Lucky to be alive! Alaska Elk

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.
 
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.
 
Glad you made it out okay man, that's terrifying. It really puts the old "The mountain doesn't care" line into perspective.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0063.jpeg
    IMG_0063.jpeg
    288.2 KB · Views: 31
Back
Top