Possible to move to Alaska? What's going on?

[iHunt20]

They ask that guns and ammo be in locked containers, otherwise they are no issue. If you have semiauto rifles or any hand guns you should let them know so they can avoid shipping to Haines, AK, then to Anchorage via train. Barges also to go Whittier, AK, so it is not an issue to keep them from passing through Canada.

Leave your stuff locked and drive directly to the port to drop your truck off. Federal Law protects travel with firearms a state prohibits if you are only passing through the state. I had no issues with an AR and M1A and several 20 and 30 round mags.

Barge Service to Alaska and Hawaii | Alaska Marine Lines

We provide barge service from Seattle to Hawaii, Central and Southeast Alaska, and seasonal service to Western Alaska and Arctic locations.

www.lynden.com

Lynden and AML are sister companies. One of the two ships vehicles (I don't remember which), but if you call the wrong one they can still get you to the correct place.

I was quoted $2300 to ship my new Tacoma from Seattle to Anchorage in September. It should still be close to that now. You will have to call them for a quote.

This is so helpful. Knowing how much rentals are up there, this might be the way I go. Having an FFL ship my guns and all my ammo could be very expensive along with driving through Canada. Guess I have to weigh my options.

Thank you

 

[Marbles]

This is so helpful. Knowing how much rentals are up there, this might be the way I go. Having an FFL ship my guns and all my ammo could be very expensive along with driving through Canada. Guess I have to weigh my options.

Thank you

Yea. If you ship by barge, no FFL is needed as you will be the one picking them up at the dock.

Even if driving through Canada, barge is the way I would ship guns and ammo. It will most likely be quite a bit cheaper than other options. I think the current price is $170 for a pallet, that is also the minimum price.

My drive from Anchorage to Arkansas cost me about $1500. That includes an oil change and changing my winter tires over to all season tires in Wyoming. I slept in my truck (Tacoma, get about 18 mpg). Packed food I could eat while driving (I brought a stove, but never bothered cooking hot food to save time). Gas, water, and redbull were about the only things I bought on the drive.

If you cross into Canada at Coutts, Alberta (Sweetgrass, MT is the US side), and into Alaska at Alcan, AK (Beaver Creak, Yukon Territory is the Canadian side), it is right at 30 hours of driving. If you drive like I do and hit the boarder in the morning, that is two days (one night) in Canada.

BC on January 15th.

 

[iHunt20]

Yea. If you ship by barge, no FFL is needed as you will be the one picking them up at the dock.

Even if driving through Canada, barge is the way I would ship guns and ammo. It will most likely be quite a bit cheaper than other options. I think the current price is $170 for a pallet, that is also the minimum price.

My drive from Anchorage to Arkansas cost me about $1500. That includes an oil change and changing my winter tires over to all season tires in Wyoming. I slept in my truck (Tacoma, get about 18 mpg). Packed food I could eat while driving (I brought a stove, but never bothered cooking hot food to save time). Gas, water, and redbull were about the only things I bought on the drive.

If you cross into Canada at Coutts, Alberta (Sweetgrass, MT is the US side), and into Alaska at Alcan, AK (Beaver Creak, Yukon Territory is the Canadian side), it is right at 30 hours of driving. If you drive like I do and hit the boarder in the morning, that is two days (one night) in Canada.

BC on January 15th.View attachment 373472

Ok, that is really cool! Since I'd have to ship a pallet on a barge, I'd have to drive up nearest the coast after dropping my stuff off. So I have to figure cost/troubles of driving to the coast, shipping stuff, backtracking a little, and going through Canada. A horse apiece maybe.

 

[sneaky]

Ok, that is really cool! Since I'd have to ship a pallet on a barge, I'd have to drive up nearest the coast after dropping my stuff off. So I have to figure cost/troubles of driving to the coast, shipping stuff, backtracking a little, and going through Canada. A horse apiece maybe.

Why don't you just load your truck on the barge and fly up? It seems as if you are way over complicating this. Get to Alaska, take a few days to relax and take the pulse of things, pick up your truck full of stuff and go about life. It'll save a bunch of wear and tear on your vehicle from driving through Canada, and you won't get there tired and worn out from the drive. I'm just trying to figure out what there really is to debate? That's the simplest option and least stressful.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Antares]

Sarcasm died about a decade after chivalry, though sometimes still wielded as a throwback. Please try to keep up.

If you ever figure out how to get up here you’ll find that sarcasm is alive and well. Good luck.

 

[iHunt20]

If you ever figure out how to get up here you’ll find that sarcasm is alive and well. Good luck.

One can't effectively use it without readily recognizing it. I'm flattered to have a stalker but I'm a little old for games. You can just ask me out to dinner..

 

[iHunt20]

Why don't you just load your truck on the barge and fly up? It seems as if you are way over complicating this. Get to Alaska, take a few days to relax and take the pulse of things, pick up your truck full of stuff and go about life. It'll save a bunch of wear and tear on your vehicle from driving through Canada, and you won't get there tired and worn out from the drive. I'm just trying to figure out what there really is to debate? That's the simplest option and least stressful.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

No debate. I'm just thorough and weigh costs. I think that is the best plan and I'm glad I asked. Thanks

 

[Gunnersdad49]

You could fly with your guns and pay a friend or relative to do the drive.

You could also ship your stuff, sell your truck, buy a junker to get around in off of Craigslist, and shop for your dream vehicle at your leisure

 

[Quentin VanPelt]

Here is how i did the move. If you want to move with a vehicle and whatever personal belongings you have. Call Alaska Marine Lines in Seattle, get a shipping quote, if you like the quote, make reservations with them. They will tell you where to bring your vehicle and when to have it there. Drive to Seattle, or you can have it shipped to Seattle, drop your vehicle with whatever you want in it, just no more than a 1/4 tank of fuel. They do their thing with it, you call un uber to get to SeaTac. Fly to AK, rent a car for 5-10 days while you are waiting on yours to arrive. When you get here the year long wait for residency begins. Its easy to overthink, because it seems like a daunting move. It really is simple though. AML is a very good company, have had to deal with them quite a bit for work, never had any problems. Good luck on the move, you wont regret it

 

[Tekla]

I hate to inform you but Alaska is currently full.

 

[Altiholic]

Huh. Ok, so reading your original post and follow up comments, I’m 50/50 on whether this is a troll post or if you have really done almost no research into this besides posting on a hunting forum. My reply here is in good faith, I’m not trying to be jerk, but there are likely some basics that would help you in this transition. There also seems like a lot of emotion-based decision making here, so I’m gonna put on my dad hat for a minute.

Have you spent a good amount of time in whatever area you are planning on moving to? I’ve watched dozens and dozens of friends/acquaintances/co -workers come here only to realize that it was nothing like what they had constructed in their mind or experienced during their week-long vacation. Do you have any contacts here that might provide some support network if you have bad luck (get sick/layed off/broke down/etc)? If you’re moving to southcentral, it’s important that you understand most communities and most affordable housing is located in areas that have essentially become a vast suburban hellscape. You do you, but I would not move here unless you have spent some time in the area you will be living. Lots of low/mid-level jobs currently. If you are in an engineering field or coding/web/programming field and want to work for the state, I would hold out for a position in the region of your choice rather than take the first one you are offered. Learn the geography, there are massive differences between regions/communities and you don’t want to put the effort in moving to one that isn’t going to suite your interests. Apologize if you're on top of all that already.

The ferry from Bellingham doesn't go anywhere in March?

The ferry from Bellingham would really just be useful if you are moving to Juneau, The inside passage + cross gulf trip to get to homer or whittier (if you are moving to southcentral) is not time/cost effective and you can think of that as more of a low-key tourist cruise type thing. Great trip in the summer if you have the time and money.

Seems the only option is to sell my vehicle, have my firearms and ammo shipped to an FFL, and fly in? Is that right?

There is a maintained highway from where you are sitting to where you are wanting to move (unless you are moving to a community off the road system or currently live on an island or something). Pile your stuff (including warm clothes) into your vehicle and drive. Send your guns. Its easy and doable year-round. The worst part will be the highway conditions/road maintenance once you cross the boarder into AK. Have housing set up before you come obviously.

I appreciate the advice but that country seems like very hostile territory.

Lol. Are you for real? Have you ever been to Canada?! Great roads and better people.

What's going on up there right now?

Just kinda shocked that the ferries aren't running up there.

The State of Alaska is currently a dumpster fire in a leaking raft heading towards a waterfall. If you are shocked that the most expensive and under-utilized ferry route in the entire AMHS system is not running in JANUARY of 2022, you really need to do a little background towards making an informed decision. Alaska government runs on federal subsidies and oil wealth. The state has been mostly broke for quite a while at this point and is draining away what is left of the oil wealth to keep the lights on and buy votes by handing out free money. There has been an uptick in earnings over the previous year due to oil price increases but production has trended down for a good long while and that’s not going to reverse itself.

It is kind of concerning if the state is having money problems, as the state would be my employer.

There was a major correction for state agencies in 2015 with many losing a significant portion of the workforce and/or programs. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence and understand what you are signing on to as a new state employee… at this point you would be a tier 4 employee. Look hard at what you are getting for that service in the long term if you can at all think about your future at this point in your life. As a new employee you are also first cut on the layoff/bump list when state government goes through another downsizing. When/if that happens, several departments will no longer be able to maintain basic public services.

I want to go to the most free place I can.

Love how you refer to the 48 as America. Like Alaska is it's own country. Lol love it

Alaska is the most federally dependent state in the nation. Food, fuel, housing, mail, all basic infrastructure (roads, water systems), navigational aids, game management, fisheries management, and almost every other aspect of living here are all heavily subsidized or almost wholly paid for with federal dollars. In addition, the federal government owns 60% of the land. The state constitution and ANCSA/ANILCA have resulted in some interesting jurisdictional differences from other states though.

Over the last 20 years, swarms of carpet bagging Texas-taliban style right wing ideologues have flocked to this state, resulting in a current popular political rhetoric that basically yells “stop federal overreach”. Hilarious when you consider the very basic fact that this state could not support half of its current population without massive federal subsidies, but very scary for rational, life-long Alaskans or long-term residents concerned for the next generation. My point here is I’d be sure to understand state history and current economy before buying too much into the end of the roader/anti-government/don’t tread on me mentality as applied in Alaska. It’s popular in the press and politics at the moment, but is at odds with the basic reality of having a functioning society here. What makes this state unique from personal freedom standpoint is its unique constitution and laws which only exist because back in the days of the constitutional convention moderate people were able to work together and compromise towards common goals.

You aren’t going to listen to some random internet poster though, so forget everything I just said and ship a bunch of 7mm-08 ammo up here with your guns for me! Getting ridiculous to find! Good luck.

 

[Trial153]

Huh. Ok, so reading your original post and follow up comments, I’m 50/50 on whether this is a troll post or if you have really done almost no research into this besides posting on a hunting forum. My reply here is in good faith, I’m not trying to be jerk, but there are likely some basics that would help you in this transition. There also seems like a lot of emotion-based decision making here, so I’m gonna put on my dad hat for a minute.

Have you spent a good amount of time in whatever area you are planning on moving to? I’ve watched dozens and dozens of friends/acquaintances/co -workers come here only to realize that it was nothing like what they had constructed in their mind or experienced during their week-long vacation. Do you have any contacts here that might provide some support network if you have bad luck (get sick/layed off/broke down/etc)? If you’re moving to southcentral, it’s important that you understand most communities and most affordable housing is located in areas that have essentially become a vast suburban hellscape. You do you, but I would not move here unless you have spent some time in the area you will be living. Lots of low/mid-level jobs currently. If you are in an engineering field or coding/web/programming field and want to work for the state, I would hold out for a position in the region of your choice rather than take the first one you are offered. Learn the geography, there are massive differences between regions/communities and you don’t want to put the effort in moving to one that isn’t going to suite your interests. Apologize if you're on top of all that already.


The ferry from Bellingham would really just be useful if you are moving to Juneau, The inside passage + cross gulf trip to get to homer or whittier (if you are moving to southcentral) is not time/cost effective and you can think of that as more of a low-key tourist cruise type thing. Great trip in the summer if you have the time and money.


There is a maintained highway from where you are sitting to where you are wanting to move (unless you are moving to a community off the road system or currently live on an island or something). Pile your stuff (including warm clothes) into your vehicle and drive. Send your guns. Its easy and doable year-round. The worst part will be the highway conditions/road maintenance once you cross the boarder into AK. Have housing set up before you come obviously.

Lol. Are you for real? Have you ever been to Canada?! Great roads and better people.



The State of Alaska is currently a dumpster fire in a leaking raft heading towards a waterfall. If you are shocked that the most expensive and under-utilized ferry route in the entire AMHS system is not running in JANUARY of 2022, you really need to do a little background towards making an informed decision. Alaska government runs on federal subsidies and oil wealth. The state has been mostly broke for quite a while at this point and is draining away what is left of the oil wealth to keep the lights on and buy votes by handing out free money. There has been an uptick in earnings over the previous year due to oil price increases but production has trended down for a good long while and that’s not going to reverse itself.

There was a major correction for state agencies in 2015 with many losing a significant portion of the workforce and/or programs. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence and understand what you are signing on to as a new state employee… at this point you would be a tier 4 employee. Look hard at what you are getting for that service in the long term if you can at all think about your future at this point in your life. As a new employee you are also first cut on the layoff/bump list when state government goes through another downsizing. When/if that happens, several departments will no longer be able to maintain basic public services.


Alaska is the most federally dependent state in the nation. Food, fuel, housing, mail, all basic infrastructure (roads, water systems), navigational aids, game management, fisheries management, and almost every other aspect of living here are all heavily subsidized or almost wholly paid for with federal dollars. In addition, the federal government owns 60% of the land. The state constitution and ANCSA/ANILCA have resulted in some interesting jurisdictional differences from other states though.

Over the last 20 years, swarms of carpet bagging Texas-taliban style right wing ideologues have flocked to this state, resulting in a current popular political rhetoric that basically yells “stop federal overreach”. Hilarious when you consider the very basic fact that this state could not support half of its current population without massive federal subsidies, but very scary for rational, life-long Alaskans or long-term residents concerned for the next generation. My point here is I’d be sure to understand state history and current economy before buying too much into the end of the roader/anti-government/don’t tread on me mentality as applied in Alaska. It’s popular in the press and politics at the moment, but is at odds with the basic reality of having a functioning society here. What makes this state unique from personal freedom standpoint is its unique constitution and laws which only exist because back in the days of the constitutional convention moderate people were able to work together and compromise towards common goals.

You aren’t going to listen to some random internet poster though, so forget everything I just said and ship a bunch of 7mm-08 ammo up here with your guns for me! Getting ridiculous to find! Good luck.

If this post had sound to it, it would sound like 10 pounds of bear shit hitting the pavement at close range.

Impressed. Very impressed

 

[iHunt20]

You could fly with your guns and pay a friend or relative to do the drive.

You could also ship your stuff, sell your truck, buy a junker to get around in off of Craigslist, and shop for your dream vehicle at your leisure

Huh. Ok, so reading your original post and follow up comments, I’m 50/50 on whether this is a troll post or if you have really done almost no research into this besides posting on a hunting forum. My reply here is in good faith, I’m not trying to be jerk, but there are likely some basics that would help you in this transition. There also seems like a lot of emotion-based decision making here, so I’m gonna put on my dad hat for a minute.

Have you spent a good amount of time in whatever area you are planning on moving to? I’ve watched dozens and dozens of friends/acquaintances/co -workers come here only to realize that it was nothing like what they had constructed in their mind or experienced during their week-long vacation. Do you have any contacts here that might provide some support network if you have bad luck (get sick/layed off/broke down/etc)? If you’re moving to southcentral, it’s important that you understand most communities and most affordable housing is located in areas that have essentially become a vast suburban hellscape. You do you, but I would not move here unless you have spent some time in the area you will be living. Lots of low/mid-level jobs currently. If you are in an engineering field or coding/web/programming field and want to work for the state, I would hold out for a position in the region of your choice rather than take the first one you are offered. Learn the geography, there are massive differences between regions/communities and you don’t want to put the effort in moving to one that isn’t going to suite your interests. Apologize if you're on top of all that already.


The ferry from Bellingham would really just be useful if you are moving to Juneau, The inside passage + cross gulf trip to get to homer or whittier (if you are moving to southcentral) is not time/cost effective and you can think of that as more of a low-key tourist cruise type thing. Great trip in the summer if you have the time and money.


There is a maintained highway from where you are sitting to where you are wanting to move (unless you are moving to a community off the road system or currently live on an island or something). Pile your stuff (including warm clothes) into your vehicle and drive. Send your guns. Its easy and doable year-round. The worst part will be the highway conditions/road maintenance once you cross the boarder into AK. Have housing set up before you come obviously.

Lol. Are you for real? Have you ever been to Canada?! Great roads and better people.



The State of Alaska is currently a dumpster fire in a leaking raft heading towards a waterfall. If you are shocked that the most expensive and under-utilized ferry route in the entire AMHS system is not running in JANUARY of 2022, you really need to do a little background towards making an informed decision. Alaska government runs on federal subsidies and oil wealth. The state has been mostly broke for quite a while at this point and is draining away what is left of the oil wealth to keep the lights on and buy votes by handing out free money. There has been an uptick in earnings over the previous year due to oil price increases but production has trended down for a good long while and that’s not going to reverse itself.

There was a major correction for state agencies in 2015 with many losing a significant portion of the workforce and/or programs. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence and understand what you are signing on to as a new state employee… at this point you would be a tier 4 employee. Look hard at what you are getting for that service in the long term if you can at all think about your future at this point in your life. As a new employee you are also first cut on the layoff/bump list when state government goes through another downsizing. When/if that happens, several departments will no longer be able to maintain basic public services.


Alaska is the most federally dependent state in the nation. Food, fuel, housing, mail, all basic infrastructure (roads, water systems), navigational aids, game management, fisheries management, and almost every other aspect of living here are all heavily subsidized or almost wholly paid for with federal dollars. In addition, the federal government owns 60% of the land. The state constitution and ANCSA/ANILCA have resulted in some interesting jurisdictional differences from other states though.

Over the last 20 years, swarms of carpet bagging Texas-taliban style right wing ideologues have flocked to this state, resulting in a current popular political rhetoric that basically yells “stop federal overreach”. Hilarious when you consider the very basic fact that this state could not support half of its current population without massive federal subsidies, but very scary for rational, life-long Alaskans or long-term residents concerned for the next generation. My point here is I’d be sure to understand state history and current economy before buying too much into the end of the roader/anti-government/don’t tread on me mentality as applied in Alaska. It’s popular in the press and politics at the moment, but is at odds with the basic reality of having a functioning society here. What makes this state unique from personal freedom standpoint is its unique constitution and laws which only exist because back in the days of the constitutional convention moderate people were able to work together and compromise towards common goals.

You aren’t going to listen to some random internet poster though, so forget everything I just said and ship a bunch of 7mm-08 ammo up here with your guns for me! Getting ridiculous to find! Good luck.

I am listening to random internet posters who know the situation and I'm lucky to have you all offering your time and thoughts to explain what I need to know. Even those who poke and rib. I know even they are just being real with their thoughts and also having fun with banter, as am I. I know it's difficult to tell somebody's disposition through text online. I would imagine all of you could be valuable friends and I'd take the time to help any of you if I could to return the favor.

I got an email late last night local time, giving me an option to get there and start work immediately. I'm in a position in life to where I've outgrown my area, pared down my belongings, and have no attachments. Ready to go elsewhere, fully realizing everywhere has very real pros and cons. I know full well that there are adjustments and difficulties ahead, regardless of my plans or choices. That of course is part of the journey for all of us.

My plans may be expedited, and I might be selling my vehicle, packing a couple carry-on bags, a rifle w/ the allowed 50 lbs of ammo, and flying there shortly. It's good to know how to get vehicles and larger amounts of ammo up there in the future, so all the barge and highway information etc has been very useful. And yes I have done a lot of research. I knew the ferry system only runs beginning in the spring time, but even in March there is nothing headed towards Anchorage on the schedule.

I'm a correctional officer, and applied for Anchorage and Fairbanks. Could transfer elsewhere after learning and experiencing the state in time. I will have a lot to explore and learn in regards to housing, etc. There is a severe shortage of COs everywhere (it's definitely not for everybody) and it's a very consistent occupation. I don't expect that I'd be laid off anytime soon with the vacancy rates up there, but I have other skills and education to fall back on if the state govt has severe problems.

Is there anything else I should know immediately? Please and thank you for all the advice. This is a good community of people

 

[schmalzy]

I am listening to random internet posters who know the situation and I'm lucky to have you all offering your time and thoughts to explain what I need to know. Even those who poke and rib. I know even they are just being real with their thoughts and also having fun with banter, as am I. I know it's difficult to tell somebody's disposition through text online. I would imagine all of you could be valuable friends and I'd take the time to help any of you if I could to return the favor.

I got an email late last night local time, giving me an option to get there and start work immediately. I'm in a position in life to where I've outgrown my area, pared down my belongings, and have no attachments. Ready to go elsewhere, fully realizing everywhere has very real pros and cons. I know full well that there are adjustments and difficulties ahead, regardless of my plans or choices. That of course is part of the journey for all of us.

My plans may be expedited, and I might be selling my vehicle, packing a couple carry-on bags, a rifle w/ the allowed 50 lbs of ammo, and flying there shortly. It's good to know how to get vehicles and larger amounts of ammo up there in the future, so all the barge and highway information etc has been very useful. And yes I have done a lot of research. I knew the ferry system only runs beginning in the spring time, but even in March there is nothing headed towards Anchorage on the schedule.

I'm a correctional officer, and applied for Anchorage and Fairbanks. Could transfer elsewhere after learning and experiencing the state in time. I will have a lot to explore and learn in regards to housing, etc. There is a severe shortage of COs everywhere (it's definitely not for everybody) and it's a very consistent occupation. I don't expect that I'd be laid off anytime soon with the vacancy rates up there, but I have other skills and education to fall back on if the state govt has severe problems.

Is there anything else I should know immediately? Please and thank you for all the advice. This is a good community of people

Pumped for you man. Throw your stuff on a barge, grab a flight and start living the adventure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gunnersdad49]

Good luck. Make the most of it.

Most airlines have a limit on ammo per bag, last it was a concern for me, Delta capped you at 11 pounds of ammo, but the bag it was in could weigh up to 50 pounds

 

[Nick Muche]

Lol

 

[iHunt20]

Lol

Articulate if you're able.

 

[iHunt20]

Good luck. Make the most of it.

Most airlines have a limit on ammo per bag, last it was a concern for me, Delta capped you at 11 pounds of ammo, but the bag it was in could weigh up to 50 pounds

Alaska Airlines has a 50 lb limit on ammo so with my rifle, magazines and a case of ammo it should be right on the 50lb mark in one hard case

 

[Nick Muche]

Want to hunt and camp in Alaska.

Guys with planes have an unreal advantage here I wouldn't even live in Alaska if I couldn't have an airplane or maybe 3 or 4 boats for specific access. It's a state twice the size of Texas with less the Road Island's worth of road access. Wheeled vehicles are just not the means of...

www.rokslide.com

 

[iHunt20]

Want to hunt and camp in Alaska.

Guys with planes have an unreal advantage here I wouldn't even live in Alaska if I couldn't have an airplane or maybe 3 or 4 boats for specific access. It's a state twice the size of Texas with less the Road Island's worth of road access. Wheeled vehicles are just not the means of...

www.rokslide.com

I said I was coming to do what pleases me. And now I am. Do you have a point? Lol