AK Moose prep pics

[mcseal2]

I almost never use the lanyard hole on my knife, but I was glad to have it when my buddies moose fell half-in the water. I took a little cordage from my emergency kit and made a quick lanyard. If a knife had slid off the moose or been dropped it would have been very hard to find once we had the area mudded up and disturbed. Add to that we would have been working around that lost knife in waders.

My knife was a Bark River that wasn’t cheap and I was careful, never had an issue. My buddy used his Grandpa’s knife that was irreplaceable for sentimental reasons. If a moose dies on land its not an issue. Just something to throw out to consider.

I used the Bark River pictured and it worked well. Since I have bought a couple Dozier knives I also like. The Dozier knives aren’t a convex edge and are a little easier for me to keep sharp in the field.

 

[mooster]

yep we were checking gear, sorting and packing yesterday also. Just hope COVID doesn’t cancel our trip but not letting it stop our preps.

 

[Chirogrow]

someone told me to switch out the normal TP for those blue thick mechanic rolls and just cut them in half. I took that to alaska last year and was very happy that I did.

 

[standswittaknife]

View attachment 203040
yep we were checking gear, sorting and packing yesterday also. Just hope COVID doesn’t cancel our trip but not letting it stop our preps.

Yes was thinking of that too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AK Troutbum]

Drank two beers today while packing for the sheep opener next week. Going to try to increase to 4 beers a day about a week before moose season. Should be ready then...

I think you waited way too long before starting your training. I started my training back when we were in full on lockdown mode and now I’ve been prepared for moose season for the last month and a half. To the OP, sorry no pictures, but maybe when I get off work tonight I could get one or two to post on here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Akwoodchuck]

No saw?

 

[Kevin Dill]

Arrows readied....




Meat packing rig all set....



One very sharp butchering knife!



I don't suppose it's necessary to post images of toilet paper.

 

[Kevin Dill]

And then there's this....





You know. Just in case old Long Claws comes to fight.

 

[Whip]

Now's that's a bear gun!
Great thread. I've picked up a couple of tweaks I'll be adding to my gear.

 

[VernAK]

Kevin,

That Cutco is hard to beat for cutting thick moose hide saturated with mud/sand/water........I like em!

Can we assume the Marlin is 45-70?...........very nicely done and a much better choice than a handgun IMO.

Rains continue!

 

[hunt1up]

someone told me to switch out the normal TP for those blue thick mechanic rolls and just cut them in half. I took that to alaska last year and was very happy that I did.

My #1 camping essential is the cheap bulk pack of unscented butt wipes. I won't go on an extended hunt without them. I usually go to Walmart and buy the 3 pack of them for just a few dollars. I usually keep them wet for western hunts but for AK last year I laid them out on a table for a few days to dry. They weigh nothing once dry and when you get there just dump a little water on them and they're good as new.

 

[AK_Skeeter]

Just makeup removal pads.. they burn long and allow for any easy fire for the topi stove ..

here is an idea I have used and will always , if possible, use in Alaska. Two five gallon buckets with spin tops for access. We will put all of our food in these two. Will mail up this ahead of time. They fit great in a small plane and are nice to get in and out of. Also very easy and sturdy if you are hanging them from bears.

Great for a quick seat and to stand on if needed to reach areas for tarps etc. they don’t weigh much at all and help with organization. Dogs not impressed..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those labs look familiar...are they Grand River labs?

Back on topic. For a cut resistent glove I use a steel filet mesh glove on my left hand.

A head net for everyone...its been a wet summer and for the past decade falls have been warm and
clouds of mosquitoes in some areas.

A lightweight tarp...makes for more comfortable for glassing under in the rain and helps keep the
meat clean while butchering. Plus if a bear shreads the tent, a tarp on top helps.

Trekking poles help prevent a potentially dangerous fall while packing out heavy quarters.
Plus trekking poles are handy for setting up a lightweight rain tarp to glass under.

A compass and map for backup navigation.

Not applicable for upland hunting, but
since I typically butcher solo and tend to drop the moose in water,
I have a jet sled, rope come-along, waders in my boat or canoe.
If the water is deep it is fairly easy to use the rope-come along to pull a moose into shallow water,
after that its quartering in waders, drop a quarter in the jet sled and haul it to shore to skin the hide from each quarter.

For me solo butchering takes 4 hours, so dropping them in the morning is always nicer than evening....

 

[AK_Skeeter]

Kevin,

That Cutco is hard to beat for cutting thick moose hide saturated with mud/sand/water........I like em!

Can we assume the Marlin is 45-70?...........very nicely done and a much better choice than a handgun IMO.

Rains continue!

I have a Cutco with the double-D edge...I've used it for 20 years...is there somewhere in Alaska I can get it sharpened or do you have to ship it out? Thanks.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I have a Cutco with the double-D edge...I've used it for 20 years...is there somewhere in Alaska I can get it sharpened or do you have to ship it out? Thanks.

If you want it sharpened as good as new you need to ship it to Cutco. They’ll do it for nothing. This serrated edge is NOT a typical rounded concave grind, and home tools won’t work on it. Trust me.

 

[Kevin Dill]

Kevin,

That Cutco is hard to beat for cutting thick moose hide saturated with mud/sand/water........I like em!

Can we assume the Marlin is 45-70?...........very nicely done and a much better choice than a handgun IMO.

Rains continue!

I think my Cutco goes through tough stuff better than any knife I’ve ever used, and I’ve owned a lot of very nice knives in my time. The custom guys will argue the point, but it comes down to the work accomplished with the least effort.

The gun is a JM series Marlin. I searched long and hard for it, then had it completely customized into what you see today. It’s a real hammer and very fun to shoot. .45-70 for sure.

 

[PA Hunter]

Solid thread idea!

New Seek Outside U-Turn which I just assembled and did the initial burn.

View attachment 202300

Mine is supposed to arrive today with the Ultralight Dyneema Redcliffe I ordered in January. Cant wait to get my hands on it finally.

 

[standswittaknife]

I have one too.. all depends on weight

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Aeast]

Cutco sharpening service is currently unavailable, website says September 2nd to re open. I'm sick of this virus..

 

[Kevin Dill]

I'm sick of this virus..

Same here. Better than being sick with it for sure.

 

[AKBorn]

Someone posted over in the Caribou Forum, looks like the Alaska travel regs have been updated again, sounds like a little more wiggle room/options for you guys heading up that way...

Alaska travel rules change again for visitors, now they’ll have to pay for COVID tests

Alaska was poised to block visitors from coming into the state without a negative COVID test, now the state is changing course. Starting on Aug. 11, nonresidents will still be able to come to Alaska and get tested locally, but it will now cost them $250 per test.

www.ktuu.com