Good excuse to get in the sheep mountains as a non res! I’ve seen a couple blackies in the 20D high country but a fraction of what is in the coastal units. They’re a lot more predictable to find as the snow line is still creeping up the mountain. Better be dumb and tough to hike in from the road...
Usually my little Kowa 553 is plenty for bears. I’m bringing a swaro 65mm to Kodiak this spring, where the country is more open, and for more careful judgement with this coveted tag.
Last year there was deep snow until later in May and beyond but the bears were still out. I go in mid to late May. No one is giving locations, I hope at least.
I don’t carry any med supplies that I haven’t trained with. The NOLS WFR course was a good entry point. Practice improvising splits, slings, before it happens. Leukotape, gauze, tourniquet, and various OTC meds is a realistic med kit. We’ve done sutures back at base camp, but speciality long...
Those Duncan Gilchrist books are just about impossible to find under $500.. Anyone in Anchorage have a copy? I’ll borrow or buy. Hunt high or Hunting Mtn goat.
O’Conners “Big game animals of North America” has a cool chapter on goats.
I don’t get the Heathers Choice hate. Only meal I wouldn’t recommend is the Mole. But everyone’s got their own opinion and I think you’re a f’ing idiot if you’re eating biscuits and gravy, or any other BS flour and cheap meat meals from Peak or MH on a mountain hunt. Just used HC on a self...
Guided or res? I’ve got a spring Kodiak bear hunt coming up too. I’ll be on the south end of the island, float plane drop off, res draw tag. Bombproof tents, inflatable motorboat, rubber rain gear, kifaru fulcrum, slickbag, good glass, snowshoes…
Michigan
Pros- Plenty of deer, fish, turkey, ect to cut your teeth on.
Cons- gets old quick if you want variety, solidarity, adventure
Alaska
Pros- Variety, solidarity, adventure beyond your wildest dreams
Cons- Access, weather