelligent young man. He was a pleasure to hunt with. We had many good conversations when we were stuck in a cabin with rain and fog for days.
Bobby is one of the most interesting individuals I have ever met. Involved in hunting, politics, and mining at a high level for decades. I advise everyone who can to go meet him at SCI even if you don't have Alaska on your short list. Just go meet them!

 

[Philip Glass]

...very nice, Philip, brings back fond memories of my hunt near there in 2001. Can't quite remember the GMU, but 19C sounds very familiar.

Was a combo hunt in the Dillinger River drainage with Master Guide George Palmer of Alaska Trophy Hunts.

My main goal was a Dall's Sheep, and on day 4 I missed a curl-and-a-quarter beauty with a shot, that in hindsight, I should not have taken. I still have nightmares about that beautiful ram.

But, I managed take a nice caribou bull that made B&C at 394 7/8, and on the very last evening of the hunt, harvested a beautiful silver interior grizzly that squared just over 7'.

It was the most beautiful (and harsh) country I've ever seen, or hunted in, and the northern light shows were something to behold. Truly the last great untamed wilderness in the US.

I'm guessing you stayed at the Takusko House in McGrath? Is it still run by that rough and tumble Russian woman named Shareen? She was something, and that's all I have to say about that!

No I stayed at Hotel McGrath. It is the only one now.

 

[Philip Glass]

It can be a very tough hunt. But with proper gear. It’s a breeze. I would insist on the last two weeks of the season. Unit 18 allows hunting all the way to October. Every day past September 25 gets better and better.

We saw a lot of average bulls. I passed a lot of mid 50s bulls

Of course after we had our two bulls down. A Mature bull heard our last evening calls and was outside the tent the next AM. And wouldn’t leave. An easy archery kill.

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I didn't know nonresidents could hunt anywhere in AK after September 20th. Interesting.

 

[Altitude sickness]

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/gmu18.pdf

We were allowed to hunt until Oct 1st it’s always risky past that date anyway if landing on unfrozen water

 

[AZDAVE]

@Philip Glass Congratulations on a good hunt. Alaska is a very special place. Seeing the northern lights is always a good luck sign for me to on alaska hunts.

Years ago I learned a couple solid hard set rules/experiences with alaska.
1. The beauty can't be explained with just words or pictures but must be experienced.
2. THE WEATHER RULES EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!
3. Within 10 minutes outside of camp you will know if your rain gear is truely water and windproof.
4. You will be wet and cold and never have enough layers.
5. When ever I step off the plane in Alaska or Africa I hear the earth speak to me saying welcome home.
6. Like Africa you are always trying to figure out how to get back to alaska.

 

[Philip Glass]

@Philip Glass Congratulations on a good hunt. Alaska is a very special place. Seeing the northern lights is always a good luck sign for me to on alaska hunts.

Years ago I learned a couple solid hard set rules/experiences with alaska.
1. The beauty can't be explained with just words or pictures but must be experienced.
2. THE WEATHER RULES EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!
3. Within 10 minutes outside of camp you will know if your rain gear is truely water and windproof.
4. You will be wet and cold and never have enough layers.
5. When ever I step off the plane in Alaska or Africa I hear the earth speak to me saying welcome home.
6. Like Africa you are always trying to figure out how to get back to alaska.

This is true. It's calling and it's punishment awaits!

 

[Philip Glass]

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/gmu18.pdf

We were allowed to hunt until Oct 1st it’s always risky past that date anyway if landing on unfrozen water

Very interesting. Thanks.

 

[CamoManJ]

Wonderful hunt report, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it & the responses. I think I will only vicariously hunt Alaska through hunters who post their experiences and their pictures, good enough for me, Thanks.