Free plane ticket... where would you go?

[CraigAZ]

So, my wife and I were planning on going to a wedding next month and had to back out. Our tickets were non-refundable but I managed to get vouchers that I have to use by this time next year. My vacation time is pretty allocated until October, which leaves me from Oct to Feb to fly somewhere. I thought I might start looking into flying somewhere I wouldn't normally go and hunt! I live in northern AZ, so I'd prefer not to fly anywhere that I could easily drive to.

If you were in my shoes, where would you fly to and what would you hunt? Looking forward to your ideas!

 

[colonel00]

Alaska! Is this a trip with the wife or are you trying to turn it into a hunting trip by yourself or with a buddy?

Which airline? I ask because if you are doing a hunting trip, you will most likely have several bags and more on your successful return. The costs can add up quick and nullify the convenience of flying rather than driving.

 

[CraigAZ]

It would be with my wife, but she's been a hunting machine since the age of 10, so no problem there. It's with US Airways. Alaska was the first thing that came to mind, but I wasn't sure about going so late in the year...

As far as costs, the tickets are paid one way or the other, so I need to use them somehow.

 

[colonel00]

Well, it looks like US Airways, like most other airlines, have jacked up their fees for 3+ checked bags to $150ea. That can get spendy quick should one or both of you bag an animal of decent size. Just something to think about.

As far as Alaska in the Oct-Feb time period, I'm sure there are options for hunting but it may be difficult as a DIY non-resident type thing. You might be able to get on black bear somewhere or possibly find a decent caribou hunt. I'm not looking at any regs so don't hold me to any of this.

Just spitballing but maybe a sitka deer hunt in SE Alaska? You could always just go and to the touristy thing. Maybe do some fishing.

 

[OR Archer]

You could always do Maui for axis deer, goats, and pigs.

 

[luke moffat]

I'd hit up Hawaii in January but thats just me!!

 

[dotman]

I would surprise your wife with somewhere she would want to go but that you may never really plan for. Don't just think hunting but think more about her and just surprise her. This will probably earn you more future points for hunting by far even if she hunts.

 

[colonel00]

I would surprise your wife with somewhere she would want to go but that you may never really plan for. Don't just think hunting but think more about her and just surprise her. This will probably earn you more future points for hunting by far even if she hunts.

Dude! Valentine's Day is over! Pull your head out

 

[westside elkhunter]

Very good question. My first thought would be either Hawaii or Alaska.

 

[MuleyFever]

Being where you are you can drive to most of the hunting you would want to do in the western states. I would take a trip some place you truly would not normally go. Go south and take a deep sea fishing trip or visit the North East. Alaska would be hard to beat though.

 

[slick]

Head to Belize and go fishing. 2nd largest coral reef in the world and beautiful island chains. -I know it's not hunting, but you will always find away to make a hunting trip happen. Especially if your wife shares the same passion. I'm with MuleyFever, get out there and do something different!

I have the same "problem". They overbooked a flight over Christmas and they gave me a voucher to stay off it. I'm headed to Belize in the fall for some fishing and kayaking.

 

[weaver]

Kodiak for blacktails.

 

[bbc26]

New Zealand if hunting. The Maldives if not. Of course that's if the vouchers you have would cover it. If not, as far away as I could get with them that would be a little different then I would normally plan a trip/vacation to.

 

[dotman]

Dude! Valentine's Day is over! Pull your head out

Ha, says the unmarried man, it's never over when your married

 

[JWP58]

Hawaii

 

[boom]

osceolo turkey in florida. and while you're there, fish for peacock bass, drum, hunt hogs.

 

[Beendare]

Hmmm, for a partial hunting/ honeymoon? Assuming you don't want to be hardcoring it the WHOLE time...need to spend some time in the bush too. pun intended
I like that type of a split-trip. We will go to say Kauai and hike the Kaualau trail for 4 days...then pop over to a condo on Maui for a few days to recover and relax. Personally, I can't veg out for a whole week straight....and its easier after some sort of hunt/hike.

I suppose you could do a trip like that in Ak...but I was thinking Australia, New Zealand- someplace like that with some luxury accomidations.

 

[CraigAZ]

Wow lots of great ideas in there. Belize and NZ had not occured to me, probably out of our budget for this trip though.

So, we definitely have some non-hunting options on the table already, but figured this would be the group to ask for hunting ideas.

At this point, backpacking somewhere tropical is sounding like a very enticing option! I looked up that Kalalau trail in Kauai... looks amazing, not sure if I could do that one section with the 300ft dropoff cliff!

We've got a year to use the vouchers though, so no big rush on deciding.

 

[Colberjs]

Definitely New Zealand!!!