Lucky to be alive! Alaska Elk

Marbles

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
May 16, 2020
Messages
4,413
Location
AK
Glad you made it and thanks for sharing.

Coast Guard and Air Force both have hoist capabilities on their helicopters. You were able to walk, and made the correct call, the more complex a rescue, the more risk to victim and rescuers (and SAR will appropriately avoid that risk if possible). Plus if the walls are steep enough the hoist may not have a long enough line.

However, just for other people's reference, if someone is badly hurt, if not in immediate danger, waiting for SAR to move them is likely the better choice.
 

drdrop

FNG
Joined
Aug 9, 2020
Messages
94
Location
Laramie
I'm glad you made it to see future hunts. You did the right thing in evacuating as soon as possible. Brain injuries often get overlooked, but you certainly suffered one. It would be worth a visit to your home doctor to discuss if any odd symptoms persist.

For folks that are keen into backcountry hunting, especially remote extended duration trips such as this one, I strongly recommend getting a Wilderness First Responder certification. The 80 hour course is quite the investment in time, but the knowledge weighs 0g in your pack and can save lives.
 

LostArra

WKR
Joined
May 9, 2013
Messages
3,647
Location
Oklahoma
Wow!
I've fished around Etolin and Zarembo and wondered how anyone could hunt elk there.
An Alaska resident friend drew the tag one year but could never get there due to weather.
 

RobertLosekamp

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 21, 2023
Messages
102
Glad you made it out okay man, that's terrifying. It really puts the old "The mountain doesn't care" line into perspective.
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2017
Messages
1,808
Location
Colorado
Hell of a story, and as others have said, I'm glad you are able to deliver it first hand.

A lot of folks underestimate how remote Alaska really is. You have to have a partner you trust up there.
 
Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
2,830
Glad you are OK!! Is the boulder that hit you the one you lowered yourself down from, or was it a different one that came loose from your partner coming down above you? Obviously you didn't see it come loose, but assuming your buddy told you what happened?
 
OP
WyoArk

WyoArk

FNG
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Messages
72
So, it was the rock that I had climbed down a few minutes earlier. I didn’t feel it move when I was on it, but the water was swift around it. I assume I did dislodge it without knowing it.
 
OP
WyoArk

WyoArk

FNG
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Messages
72
So, I got up early this morning and drove to Bozeman. They fixed my pack up and covered it all under warranty.

Those guys are awesome, and they have gained a customer for life here!!!

My left arm is pretty swollen, but I have a Wyoming archery tag in my pocket. I’ll be back chasing bulls on Friday!IMG_0063.jpeg
 

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