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

[Will_m]

I would like to extend my appreciation to the OP. Both of the threads he started about Alaska are the whole reason I check the general discussion forum.

What a ride! If only we could work some memes in……

 

[Marbles]

I missed that OP also started the "Want to hunt and camp in Alaska" thread. Kind of glad I did though as that would have colored my responses and it looks like he actually payed attention to some of the advice given in the other thread.

First time I set foot in Alaska was after driving off the ferry with my wife in Ketchikan, had a job that started that week and would pay for 30 days in a hotel. I had no rental lined up. That was almost five years ago. I also married my wife the fifth time I ever saw her in person though, so I'm not normal (that was over 12 years ago). Anyway, you should probably question my judgement, considering standard advice. Some times you just have to judge the wind, hope there are no submerged logs, and jump (feet first because diving would be stupid).

OP, keep in mind, replacing things usually costs more than you expect. Those small things add up. When I EOS'd I got rid of a bunch of stuff to move. I did it again when I moved to Ketchikan. When I moved to Anchorage two years later I decided it was cheaper to keep everything and pay to move it.

You can get to Seattle from the Florida pan handle in 4 days of reasonable driving. Regardless of where you are in the US, tell the State the soonest you can arrive is two weeks (if they need an answer before Monday). On Monday, call AML and figure out shipping. If it does not work like you want, than don't ship. I advise against getting too rushed.

 

[dieselchessy]

I think the best way to barge stuff is by vehicle or container, but you can also do it by the pallet.
Last I did it a few years back they had pallets and plastic wrap there setup for you to palletize your junk and then they would forklift it off to a container. Price isn’t bad considering.

No idea of your hobbies, but you’d be wise to take a good truck and a good boat up with you. You could load both the boat and truck with belongings, construction materials, ect… pack it well cause they will just strap it on top of a container, or flat bed(?). They charge you by length more so than weight.
If you ship the right stuff up you could likely turn a decent profit selling it upon arrival. Covid prices may have effected that though.

No idea what correction officers make, but living in Alaska on meager means won’t be near as much fun as living there on good income. Playing in Alaska is expensive and requires lots of logistics to pull it off.

 

[cod007]

I hate to inform you but Alaska is currently full.

In fact, over full.

 

[iHunt20]

I would like to extend my appreciation to the OP. Both of the threads he started about Alaska are the whole reason I check the general discussion forum.

What a ride! If only we could work some memes in……

I got what I wanted and needed. I'm so genuinely sorry that triggers you

 

[Gunnersdad49]

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

Ah, I was remembering the international rules. They do have a limit of 11 lbs on some flight numbers as well.

Have a great time up there!

 

[sneaky]

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

Maybe you should subscribe to the Tundra Talk podcast that @Nick Muche is part of that'd be a good start. Did I do that right Nick? Is my shameless plug check in the mail?

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[Bighorse]

I hate to inform you but Alaska is currently full.

And all the good deer hunting is on Kodiak. Igloos are everywhere too. The new 65sq ft models have a higher ceiling with the modified 6" stove pipe hole. When loading up your Shotgun slugs for your hike around Mendehall Glacier make sure your red dot battery is fresh. I'd go with the 4 harness dog sled leads. The newer dogs have much more power rendering the older 6 lead harness obsolete. The northern lights start at 9pm, don't be late!

 

[slick]

.

 

[iHunt20]

OP-

I’m making the move Feb 11 to a community off the road system. Take it for what it’s worth, but I too don’t have many belongings or attachments. My plan is to fly up with a backpack and duffel bag originally.

After a few months when the barge can get to DLG, I’m going to fly back down- pack my truck, ideally buy a boat, get it all to Bellingham/Seattle and barge it up via Lynden’s. I’ll fly the dogs and myself up and be set for awhile.

I over thought it for a week or two before deciding that the above outline was going to be best case scenario for me.

Best of luck.

Thanks. This is my plan too.

 

[GoatBoat218]

I have driven back and fourth from the Lower 48 to Alaska for the past two years without being vaccinated, with firearms. For me all I needed was a negative covid test and a reason to get to Alaska or the Lower 48. To cross the border and drive north I just needed written conformation of work already set up, I know people who had proof of moving up works too. To cross back into Canada all I needed was proof of residency in the lower 48, I just showed my passport. There are a few extra hoops to jump through not being vaccinated. They only give you a set ammount of days to drive through and you are not allowed to go into "public buildings". I noticed there was a big difference in what you read online about crossing the border and what the border agents actually cared about was pretty minimal in my case.

That being said when I drove back south at the beginning of November was right before they started their whole proof of vaccination app and vax passport program in BC. I'd guess that may have changed things for the Americans who are just passing through to get to Alaska as I was but I haven't looked into it. I would just call the Canadian border station you'd cross through and ask questions directly.
Hopefully common sense prevails sooner rather than later here, so we can get back to the way thing should be.

 

[Mattahall15]

Highly recommend driving up if possible, but shipping your vehicle with Alaska Marine Lines and flying in is reliable also. Be prepared to be charged an arm and a leg for shipment of ammo, depending on where you’re headed they can only barge it in and you’ll end up paying the same (steep) price for a box or a pallet.

 

[iHunt20]

Highly recommend driving up if possible, but shipping your vehicle with Alaska Marine Lines and flying in is reliable also. Be prepared to be charged an arm and a leg for shipment of ammo, depending on where you’re headed they can only barge it in and you’ll end up paying the same (steep) price for a box or a pallet.

I'm not sure how expensive gas is in Canada but the drive for me would be 3500 miles at 14mpg. So about 1000 in fuel. And another spare tire or two so $400 more. My current vehicle is probably only worth 2500. I was going to sell mine, hop on a plane with two bags for 300 and buy a similar vehicle when there (and later in the year come down for a newer ride and boat.)

One of my pieces of luggage is a hard case with a 14.5" AR pistol, 10 30-rd magazines, and 1200+ rounds of 5.56/.223.

From what I understand in Canada that is automatic death by firing squad.

 

[sneaky]

I think you'll have a harder time finding a used vehicle in Alaska than what you're thinking. I also hope you have a better plan for an Alaska ready hunting setup than an AR15.

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[iHunt20]

I think you'll have a harder time finding a used vehicle in Alaska than what you're thinking. I also hope you have a better plan for an Alaska ready hunting setup than an AR15.

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Craigslist shows 2005ish SUVs and AWD cars in the expected price range. Surprisingly about the same prices as the state I'm leaving. I've only looked briefly around Anchorage though. I just need to get around for work until I find something newer in the lower 48 to drive back.

I found this forum because of the thread showing .223 taking caribou, moose, etc. I've used it for deer exclusively for a few years and already knew how well it works. From what I understand, many natives are fond of it for all game. But it's just my self defense carbine that can do more, and I plan on getting a bolt action as well as a glock 20.

 

[iHunt20]

Avg gas price in canada is $5usd /gallon. At the distance and mpg for me it would be almost 1500 just in fuel. Plus having my rifle and ammo shipped, so another couple hundred, as well as another spare wheel and tire just in case. Maybe 2200ish investment just to drive. I think I will fly and look into buying a cheap reliable runner for a month or two while getting settled, or perhaps a rental or taxi. Maybe a lease.

Barge quotes for shipping my truck are about 2500. Plus the drive to seattle and a plane ticket.

Flying seems like the best answer after looking at all the options

If you have any advice or input, keep it coming. Thanks

 

[Marbles]

Avg gas price in canada is $5usd /gallon. At the distance and mpg for me it would be almost 1500 just in fuel. Plus having my rifle and ammo shipped, so another couple hundred, as well as another spare wheel and tire just in case. Maybe 2200ish investment just to drive. I think I will fly and look into buying a cheap reliable runner for a month or two while getting settled, or perhaps a rental or taxi. Maybe a lease.

Barge quotes for shipping my truck are about 2500. Plus the drive to seattle and a plane ticket.

Flying seems like the best answer after looking at all the options

If you have any advice or input, keep it coming. Thanks

No need for two spares for that drive.

If you will be in Anchorage, and your truck is only worth $2500, then I would agree that flying is the best option.

 

[gbflyer]

Get ready to spend a lot of money. Post #31 is solid gold. My advice would be not to sell out lock, stock, and barrel where you are now. Spend all winter here before you do anything rash. No offense but most folks end up going back to where they came from. If you make it, welcome to Alaska.

 

[AKBC]

I havent read all of this but this might be an option if you havent already checked with them.

Auto Transport Alaska | Wrightway Auto Carriers

Looking for reliable auto transport to Alaska? Wrightway Auto Carriers provides top-notch vehicle shipping services. Get a quote now!

www.wrightwayautocarriers.com

 

[Mattahall15]

I'm not sure how expensive gas is in Canada but the drive for me would be 3500 miles at 14mpg. So about 1000 in fuel. And another spare tire or two so $400 more. My current vehicle is probably only worth 2500. I was going to sell mine, hop on a plane with two bags for 300 and buy a similar vehicle when there (and later in the year come down for a newer ride and boat.)

One of my pieces of luggage is a hard case with a 14.5" AR pistol, 10 30-rd magazines, and 1200+ rounds of 5.56/.223.

From what I understand in Canada that is automatic death by firing squad

I'm not sure how expensive gas is in Canada but the drive for me would be 3500 miles at 14mpg. So about 1000 in fuel. And another spare tire or two so $400 more. My current vehicle is probably only worth 2500. I was going to sell mine, hop on a plane with two bags for 300 and buy a similar vehicle when there (and later in the year come down for a newer ride and boat.)

One of my pieces of luggage is a hard case with a 14.5" AR pistol, 10 30-rd magazines, and 1200+ rounds of 5.56/.223.

From what I understand in Canada that is automatic death by firing squad.

Definitely spot on about Canada… Alaska Airlines also has a weight limit for ammo, I think it’s around 12 pounds or something.

Either way sounds like flying would be the better option. Plenty of 556/223 up here and tons of beater trucks available for cheap.