Wyoming Nov 2008 IPY Ranch
More wild game than I’ve ever seen in a few short days!

Visualize 47000 acres of rolling wild hills, vast fields and rocky bluffs that provide perfect habitat for all sorts of western game. That’s a reasonable description of this better than most, hunting destination. Privately tucked behind the Devils Tower National Monument State Park, the ranch offers a hunter unparalleled opportunity to get close to north Americas largest big game trophy. Larger than Africa’s Cape buffalo, the North American Bison. This once numerous now recovering big game animal is not really a buffalo at all but a separate species altogether. This monster of the prairie towers over 5+ feet at his hump and a mature bull can weigh over 2500 pounds. Moving in groups with cows and calves or going it alone, the big bulls are a true North American trophy.

The Participants

Joel Miller, friend and hunting companion (see Alaskan Arctic Caribou Hunt), accompanied me on this years Wyoming adventure. Joel, a long time member of Arizona’s highway department, is also an accomplished guide in the wilds of Alaska. On several occasions Joel has had to shoot in self defense within feet as opposed to yards hungry pursuing Grizzlies. Our agreement to hunt the IPY ranch together started many miles further north.

Late September 2007, 10pm in a small tent 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, 2 hunters sat almost totally wore out from the days activities. Outside the tent, the meat from 2 big Caribou Bulls hung from the camps make shift meat rack. Inside the tent, Caribou back-straps nicely cooked shared the tin plates with instant potato’s and a cup of hot soup. Not many meals will ever taste as good or be more appreciated. After dinner with a few minutes to relax, conversation focused on aspirations of hunts yet to come. Joel had mentioned that he had always wanted to hunt the American Bison. Since I was already scheduled to go to the IPY ranch in Nov 08, Joel seemed an obvious choice. I was not surprised when Joel jumped at the chance to go along.

Planning for the big day.

Preparation for a buffalo hunt begins with firearm selection and days/hours of practice. Bison are large, durable and potentially dangerous game, therefore increased need for proper caliber and bullet selection is appropriate. Joel and I had both chosen the classic 375 H&H with low power scopes. Designed as a minimum caliber for Africa’s most Dangerous Game, this rifle and load combination should be perfect for north Americas largest game animal. Shot placement regardless of caliber is still critical. Following up on a wounded bull is not something to be taken lightly. Also, with large caliber rifles and low power optics, close in shots are usually the standard. Unless you’re hunting with me. Have you ever heard of “Murphys Law”? If not let me define. "If there's more than one possible outcome of a job or task, and one of those outcomes will result in disaster or an undesirable consequence, then somebody will do it that way"; "Anything that can go wrong, will," Ok, sound familiar. This is what I plan for every time I go hunting. Me and Murphy are well acquainted. Let me explain through a few examples. A few years ago, I flew from Chicago to Buenos Aires Argentina with plans to hunt Red Stag in their winter time. Not only did the plane from Buenos Aires to Santa Rosa choose to not complete the last leg of my journey resulting in an 11 hour bus ride from hell, but the weather was a balmy 100 degrees on noon the next day. My outfitter recommended that I bring wool clothes and long johns due to the expected cold winter weather. Ok, on the flip side of the planet, I was in the northern Arctic in October and instead of the normal COLD weather again, 72 degrees. Shorts and tee’s were the clothing of choice. You get where I’m going with this? Now I pack for anything.

Anyway, so Joel and I planned to meet up at the entrance to Devils Tower State Park. There is a nice gift shop called the trading post at the entrance which offers easy parking and a place to stop and buy a pop or use the pay phone. Cell coverage in this area can be spotty. Being prompt people, Joel and I hooked up and made our way through the park an onto the IPY ranch. Things look the same from 2 years ago when I hunted here last.

With deer hunting starting statewide on November 1st, our plan was to arrive on the 30th and hunt the buffalo on the first then move on to fill my deer tag over the following days. While driving to Wyoming, I was able to reach Joel in his truck and the C&A meat company team in Sundance. I usually try to keep C&A in the loop as to when we will be coming in. Buffalo are a lot of work and requires more time for processing. Sandy, one of C&A’s owners asked if we could PLEASE, PLEASE bring the buffalo in on the 30th as opposed to Nov first. She expected that nearly 100 deer would be arriving on the 1st and she would not have the room. With this new info, calls between Joel, I and the IPY ranch resulted in a quick change in plans. Joel and I would hunt buffalo the afternoon of our arrival in order to give C&A the ability to work through the night and get the two bulls processed before the flood of deer arrive. Hunting requires flexibility!


Upon arrival to the ranch’s bunk house, Joel and I unloaded our gear and changed into our hunting clothes. Rifles unpacked and ready to go, we split up and went looking for buffalo. On forty seven thousand acres even buffalo aren’t the easiest thing to find. George White (the ranch manager) and I set off in one direction and Joel driven by Jim Larson (guide extraordinaire) in another. After checking a number of normal hangouts and no buffalo in site we started across their vast tracks of prairie. Due to the high volume of spring rain, the prairie grass was tall, thick and healthy. It almost looked like a huge wheat field. In the distance we could make out the large black dot’s that often turn out to be grazing buffalo. Soon we were glassing a herd of 25 or so. Within the herd we were able to distinguish two good shooter bulls. George identified the larger bull as my shooter. I told George that since this was a meat bull for me, I would pass and reserve this bull for Joel, since he was going to mount his. My only challenge was that the aforementioned Murphey was alive and well and still with me. In my prior buffalo hunts the shots were well under 100 yards due to the forested areas where the bulls stayed out of site. With these bulls in the wide open, a long shot was the only shot. Using a 375H&H with 300 grain round nose bullets at 310 yards seemed less logical than say a 338 Lapua Magnum. Short of finding a gun store, I was going to need to make this work. Across the hood of the truck wasn’t going to work with the unpredictable nature of the wind and it’s impact on my site picture. Off hand was obviously not going to work, my high power rifle trained sitting position wasn’t stable enough, so prone was my only alternative. Finding a flat spot high enough to see over the prairie grass was the trick. After getting down and stable, using my sling I was able to settle the 4x power crosshair just behind the shoulder of my distant bull. Projecting the drop at 18 inches from zero was not much of a challenge due to the enormity of the bull. Waiting for a good broadside profile to ensure the first shot had the greatest affect is something I always strive for but sometimes don’t get. This time I got it, and the puff of dust off the rib cage just behind the front shoulder signaled a good hit. What surprised me was the way the bull bucked and started to trot off, similar to the way a whitetail reacts to an arrow shot. Reload immediately upon firing as taught by my African Guide Andres Fox, I was able to place a second and third shot on the bull now 350 yards and still going. The 4th shot missed and the 5th finally put the bull down for good. Was I glad to see him finally fall. I had only two rounds left. I surely didn’t expect to use more than two.. but 5 was a learning experience for me. Next time I’ll take no less than 10 rounds with me in the field, no matter what I’m hunting.

Joel and Jim soon pulled up alongside. George and Joel discussed the goal of shooting the bigger bull which was milling around my downed buff. Joel was up to the challenge and eased up to a bit of downed timber to use as a shooting rest. Using a Pre 64 Win 70 also in 375 H&H, and a 3-9 power scope, Joel began dropping rounds in on the bull. After a few high shots and emptying his gun, then using up my remaining ammo we were left with a mortally wounded bull that wouldn’t go down. George came to the rescue and provided his 338 for the final volley. With that we now had two bulls with over 5000 pounds of buffalo down. Time to get the sharp tools out and get working.

A nice surprise!

Buffalo hunting does not require a license or tag. These animals do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Wyoming DNR, but the deer on the property do. Therefore, in discussions with George White (the highly competent IPY Ranch Manager and an experienced hunter himself), he notified me that the ranch held a healthy whitetail deer population. He commented further that this area of the state even though it was a “Lottery Draw Only Area” I had a good chance of getting a tag. Heeding George’s recommendation, I submitted my name and application. As luck with have it, a few months later I received a letter from the Wyoming DNR office with a tag and license enclosed.

When the tag arrived I contacted George to let him know that I would be adding a whitetail deer to my bag. On my last visit I saw a very unique whitetail/mule deer mix. He had a wide whitetail rack but all the marking associated with a mule deer. For months I thought how great it would be to have such a mount. Only what I didn’t know was that last year a California deer hunter had the same idea and took him in the late season.

The Deer Hunt

After finding out that my cross breed was no longer on the menu, I set my goal at seeing as many deer on the ranch has possible and taking the best of what I saw. After talking with a number of the ranch hands, who typically spend every day addressing all aspects of ranch maintenance, I was able to determine relatively speaking where some of the best known big bucks were located. Since I had the only deer tag in our group, we set out with two of the ranches hunting trucks to see what we could scare up. I would expect that we saw over 150 deer during our visit. In retrospect, three of the deer we saw would qualify to me as shooters. There was one that I only saw for about 20 seconds while our vehicle climbed a rather steep hill. He was behind us a bit but nearly 600 yards away. He looked like a 12 point, big in body and tall in tines. Unfortunately he never gave me enough time to see him clearly. Looks like I may need to look for him two years from now when I go back. Anyway as we were motoring along this dirt road, Joel in the second vehicle spotted the deer in the photos rack standing above the prairie grass. His toot on the horn and signal for us to stop and check him out resulted in halting our caravan and scanning the tall prairie grass. As if busted, the entire group of about 8 deer stood up and casually started to feed and walk around. Not one of these deer seemed threatened by our arrival. We were about 180 yards away, with a creek and low cow fence line between us. Even after we exited the vehicles and started glassing the area, they stayed and didn’t move off. I had taken my Remington 700 Sendero with its 28 inch stainless fluted barrel and pulled down the legs on the Harris Bi-Pod attached to the forward sling stud. Plopping it on the vehicles hood and focusing in the New Bushnell Elite 6500 4-30 power scope, I was able to carefully inspect the rack on this impressive deer. The group now forming behind me had determined that I wasn’t going to shoot this deer and were now discussing where to go next. It was quite the surprise when the rifle suddenly went off and the buck spun around, went 20 feet and fell over. The Hornady 178 grain A-Max hand load in 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum had not only done its job, but there was no need for the follow up shot I was about ready to deliver. I continue to be impressed by this bullets accuracy and terminal performance.

The balance of the trip was more labor than hunting. You’ve probably heard that the phrase that the “REAL work starts after you pull the trigger”. Boy is that right!

Well all, that’s the exciting part of the trip.. The rest was a lot of packing, carrying and driving. 18 hours straight through from Sundance WY to Grayslake IL. I had a load of frozen meet and hides in a UHaul Trailer that needed to see their way into my freezer and that of my taxidermist. So no time to stop and snooze… If you’re still reading, thanks and you have my appreciation. More trips to come, next year the excitement of Africa returns with a night hunt for 2 wild and crazy Hyena.. stay tuned..

Tags: Wyoming Buffalo Deer

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The Big Game Hunting Backpack – What’s in Yours’?

Hello there adventurer, whether you consider yourself a neighborhood  “back 40 hunter”, an “Extreme conditions hunter” who flies into the most remote reaches of mother earth or something in between, lets spend a few moments and discuss what you typically put in your hunting backpack. I am often surprised at what people tell me they bring.

It makes sense to consider that where you go and what you hunt, the contents of your pack will most certainly vary. But, lets review a list of items you may want to consider no matter where you go.

Below I have organized the contents into 5 groups. Each group offers a number of items to consider. Not all are essential on every trip. It’s up to you, to determine what’s required and what’s not. You may have other personal items to include. This list is to serve as a starting point for your planning exercise.  Let’s go..

Standard Hunting Pack Essentials

Category 1. Has anyone ever told you to “Get Lost”,

Well hunting is a sure-fire way to give them their wish, unless you’re prepared.

GPS, Compass, Local Maps, Topo Maps (either or)(remember extra batteries for all electronics) also bring a whistle and set of radios if hunting with a partner (where allowable by hunting regulations, check your state rules)(again remember extra batteries), Personal Satellite Locator Beacons if your going extremely remote.

Category 2, No one predicted this kind of weather! I’ve heard this more than once. Fastest way to change the weather is to go hunting, be ready for anything.

Packable Water Proof rainwear (pants, parka with hood and waterproof gloves)

- Make sure they are big enough to fit OVER your existing clothes

They can be used alternatively as an extra layer, for warmth in case the wind picks up and a cold front moves in. Remember that Cotton Kills, don’t wear Cotton hunting clothes. Once wet, cotton robs your body of warmth as it dries. Go synthetic and stay alive. Extra socks are also a welcome addition, consider wearing liner socks and bringing an extra pair of over socks. Gortex or waterproof watch cap that covers your ears.

Bandanna or white cloth handkerchief (A million and 1 uses)

Pack all clothing in 100% waterproof travel bags then squeeze the air out place in pack at bottom.

Category 3, Basic Human Needs (food, water shelter)

Since you are now off the couch and away from the closest refrigerator let’s bring a few basic comforts of home with us.

Water.

Integrated Backpack Bladder, Simple water bottles or Filtration System

To reduce weight consider adding a 2 micro filter bottle to use existing wild water sources as needed. Caution, when hunting in warm climates where rivers and ponds contain viruses, either boil then filter or purchase a LifeSaver water bottle. This is the only bottle I use. Its expensive at $225 but you can use ANY freshwater source to obtain safe drinking water.

A lunch (simple but nourishing) (MRE’s work well since you can open and eat without heating. Check camping stores for non military versions. Some are not bad at all. Eat out of the container and pack a spoon/fork to minimize weight and pack space. Bring a gallon size ZipLock bag to store your garbage and take it out with you.

Unless you will be planning to start a fire and boil water, don’t buy the freeze dried foods. I prefer the ready to eat stuff. It’s temperature  friendly in anything but the most sever cold weather. I keep a zip lock with the following items (A travel mini shampoo bottle (washed out well) to store powdered drink mix, (to flavor water bottles), a pack of chewing gum, an assortment of individual wrapped hard candies, a small lighter, a few mini cigars, a few strips of jerky, tea or coffee bags and a pack of breath mints)

An emergency space blanket, multipurpose hardware store tarp with grommet holes, or a few black heavy duty plastic lawn leaf bags. Any of these items can be used to prepare a makeshift shelter if needed. Also, a 10 foot section of rope, a few chemical light sticks for at night. Add a flashlight or headlamp in case you find yourself operating in the dark.

Category 4, Now how did I go and do that to myself!

Emergency Medial Items

Basic first aid kit (bandages, scissors, tape, Water Proof Band-Aids, triple antibiotic ointment, anti itch cream, eye drops, mirror, good tweezers, Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, blister kit, anti diarrhea pills, Insect repellent),  Package or two of sealed portable baby wipes. Believe it or not you can fit most of these items in a soft waterproof flat school pencil case.

Category 5, I really wish I had brought a ….!

Other things that really seen to come in handy..

Cell phone, Camera, mini multi-tool/leatherman, zip lock with small journal and cut down pencil or small pen, "hunter orange" stocking cap, clip on  watch, clip on thermometer, hiking stick, screw top plastic container for berries or forage food, binoculars, waterproof matches, fishing line and hooks, plastic bags, folding pocket knife, a few dollars in cash and change, magnifying glass (for creating fires), ear plugs to combat snoring tent partners and for sighting in rifle, take down 1 piece rifle cleaning rod, and small cleaning kit with patches for your caliber rifle

Remember, you most likely wont need everything on this list or you won’t make it up the first hill without blowing a blood vessel. Category 5 items are where we all most often load ourselves down.  Focus on 1-4 and based on remaining space take what you need with you and leave the rest back at camp. Get creative with reducing weight and space in your packed items as much as possible. The lighter you are the farther you’ll go. So challenge yourself but be prepared for whatever comes your way and you’ll enjoy the thrill that exploring new places brings.

Happy Travels

DJ

Tags: Hunting Backpack

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2009 Zimbabwe – Africa - Sable, Hyena, Impala and Baboon hunt

Readers!!

Imagine this,

The African savanna at night, a billion stars, a full moon, ghostly shadows of trees and tall grass all around you, the sounds of lion and hyena in the air. And there you are, right in the middle of it, crouched low in a ground blind, peering out from between the hastily woven strands of bush grass. Hanging 50 yards in front of you are two skinned and hanging impala carcasses wafting the scent of fresh meat downwind to the waiting noses of who knows what? Hopefully the hyena’s come first since they are the target of your quest. If lions come, who knows from what direction, behind you, from the side, will they come for you or the bait? Only time will tell how this next adventure reveals itself.

Rarely does anyone specifically go to Africa to pursue the animal kingdoms most powerful jaws. Hyena are smart, fast, powerful and numerous. Hunting at night in packs, these carnivores seek any opportunity for food. The area I’ve selected allows us to bait and hunt at night. This area also contains lion and leopard. Who knows what we will encounter out in the bush at night? This could get real exciting. I am currently in the planning stages on this one. More to come as this progresses.

July 2008. The UN has voted down sanctions against Zimbabwe. (That was close) The US State Department has not as yet implemented any travel restrictions to Zimbabwe either. (So far so good.) I am still on track to leave at the end of June 2009.

August 2008. Can’t believe I’m now less than 12 months before leaving. Trip insurance is next to arrange then Airfare needs to be ordered. Preliminary numbers indicate that the airlines have doubled their tickets since 2001 when I last went to Africa. Over $2,000 for a round trip to Johannesburg, and I still need to by a local flight to Victoria Falls which is my final air destination. It’s all safari truck from there to camp.

Sometime in January 2009 I will need to start lining up my medical review and series of shots. Who said vacations are suppose to be fun?

I’ve started checking my gear to ensure I’m ready for this rather broad spectrum of African hunting. A few new items I will be adding to the list are:

 

1) a recently acquired Remington 700 African Big Game Rifle in 375 H&H from the Custom Shop.

 

2) added to the rifle is a 3x9 Trijicon red post illuminated reticle scope. I expect this will help locate my aim point in the dark background of the African bush at night.

 

3) new hearing protection will be the new Sport-Ear Clear Shot, in the ear canal unit. The advertising claims, "The Clear-Shot allows you to hear the outdoors come to life with 36db of power on a two-channel/10-band digital system. Premium sound quality and programmability to fine-tune your hearing to your needs." I'll let you know how this works out. I've used electronic muffs in the field before, except they get HOT in warm weather and you cant wear anything but a ball cap in cold weather. These should be an all around better choice.

Stay tuned..

 

Tags: Zimbabwe Safari Hyena

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 Queen Charlotte Islands KANO Inlet 2008 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well all,

I’m back in the blue waters of the KANO inlet nestled among the wooded rain forests of the Charlotte Islands. The skies today are steel gray with low clouds that swirl and hang over the islands trees like the smoke from a smoldering forest fire. The wind is low and the ocean is at peace. The waves remind me of a pond more so than the fierceness the north pacific in this area is so known for.

As our float plane arrives and water skies along the surface to the side of the HS Salmon Seeker, we all breath a sign of relief as we exit the small craft. The crossing over the Charlotte’s well timbered peaks is always an exciting ride. This time, we did it in heavy clouds and fog. Flying too low out here could mean an unplanned meeting with disaster.

Once upon the Seeker, which was an old Government Exploration ship converted into quaint yet compact state rooms and an equally compact galley, we quickly stowed our gear and collected our Mustang survival suits. Well worn by countless prior guests, these yellow waterproof outfits are a two piece setup with bibs under a hooded storm jacket. Made to protect you from the cold, wind and water, they really do their job. Once dressed for success we’re out to the boats.

Our boats again this year are the same 25 foot Boston Wailers that we’ve used constantly over the past 6 years or so. They are showing signs of their years of producing some of the greatest quality Salmon and Halibut in the area. The fishing gear is also showing signs of use and exposure to the elements, yet well maintained. The guides take pride in the fact that their gear is always ready to land the next record fish.

It is only 3 weeks from the end of the season. The guides are thin and weather hardened and anxious to go home and see their families and friends. Three months aboard ship for these young men is a long time to spend in close quarters with new guests arriving every three to four days. Its hard to establish any lasting friendships in such a short time. Previous customers are as close to friends as these guys usually get. Other than the camaraderie and pranks played between the guides, these guys are all business when it comes to their fishing.

The water on the long 40 minute run from the floating doc’s that surround the Seeker to the fishing grounds just outside of the KANO inlet's mouth are pleasant due to the flat seas. This is often a rodeo ride when the ocean is whipped up by the southerly winds. Today and the next few days are predicted to be perfect for both fish and fisherman alike.

My first fish is hooked within 30 minutes of our arrival at “the rock”. It’s the top of a large sea mound that collects mostly seagulls, seals and a bald eagle or two from time to time. Talk about starting out with a bang. My first fish is a 112 lb halibut. A true sea monster in every sense of the phrase. Aggressive and formidable, this fish can strip line from the reel at will and chooses only to surface on its own terms. After a 15 minute battle to the surface from 180 feet down, Andy, my guide, harpoons the “hali” which connects the fish to a two foot rope and basketball size yellow float. This prevents the fish from getting away and at the same time putting an end to this swimming career. Harpooning often results in an immediate and negative reaction from the fish. This usually then results in said fisherman getting covered in a cold sea water bath by the resistant tail of the freshly speared aquatic. Today is no exception, except this time the hook on my Halibut comes disengaged and the fish begins to swim away from the boat kept to the surface only by the line and float now attached. Remember the barrels in Jaws.. Just like it.. For those who have seen Cast Away with Tom Hanks, I could really relate to the scene where Tom is watching his beloved “WILSON” floating away. Here, my just caught Halibut was slowly bouncing away from the boat while we are anchored helplessly watching. Luckily we were able to swing the boat around and gaff hook the line and recover my catch. Attached is a photo of this lucky fisherman and his not so lucky prize.

I have also included a photo of my largest of 4 king salmon taken from the Keno.

Enjoy… Sincerely, Dave J.

Tags: Fishing

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Africa 2001

Africa, The Dark Continent.

One of the greatest hunting destinations of all time. Since this was to be my first safari, planning was to become a year long effort. “Beginning with the end in mind”, the first order of business was to match up my check book with a reasonable trophy list and experienced outfitter.

I highly suggest for a first time safari hunter to consider a planes game hunt. During this hunt you will experience not only the beauty of Africa but the vast array of wildlife this content has to offer.

After much consideration, I finally selected Frontier Safari’s. Owned and run by Berry Burchell in the Republic of South Africa, Frontier is a top notch operation. Animals taken on the property are professionally skinned, salted and processed before they ever leave the ranch. Also, based on my experience, Barry only hires the best guides, trackers and staff. Combine all this with the huge tract of land that Barry’s family owns on which all hunting is done, you will easily have the fair chase hunting experience of a lifetime. My special thanks to the team at Cabelas Outdoor Adventures for recommending Frontier. COA is a premier hunting consultant firm that works as part of the Cabelas family of companies. They excel at helping first timers get connected with exceptional outfitters. I highly recommend them. But as with any purchase, you need to know what you’re looking for before you go shopping.

Prep for this hunt starts with the equipment list. Two Rifles Remington 700 Stainless Synthetic in 338 Win Mag, scope 3-9 Leupold VXII Howa lightning, full Realtree camo in 270 Win, scope Tasco 8-32 World Class Ammo Hand-loaded 338 with 250 Grain Sierra Game King (excellent performance) Hand-loaded 270 with 140 Grain Sierra Game King (also excellent performance) Note-able Additions Harris Bi-Pod and sling (used for prone long range shooting) Rockey Cornstalker Gortex boots (a must for long hikes) BackPack – Crooked Horn Trail Blazer (excellent) Laser Range finder – Bushnell 1000 yard (a must) Binoculars – Leupold wind river 8x32 (10x42 would have been better)

The Trophy Selection

SA Kudu, Burchell’s Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Typical and Black Springbok, Duiker, Gemsbok, Blesbok, Mountain Reedbok.

The Hunt

After 37 hours of travel, Chicago to London, London to Johannesburg, Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth then by truck to the ranch. I arrive early evening and go directly to bed. 5am comes fast brining cool weather and clear skies. Meeting me in the doorway is Andres Fox, who will start out as my professional hunter, guide and in the end become a friend with whom I will hunt again on my return. Joining me and Andres are Mike and Michael who will act as tracker and skinner for our 10 day adventure. Both are natives to this area and have finely tuned skills that only generations of development could produce. We all climb into the open back Toyota safari truck and head out in search of our first heard of game.

As Andres bumps along across the vast expanse of the ranch we discuss my goals and preference for the hunt. I express to Andres that my first priority was to take a Burchell Zebra. He explains that they are the smartest of the lot and can be the most difficult to hunt. As we approach the top of a rolling hill, we are able to see far below as the terrain rolls downward and them up again in the distance. As we scan the lowland below we can see several hundred animals scattered about but yet moving together. In contrast to north American hunting where the game is elusive and uses the thickness of the forest to remain hidden from the hunter, Africans game use both the open terrain and the other members of the heard as protection. Therefore, the trick in hunting heard animals is to first be able to pick out the ONE trophy animal (if it exists) from all of the others, agree with your PH on which one that is, then shoot only that one, put it down BEFORE it merges into the fleeing group and exits to parts unknown forever. My first thought was, boy I’m sure glad I’ve spent as many hours behind these rifles over the past years practicing. Following up on a wounded antelope out here would be a real trick.

Andres reminds me of the ranches policy regarding shot game. If you wound an animal determined by blood and or hair and the animal is unrecoverable your forfeit this trophy and the fee. If you want another one, you must pay the additional trophy fee. I really like this rule. This puts the onus on the hunter to make a good shot or not take it. These are not targets, their living breathing animals and should be respected as such.

After some careful glassing with our binoculars, Andres spots 3 nice Buchell Zebras at the back of the group. We agree on a plan since they can see the truck but are not acting too concerned since we’re about a mile away and the doors haven’t opened. We sneak out the passenger door, which is opposite the heard. Crouching to keep out of sight we move to a nearby depression that we can follow to the right an then parallel towards the heard. Side hilling off to the right of the heard we finally reach a place where we can peek over and see the zebras still intently watching the truck for any sign of danger. Between them and us is a field of belt high grass, nothing more. This will required about a 100 yard low crawl through grass that could contain any number of snakes or other surprises. Only Andres and I make our way through the grass. As I’m low crawing I can hear other things moving around us in the grass. I am poking my rifle in front of me as I proceed hoping that if something is going to strike it will hit the rifle and not me.

Finally we reach a spot where I can see the largest of the zebras from belly to ears. A perfect broadside pose. I take a half kneeling half sitting position due to the height of the grass around me. Just as I’m about to take the shot, a small male blessbok walks up to the side of the zebra and puts himself directly in the way of an easy vitals shot. It seems like an eternity before a female blessbok walks past and he follows clearing the way. Just one more step and boom…off goes the 338. Upon the shot, the entire heard takes off for parts unknown. As I recover from the recoil and come back on target, I turn to see Anders standing looking through his binoculars. Suddenly I am greeted with a back slap that nearly puts me on my face since I’m off balance half kneeling. Anders reports with a big smile, All I can see are 4 legs sticking up in the air. Nice shot, the Zebra is yours.

The 250 grain game king found its mark and cleanly entered and exited in a single instant. Now the real work begins as they say in big game hunting. Except with the two Michaels along, my work ended with the shot. They made short work of cleaning the zebra, backing up the truck and loading up. Andres returns from the truck with a bottle of Clip Drif.. a local brandy. We celebrate with a shot and bask in the glow of a well executed stalk. Hand shakes and smiles accompany us back towards camp.

As we bump back to camp I hear a thumping on the roof made by one of the two Michaels who are in the open back of the truck. Andres hits the breaks and starts to scan with his bino’s. Michael says something to Andres in their native language, he turns to me and says hurriedly, bring your rifle and follow me. Out of the truck we climb and down a hill towards a stand of what appears to be three evergreen type trees. We lay below them and can see three large Black Wildebeest about 150 yards away. Their thick black coat and powerful front shoulders make them stand out against the green grass and red soil. After a few minutes of glassing these three, Andres recommends on of the three as a excellent trophy. This time its easy shooting with a solid prone position and the aid of the harris bi-pod attached to the front sling stud of the 338. The quartering away shot is in my opinion one of the deadliest of all on large game. It takes out a cross section of the most important of all internals. Upon impact the other two scatter leaving the largest of the bulls only 20 yards from the point of impact. No tracking needed on this one.

Again Michael and Mike to their magic, load the truck and now we are returning with not one but two trophy class animals and its barely noon. How lucky can a guy get?

The next several days follow a similar profile. Up early, rumble around the vastness of the African bush and stalk the biggest and best that we come upon. This country is amazing with the sheer diversity of game. We see Ostrich, herds of blue Wildebeest flocks of Ginni fowl and much more. Over these next several days I take a record book Blessbok, two nearly matching springbok, a nearly record winning Duiker and more.

Over the past days of hunting with Andres I noticed a trend taking shape. Each animal I took was from a longer range. My Kudu was eventually taken at 384 yards. I finally asked Andres if this was part of the plan. He told me he was wondering how far I could actually shoot game. I told him that the Kudu had been my all time record, but I wasn’t sure myself. This set Andres and I on a quest for the longest single kill shot in Frontier Safari history. It finally came down to a test.

Early one morning, the four of us set out to see what my gear and I were capable of. Back in Bristol Wisconsin at my home rifle range, I had been working on a hand load for my extremely accurate Howa bolt gun in 270. The bullets were Sierra 135 grain match molly coated, chronographed at around 2800 feet per second. They could easily print 5 shots within an inch at 200 yards. I’ve shot this load in Racine WI at the 600 yard DCM range. So not only was this load tested but the hold for 600 yards was also familiar to me. Andres and the two Michaels drove me up to a ridge where we could see forever. There was another high hill just across from us. Below was a small creek that flowed between the two hills. Brush and trees lined the creek so thick that it appeared to be impassible. Across on the opposite hill side was a small group of mountain Reedbok. In the group was a nice buck. Andres and the guys had a plan. I was asked to shoot the larger more mature buck. What I didn’t know is that they wanted me to do from here. This was the challenge they were putting me up against.

Just in case you aren’t familiar, the mountain reedbok is about the size of a small goat. Realizing what I was being asked to do, I reached into my pack and powered up my Bushnell laser range finder. Making a shot at these distances without a solid range would be nearly impossible. The viewfinder found the herd and recorded a distance of 589 yards. This was comforting since this was nearly the same distance I had shot accurately in practice. Knowing that wind and temp would have an impact I was grateful that the wind was nearly still and the temp was within 10 degrees of my last range date. Confident that I would have a reasonable chance, I attached the Harris bi-pod to the rife, found a reasonably flat spot and went prone. Loading two rounds into the Howa, ensured my ability to follow up if needed. Looking through the scope at 8 power really gave me an idea how far these animals really were. Only after bringing the scope up to a full 32 power, was I actually able to place the small target dot on the vitals of the buck.

Remember, breathing control, trigger control and sight picture. These and other hard learned lessons from my many Hi-Power completion days came rushing back. This time it really meant something. Keeping perfectly still while breaking the shot was my most important concern. The slightest movement either way at this distance would result in a total miss or worse, a wounded buck nearly 600 yards away.

When the shot came, it seemed like seconds before the tiny bullet made the long trip from one side of the valley to the other. Looking thorough the scope I was able to see the impact centered on the side of the reedbok as it collapsed and tumbled 20 or so yards down the opposite hill side. Almost as surprised as I was, Andres looked at me and commented, “Mighty Impressive Shot”. Both Michael and Mike we on their feet waiving their hands in the air and cheering like attendees at a royal soccer match.

The balance of the trip went as planned. After it was all over, I was able to visit the taxidermy studio in downtown Port Elizabeth. It was very impressive. Since this was a newly opened facility, I was able to meet the taxidermist in charge who was on assignment from his home in Montana. He and his team were on site training the new staff that would eventually take over and run the studio. He was kind enough to assure me that he would personally take an interest in my 9 mounts. 4 months later the crate arrived with exceptional results and high quality work for the region. If you ever wanted to go to Africa on safari, I would highly recommend Frontier Safaris.

Tags: Africa Safari Kudu

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South America 2003

World Record White Fallow Deer and Red Stag in Argentina

While Shopping for my next worldly adventure, (booked in summer of 2003), Cy from Cabelas Outdoor Adventures, pointed me to a family owned and run hunting ranch near Santa Rosa Argentina. Primarily attracting Red Stag hunters from the US and Canada, this huge ranch also has a number of exotic species from across the globe. Stag are a near cousin to the North American Elk.


Except for the red color, distinctive roar and top crowning of their antler configuration they are European elk. Argentina is not the home of the world largest (New Zealand is) but they do product the next largest stag on the plant. As for seasonal timing, remember the southern hemisphere is directly opposite in seasons to the northern. Therefore, summertime in the US is wintertime in the South America.

You may be asking, why then is there a photo of a White Fallow Deer in this blog? Good question. Let’s start with the trip and I’ll get to that soon enough. The commute from hell started back in Chicago where I caught a flight to Miami where most airlines pool passengers who then catch an over night (14 hour) flight to Buenos Aires. This capital city is as modern as any in the US. But as you venture not too far away into the countryside, you become quickly aware of the vastness of the Argentine rural La Pampa region. My next hop was a local commuter flight from Buenos Aires to Santa Rosa in central Argentina (a flight I still have the ticket for), except the agent coolly told me at the counter that they had decided not to fly today. What a wake up call. I am certainly not in Kansas anymore toto! My only alternative was to take a seat on a rented bus. The kind that shuttles people from the terminal to their rental car. OK get this, after 20 hours of travel we are now going to spend another 11 hours in a bus. What else could I do, so off I go. After 31 hours, in the same clothes and ready to sleep standing up I arrive 1am local time. The only saving grace is that staff had waited up for me and greeted me with a long stem glass of Champaign and a smile. What a classy way of saying welcome. These people are the world’s greatest hosts.

With the first morning set aside for the hunters to get acquainted and sight in their rifles, after a few shots this unlikely crew representing the US, Canada and Germany seemed anxious to get started. Thankfully, a fellow American was kind enough to come bang on my door as I slept hard trying to shake off the cloud that came with yesterdays commute. In the dark of my arrival the night before, my room was a 8x10 set of walls, two cots, a ceiling fan, window (minus the screen) bathed in the glow of a 40 watt lamp. There were more bugs in my room that outside when I first engaged the light. I was so tired I just moved as many away from my cot as possible and turned in for the night. Sometime around 2am a wasp must have gotten confused and flew into my room and collided with the wall next to my cot. Upon colliding with the wall, it fell on the cot behind me just in time for me to roll over and get an unanticipated wake up call in the back. It must have been as surprised as I was. My boot left it temporarily affixed to the wall where I found it when the lights came on. It stayed there throughout my visit as a message to all the other insects who would attempt a similar mistake. I did take notice of a strange set of wires that seemed to appear out of the wall near the window. More on that later.

It was a non typical winter morning as I hustled to get dressed as the other hunters were already done with breakfast and were gathered around measuring each other up as they sighted in their rifles. As I made it out the door of my bug hut, I noted that the temperature must be well into the 90’s. I was sure glad I brought some of my hot weather clothing from my Africa hunt. They had recommended I bring long johns and gloves in the paperwork. Who were they trying to kid. This was as steamy hot as any late July day in Chicago. Very non typical, is what I was told as I flopped down in the prone position, extended the legs on my Harris bi-pod attached to my Marlin MR-7 in 30-06. Three shots later, I was done. Zero confirmed, I was ready for anything.

The guides were a real mixed bag of people. Not like the 20 something’s that I was used to in rugged terrain hunts in the US and Canada. These were men from what looked like all walks of life. Young, middle aged and older guys with the look of years of experience. My guide was a late 20’s gent with no understanding of English what-so-ever. We made the best of smiles and hand gestures through out the days ahead. We both seem to speak the language of hunting. Its funny looking back, the language issue didn’t have much impact at all. We were driven out to a likely starting spot in a well worn ranch pickup. Its age would have drawn interest if driven down the street in a US city. Here it was just so much transportation. As the dust cloud from our ride faded out of sight, it was time for us to begin our search for the one stag that would be my trophy.

La Pampa Argentina is much like the open spaces of west Texas. Rolling hills and miles of scrub. Fields of star thistle were always a reminder to pay attention to where you’re walking. These star shaped flowers on top of a long stalk are like needles that easily pass through light cotton field pants, jeans or other unshielded clothing. I came to the conclusion that there wasn’t much in this region that didn’t protect itself with barbs or stingers. Walking, spotting and resting made up most of the 10 hour days. Evening came after a long day in the heat. Many stag were spotted; few were of trophy quality the first few days. Finally, after several days and in fading light, a dominant herd bull with a half dozen cows jumped a field fence just ahead of us. These stag have no issues navigating across vast tracks of land. Between his roar and the heavy well developed head gear, I gave a signal to my guide that this was the one. He gave me the universal thumbs up and into shooting mode I went. Resting the rifle on a fence post, the stag never even knew we were there. One shot at 150 yards dropped this great monarch right where he stood. The cows moved off quickly away from the shot. Most likely joining up with another bull within a few days. With 4 of us participating, we loaded the bull into the back of the truck. Off to the skinning shed he goes.

The next day, three of us hunters were taken to a remote boat launch and took a ride to a private island which was the home of a wealthy couple. Their home was exceptional including staff and a built in pool. The main room was huge with a large stone fireplace and a table that easily sat a dozen people comfortably. A short stalk and quick shot brought down a nice Black Buck Antelope. Raised on this island and originally imported from India, these black, tan and white fleet footed fawn size antelope are highly prized for their meat and trophy quality. Upon our return to the hunting camp, I was free for the next few days since I filled all of my tags.
With time on my hands, I decided to try and talk the hunting manager into selling me an additional tag to help fill the rest of my time. He recommended fallow deer since they had not been hunted much and the population in the area was good. We started out the next day on a long ride to a secluded area that held these shy animals. On a high overlook we were able to scan a large portion of the countryside including a stadium sized field of belt high grass. In that grass were two sets of fallow deer antlers. One, significantly larger than the other. My guild became noticeably excited and motioned at the field. Following the road, we drove for about a mile or so to put us down wind of the field. We exited the truck and started overland towards the deer. I knew exactly what we were up to. Nearing the clearing the guide bumped a tree and flushed several birds from its branches. This was just the break I was looking for since the deer were still bedded in the grass. Both stood and looked in our direction. It was obvious what needed to happen next. Before the guide could say anything, I had already knelt and put the cross hairs on the larger of the two deer’s shoulder. At 100 yards this was over before it started. Upon reaching the downed deer. The guide really become excited and started reporting our position back to base camp. An hour later, a truck arrived with two men. Both set to work measuring and taking photos. This deer was to be the largest White Fallow to be harvested in South America in the past 14 years. As they say in hunting, its better to be lucky than good.

Tags: Argentina Stag Fallow Deer

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Texas 2005

Texas Whitetail Deer hunting..

I know, I know, everyone tells me deer hunting is deer hunting. Yes, you probably have whitetail deer in your yard, eating your bushes and flowers. So why you ask, should I invest travel dollars and pay outlandish non resident license and tag fees when you can hit one with a rock from your kitchen window? Well, I’ll try to explain!

I my opinion, Texas style deer hunting is something every hunter should at least experience. For me, I find it both relaxing and enjoyable. Yes, international hunting is exciting and physically challenging but the social side of hunting is what makes for long memories and solid friendships.

I have had the pleasure of hunting with the Logan family the past few years. They live just outside of Austin Texas. They are smart, hard working and really nice people. Life long deer hunters and farmers, these two brothers really know how to manage deer.

For me, high fence hunting has always had the stigma of pen raised deer shot while tethered to a stick. This isn’t so in South West Texas. High fence is used to keep the high investment of ones heard on ones own property. On the Logan ranch, which is 3000 acres plus, you’re hard pressed to see the same deer twice in a 3 day hunt. And boy do they have deer. The investment in land leases, equipment, feeders, corn and more drives the prices down here. When you tell people that a 10 point buck can bring a $10,000 trophy fee, most will just stare back with mouth hanging open. But down here, that’s the going rate considering how small the percentage is of mature 10 points. To be fare, that's about how much it costs to produce one.

Midwest deer hunting though strong has remained largely a cottage industry. Composed mostly of localized family groups, hunters often band together to hunt private land or team up to share adjoining public land. Deer are largely free range and traverse many owners properties between feeding and bedding. Some even traverse roads and commercial properties within their range.

Texas deer hunting is much more highly developed. Parcels measured in thousands of acres as opposed to hundreds, are high fenced, stocked with new genetics at times, culled, predator controlled and environmentally managed to produce the best racks possible. It is not uncommon for a parcel to contain three to five hundred deer and more. Since their range is limited by high fences, water, food/forage and bedding areas must be maintained to ensure a healthy breeding population.

The photo attached is a typical 8 point management deer. Its not an old deer but it’s old enough to ensure that it won’t ever product the 10 point rack and the mass the management team is looking for. Therefore, smaller 9 points and below are shot out of the breeding population to expand the more preferred 10 point genetics.

Here’s a pretty typical morning texas hunt profile.
Get up a few hours before day light. ATV within a half mile or so of your stand. Walk a trail in “near total darkness” supported only by star light. If needed use a low power colored beam flashlight to prevent a close encounter with the many species of cactus. Arrive at your elevated box blind and climb up 8-10 feet or so with your rifle and gear open the door and move into position without making any noise. Then, sit in total darkness and shiver from the early morning chill until daylight. As the sun begins to break the horizon you’ll be anxious for a number of reasons. First, you can’t wait for the sun to heat your blind and warm you up, second if your feeder hasn’t gone off, it will any time now. Third, you’re probably starting to see deer moving about along with any number of other animals. Deer, coyotes, armadillos, skunk, bobcats, feral hogs, turkeys and more. By now your blind window is open, rifle is loaded, empty chamber safety on and binoculars scanning for even the slightest of movement. The deer may be watching the bind to see if you are in there or not. Keep your movements to a minimum. One unnecessary thump or flash of gun metal out the blind window and you’ll have an empty feeder. Oddly enough once the first group of deer starting grazing around the feeder, the stragglers that show up are much less likely to even pay any attention to the blind. You will have much more freedom of movement. It must be the security of other deer that allows them to lower their guard a bit. Once your shooter arrives. Wait for it be heads down feeding, preferably facing away from you before you send your rifle out the window in its direction. Settle in now and get comfortable. No need to rush the shot. Load the chamber, scope back on target, safety off, now squeeze and boom. You may be surprised to see that not all the deer take off right away. Some may even stay until you exit your blind.

The pictured deer was actually taken mid morning. The prior evening hunt was a bust since all we saw were either does or exceptional deer. But how exciting it is to be in a stand and put your crosshairs on a 180 class 10 point trophy deer and watch him close up. There is no question who’s in charge around the feeder. Smaller younger bucks keep their distance, the does hang around unconcerned, and the management deer are always alert to see if the 10 point has tired of their presence and its time to move on.

Kirby and I were in the box blind when the feeders went off. It was a two sided box blind (gun ports on opposite sides) to allow a hunter to monitor two different feeders at the same time. Once the buck stepped into the far rear of the clearing heading for the feeder, Kirby we certain that this was the buck to cull from the group. The rifle was a Thomson Center Encore in 30/06 loaded with Sierra 150 grain hand loads, topped by a Bushnell 3x9 firefly. This is more than enough gun for even the largest whitetail.

Our first task was to ensure we could see this deer’s rack from both sides and ensure we knew exactly what we were looking at. Once the good to go was ordered, making the one shot harvest commenced. The deer kicked at impact and took off into the thick stuff. After a bit of searching the deer wasn’t 30 yards from the point of impact. Kirby reinforced the rule of “go where the deer was, pick up the blood trail and follow it to the deer’. Trust me, this is how it should always be done. Thanks Kirby..

Tags: Texas Whitetail

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Queen Charlotte Islands B.C.

King Salmon of the Kano Inlet

The ship, MV Salmon Seeker can be simply described as an ocean going fishing hotel with all the amenities anchored in the Kano Inlet which lies on the remote west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. The Queen Charlotte Islands lie just south of Alaska and are in the path of millions of migrating salmon as they thunder down the British Columbia coast. The Kano inlet provides a sheltered bay to anchor the 180 ton vessel with close access to the fishing grounds. The area is so remote that the only other boats you’ll see on these waters are other MV Salmon Seeker guests. This adventure begins each August with a flight to Vancouver BC and a stop over meeting with the fine people at Absolute Software. Early the following morning the group assembles for breakfast and the opportunity to renew old friendships.

After breakfast and short bus ride to the south terminal, we board a regional commercial airliner for a remote landing strip named “Sand Spit”. This is an appropriate name since the plane must land, turn around and backtrack to the terminal. Down the steps and onto a few older commandeered school busses. These busses take us down the coast to a pier where two 16 person sea planes sit quietly moored. Down the plank and into the thin metal tubes attached to wings and floats called sea otters. A flood of engine power and soon we are skimming over waves and climbing over the mountains that make up most of the Charlottes.

Trees from shore line to mountain top makes up most of the Charlotte islands. It’s hard to understand how anything can survive here. But, the amount of wildlife is huge. Bears, Deer, Eagles, small game and fish.. tons of fish. Most importantly this is the flight path of the powerful Tyee, or 30 lb. plus King Salmon.

As we bank and begin our approach, we can now see the Seeker. It looks like a post card ship sitting alone in the vastness of the islands hill tops. Landing on water is a very different experience for those of us who are commercial commuters. Splash down brings a quiet sigh of relief from those uninitiated.

Floating up to the dock that surrounds the Seeker results in a flurry of activity by all hands on board. Tie downs in place, doors opened, gear flowing from the planes rear cargo hold, clients who have completed their stay waiting patiently for their return flight to civilization and more. Exiting the plane you’re assigned cabins, mustang suites (rain gear) and boots with instructions to attend orientation within the hour.

Each day starts with an early rise and breakfast for those compelled to eat before heading into open ocean. Me, I’m good with bagel and water. Two customers to a boat plus an experienced guide makes the team complete. Off we go at first light, plowing through the clear dark green water that reflects the deep hard rock bottom and tree encrusted hill sides. After a half hour or so we make it to the mouth of the inlet and out into the open ocean. At this point you can begin to assess the weather and conditions. Even though the caption has reported the expected conditions in the early morning briefing, you really “don’t know until you get there”. These 20 foot or shorter three man boats are reasonably capable in most conditions, but when the weather gets going they will head for the safety and protection of the inlet. Eight to ten foot seas are about the most anyone is willing to handle. Especially for the normal 6am to 4pm daily run. Lunch is served from a plastic lunch pail including cold soda and chips.

Fishing like hunting is very unpredictable. One day you see nothing the next day there’s more than one person can handle. Morning is used to find Kings than are passing through. Mixtures of salmon are common. King down deep, Coho near the top and the odd pink now and again. Once salmon fishing cools down, most switch over to Halibut down deep. This is where it gets interesting. You never know what your going to hook into. The seas hear hold any number of species. Even the odd whale, dolphin, salmon shark, Cod, snapper and more.

Hooking into the TYEE. The first time you set the hook on a Tyee you begin to understand the power of this fish. In its fully grown form, freshwater born, salt water matured and freshwater spawned these fish can grow to over 60 pounds. This size is rare but do exist. The target size to qualify as a Tyee is 30 pounds or larger. Sporting tackle is a stiff rod with an Islander single action reel. In simple terms it’s a long rod with a super duty fly reel. A bunch of 30 pound test, down riggers and fresh cut bait and your ready to go trolling. After hookup, a firm hook set is required to ensure deep penetration and freedom from the downrigger clip. One other detail that makes this a sporting activity, all salmon hooks must have their barbs pinched closed. A little slack and out comes mister hook. And to make this really fun, these fish must know we’re using a single action reels because when they decide that swimming away from the boat is more work that swimming to the boat, you can’t seem to reel fast enough to take up the line slack. With all the muscles in your arms aflame from the slashing runs and tremendous pull of the fight, the fish finally makes it’s appearance boat-side. This is when the action really heats up. Either he comes quietly to the net, or he realizes what’s going on and off he goes again stripping line like you just hooked to an Indy race car. Now that he’s taken out just as much line as when you started, its time to bring him home again. Sometimes you get him in, sometimes you don’t. That’s king salmon fishing.

The first time you get a 28 pound King boat side and your guild takes the gaff and pops the hook loose and looks at you and says, “we’ll let this little one go and keep our tag for a bigger one”, you know your ready for an adventure of a life time.

Tags: Queen Charlotte Islands

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Alaskan Costal Range

Alaskan Black BearYakutat Alaska, is a small fishing village located on beautiful Monti Bay, the only sheltered deep water port in the Gulf of Alaska. It can be found near the southern most point where Alaska meets the Pacific Ocean. Although Yakutat's mainstay is fishing, both commercial and sport, the area has much more to offer the visitor than just world class Steelhead, Salmon & Halibut fishing. Costal bears in this part of the world are legendary.

The Trip ---
May 2005, the flight from Chicago to Seattle was uneventful. Arriving, early evening from the east provided a dramatic aerial view of the cities signature space needle and the downtown area. The weather was unusually clear and warm for this time of year. After landing, my bags arrived as expected but my firearms were retained for the second leg of the trip which would leave early the next day. My hotel was located conveniently only a short walk from the terminal. The room was nice but its use was brief. Up early the next morning and off to catch the hop-scotching flights up the coast to my final destination. As the plane traveled further north the scenery become more and more spectacular. High pinnacles of snow capped mountains to the east and endless boarder islands below, nothing but Pacific Ocean to the West. Yakutat airport came into view as a rare flat patch of land along an otherwise vertical landscape. Upon exiting the plane, I was surprised to feel the warmth more typical to San Diego than Alaska. The mix of people on the flight was also unusual to this lower 48 flyer. Hunters, Inuit families, traveling business people and more all arriving in a place that only 100 years ago could only have been accessed by ship.

The terminal was small yet simply functional. A glass case held a small-for-species full body mount of the rare Glacier Bear. A genetic abnormality of the black bear species makes these rare bears fur appear nearly blue in color. Some run a patchy blond and blue. Truly a unique and rare trophy if taken or even seen. After the usual unloading delays, my gear arrives always bringing a sense of relief. Stepping out of the terminal, I meet Mark our outfitter, the two bear guides (Sam and Clint), and Kevin the other hunter in camp. After introductions and discussion about the unusually warm weather we loaded our gear into a well warn and rusted pickup. Stopping at a simple one room storefront for any last minute items we next made our way through town and down to the docks.

Arriving at the fishing port of Yakatut, we loaded our gear into a single 18 foot vee hull skiff. Cans of gas, food, gear, rifles and 4 people brought the water line much closer to the side rail than what I’m certain the manufacturer had intended. With a full load, blue sky and little to no wind, we made our way along the coast towards a small cove just off Knight Island.We arrive at camp, pulled up our waders and stepped into the crystal water to bring the boat close enough to off load our supplies. The tents made of plywood, two by fours and canvas, were simple yet functional. The tents were placed between a towering tree line that extended a mile or so up the mountain and a flat of grass that extended to the rock and shoreline of the cove.

The Hunt ---
The first three days of the hunt were thankfully routine, as we acclimated to the environment. Up early, take the boat to a boarder island, point our spotting at the coastal flats, hills and mountain tops. Spotting brown bears with cubs, moose, deer and other animals a long range on mountain sides helped keep us aware that we were apt to see anything at any time and possibly anywhere.

The 3rd day of the hunt, started out just as before. Around 10am from our boarder island watch point, Sam spotted a bear that had just emerged from the bushy mountain side of the mainland onto its rocky shore just 150 yards across from a small island. The 4 of us rushed to the boat and with all haste and made way towards a small island from which to attempt a shot. As we approached, we kept the small island between us and the bear to mask our approach. It was decided that we would take up a position on the island and attempt a shot over the water. Just as we piled out of the boat and took up position, a local fishing boat surprised both us and the bear. One look over his shoulder and the bear decided that the safety of the thick cover was his next destination. I had only a few seconds to take the shot as the bear now turned and began to angle up towards the brush.

Flashing back a few days ago, my guide Sam reminded me that these Bears are ferocious and if wounded, they are extremely dangerous. Therefore, he recommended I make a good shot and for insurance he would take the second shot and anchor the bear in place. Of course I agreed.

As the bear began to turn up hill, I focused 100% of my attention on placement and put the shot squarely on target. The bear rolled over and stopped itself from ending up in the cold pacific water. Just then Sam’s rifle erupted and I could see an explosion of rock about a foot behind the bear. The bear’s reaction was instantaneous as he now headed directly uphill and into the thickest of cover. Looking over at Sam, he stared back at me and said in his most concerned voice, how comfortable were you with your shot? After a moment to formulate a response I said, a lot more comfortable than I was with your %@#$* shot!. A sheepish grin came over Sam, he responded, I guess I still get a little nervous bear hunting. In utter disbelief we both looked back at the spot where they bear had entered the costal brush and knew what was ahead for us.

Climbing into our small boat we made our way to the spot where we last saw the bear. Climbing out of that boat knowing that a 7ft 500 pound not-so-happy-to-be-shot black bear could be only feet away from introducing itself in a very personal way is a feeling I won’t soon forget. Checking the rocks for a blood trail was our first task. To our astonishment nothing was found, not a drop. This is where the hunter starts to really second guess himself. Did I miss? I couldn’t have, he wouldn’t have rolled like that for fun. We decided the only way to find out was to enter the tangled brush and go find that bear. So after a few prayers, in we go. Sam to the right and me to the left. Within moments I heard Sam cry out, Yahoo dead bear. Was I ever relieved, following Sam’s voice I came upon the welcome sight of Sam standing over a shinny jet black trophy bear. And what a beauty he was.

A well placed quartering away shot is one of the most devastating hits in my view on most game animals due to the bullet traversing the internals and contacting many different organs at once. The bear rolled on impact and sprinted for cover but managed only 20 yards at best. The shot measured about 150 yards in a 5 mph cross wind. Not a difficult shot from a bench, but in waders, balancing on loose rocks the size of cinder blocks including the stress of time and the need to make the first one count, my year long Sunday morning range sessions really paid dividends that day. The bear measured 7 foot square and by accounts of the guides would have weighed nearly 500 pounds by fall, but was a lean 350 pounds this early in spring.
The balance of the trip was clearly less exciting but was a welcome respite from the hunt. Now is when the hunter can relax and enjoy the memories and write in his journal. Another successful adventure comes to a close.

The Equipment --------
Rifle… Remington 700 Stainless Synthetic in 338 Win Mag.
Ammo... 225 Grian Barnes Triple Shock hand loads, zeroed to 150 yards.
Scope… Burris Black Diamond in 4-16 power, Leupold quick release rings and bases
Pistol… S&W Model 500 with 350 Grain Sierra hollow points

What worked and what didn’t

1. Gortex rainwear is not something I would recommend for Alaska. You will get wet and cold. Gortex is not water Proof. So leave your Gortex behind and pack only 100% waterproof rain wear.
2. Filtered bottle for drinking water worked. All water we used was taken from a trusted stream running down the hillside. A 2 micron filter bottle provided nice assurance that this water didn’t transfer anything that would cause illness.
3. Ankle fit hip waders that you’re comfortable walking in are key. There is no beach, just loose rock shores. Some can be rather treacherous to walk on. So bring a well fitting set of waders. You’ll spend nearly 100% of your hunting time in them.
4. Waterproof gun boot is extremely preferred. These ocean coastal hunts are really HARD on gun metal. Rust is not a possibility but a certainty if you don’t pay constant attention to your firearms. While traveling by boat, these water proof boots really help keep you gun and scope protected.
5. Good optics are critical in this type of hunt. Due to the amount of time and distances over which you will be glassing, high magnification and bright clear optics could mean the difference.
6. Be very familiar and well practiced with your rifle. The time you may get to make THE shot may me as little as 5 seconds.
7. Know where to hit the target and make it count. Wounding a black bear and having to follow him up in thick costal cover is not something you want to do unless your insurance is fully paid. Focus on making the first one count. A follow up on a fast moving bear into thick cover is a hail mary at best.

Tags: Black Bear Alaska

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