Accessing the Hunt Area

[Michael Strahan]

Hi folks,

I thought a poll on how you access the hunt area might be useful. Here are the rules:

1. It is understood that very few of us actually shoot from a vehicle on a hunt, sooo.... how do you usually get to the place from where you start walking? For those of you who simply walk out your front door, the answer would be "walking". The rest of us poor souls will have to list something else.

2. You can only choose one, so choose the one you actually use more than the others (not your preferred method).

I'll post another poll on how far you actually walk once you start hunting.

-Mike

[Bill S.]

Depends on the hunt. I try and do a fly out caribou trip every year. I've also taken a good number of boat based bear hunts. Like most up here, did a snowmobile access hunt and one on ATVs. What ever is needed I guess but that's not a vote. You're coming up with some good questions Mike!

[Brian M]

Tough question, Mike. As you're aware, most of us utilize a variety of access options. Personally, I do more walk-in hunting off of the road system than anything, but I've also done two fly-in hunts, a few on snowmachine, used an atv from time to time, etc. Still, there's just something about a walk-in hunt that I love. When I'm able to harvest an animal off the road system, somehow I feel a greater sense of satisfaction. Odd? Perhaps, but I just love finding those little pockets of game and solitude not far from the bustle of modern life.





Both road system hunts. The first one is my wife and I after sheep, the second was one of my favorite solo hunts.

-Brian

[bushrat]

Great pics, Brian.

Well, I guess "walking" would be it, most times.
Mark

[AkHunter45]

I use my atv about 95% of the time for accessing hunting areas.

[Grizzly1]

Similar to Brian and many other Alaskan's, I use a variety of transportation means to access my hunting grounds, they include air, boat (power and raft),atv and "shank's Mare".......Used horses many year's ago too!

Air and foot are the two most common way's for me to get to where the game is, with foot access leading the way!

-Ron

[PatrickH]

I have been hunting the road system and walking in for the last 45 years. I will get off the road far enough that I decide not to shoot because the pack out would kill me. I just bought an ATV so now I am guaranteed to get my moose!

[Brian M]

Patrick - An ATV guarantees a moose? Man, I need to get one of those! Really though, it may help, but guarantee? Maybe you've got a better spot than me.


Mike - I noticed you didn't put Mt. Bike on the list. I haven't hunted via bike yet, but I took a ride tonight to scout out an area. Figure I could access the hunt area on bike, and then tie the meat bags to the frame and walk it out. I know someone who does this in the Kenai Mountains from time to time...think I might have to try it.

-Brian

[Brian M]

Actually, on second thought I have hunted on bike once. I had the Ft. Rich cow moose permit once and hunted the tank trails on bike. Didn't get one, but it sure was an efficient way to get deep into the area at first light.

-Brian

[Michael Strahan]

Good photos, guys. Brian, congrats on your caribou; looks like you had a great time there... Mark, one question: how come the front of the canoe sits higher in the water than it used to? I'm having the same trouble. :-) I know, I know... it's all that "moose meat"!



-Mike

[Brian M]

Thought I'd bump this one to the top, as someone else brought this up and suggested a poll. Also, we've added a lot of new members since this was originally posted.

-Brian

[AlleninAlaska]

Boat, snowmachine and ATV. Have only done 4 fly-in hunts in my 32 years here in Alaska.

Didn't vote in the poll because it doesn't allow multiple choices.

[AlaskaCub]

On foot from truck, ATV, and Airplane. This polls pretty tough since so many of us do a variety of hunting.
Oops forgot, river boat too.

[brav01]

You left out the ALL of the ABOVE line on the poll.

[chignik]

I voted aircraft cause I've probably done 20-22 over the last 37 yrs here.
But I use boats about the same. I've hunted Alaska on horses a couple times and it may be the most enjoyable, exciting and hazardous of all.

[denalihunter]

Hope this pic works

[denalihunter]

Okay, let's see if this works.

[DPhillips]

Too bad we can't do multiple choices. Mine is split evenly between aircraft, foot, canoe. Can't pick between them...

[jws]

airplane for sheep
highway vehicle, then walk for goat, caribou, moose, bear

[ak_powder_monkey]

I drive to a parking lot then walk, ahh the college life. For my goat hunt this next fall I will, drive, take the ferry, drive, then hike, a lot. Hopefully I'll also get to go moose hunting with the 21.5 foot canoe my friend's dad made