Planning to hunt in Alaska? Get prepared before going out

With peak fishing season in Alaska coming to an end, many Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson residents will take to the backcountry to fill the gap in outdoor recreation, and the freezer, during this year’s hunting season.

Hunting in Alaska sustained the native population as they traversed mountains in search of sheep, followed herds of caribou across vast swathes of tundra or boated countless miles upstream before venturing off in search of moose.

There is no doubt hunting back then balanced huge reward against huge risk. Even now, with technological advances in hunting arms, equipment and techniques there is still risk when venturing into the backcountry in search of game animals.

The Alaska wilderness has the potential to offer a unique set of experiences and challenges not found anywhere else in the world.

If you happen to choose hunting as your outdoor activity, there are some things you can consider ahead of time to help you have a safe and memorable experience.

“Something to take into consideration is weather,” said Mark Sledge, senior wildlife conservation officer for JBER. “The Alaska wild can see drastic temperatures and rain, snow and sun all in the same day. You must have good gear to prevent hypothermia or worse.”

While dressing in layers and preparing for drastic swings in temperature and conditions is important, so is ensuring you have the proper gear, which can become costly.

For those on a budget, JBER Outdoor Recreation carries items that you may need to enjoy your outdoor adventure.

“We carry a variety of equipment to help with a hunting trip,” said Tyler Glenn, 673d Outdoor Recreation Director. “GPS; tents; full-size rafts; ocean, river, and lake boats; binoculars; commercial-grade vacuum sealers, and meat grinders.”

Glenn also recommended additional equipment to consider such as a personal locating beacon with two way communication and a satellite phone, available for rent at ODR, as well as learning the skill of map and compass reading.

“Always have the ability to rely on a map and compass,” Glenn said. “A GPS is an awesome tool until you drop it in the water.”

Equipment is just one aspect of a safe hunting trip.

For those new to the sport or with little experience hunting in Alaska, ODR also offers fall courses centered on processing game animals, hiking, hunting and boating, all of which are important depending on how you intend to get to your favorite camp.

Whether it’s your first time in the wilderness or you are a seasoned and avid adventurer, Glenn recommends traveling in a group.

“Always hunt with other people,” Glenn said. “We follow the rule of three – three hunters, three boaters, or three hikers. This betters

your odds of survival if an accident occurs, and is also nice to have a partner to help ruck out an 800-pound moose.”

Another thing to remember while venturing into the backwoods is that you’re a ‘guest in the woods’ as opposed to the animals who call it their home. Preparation by keeping a clean camp can help mitigate the risk of coming in contact with unwanted wildlife.

“I’m primarily speaking of unwanted bear visits,” said Sledge. “You want to store food and trash away from your tent. In remote areas, keep food and trash in a pack and use a rope to store it high off the ground away from your camp. Do not leave food waste or crumbs around the site. This is one of the most important ways to keep from getting those unwanted visitors.”

Having a plan prior to hunting can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a miserable or even potentially life-threatening experience.

Equipment should be tested prior to a hunt and safety items should be in good working order.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website recommends leaving a trip plan with someone who knows the area of the hunt and the plan on when to return.

Regulations vary widely depending on what area that you hunt in. Not being aware of the rules is no excuse as the ADF&G provides guidance via their website and hunting regulation booklets which include numbers to call for clarification.

Violating those regulations can lead to legal ramifications which could include confiscation of your equipment, loss of privileges and hefty fines.

“Common mistakes are taking the wrong kind of animal,” said Sledge. “What I mean by that is know the state rules for the area you are hunting. One example is each hunting area of the state may have a different size requirement for taking a bull moose: spike or fork, three brow tines or four. Educate yourself on the requirements. Examples of brow tines are in the state hunting regulations. The top reason for common mistakes is failure to educate yourself on the legal hunt requirements for the area.”

Ethical hunting practices, in combination with safe judgement and educated decision-making can lead to an enjoyable and memorable experience in the field.

When most think of hunting safety the first thing that comes to mind is firearms or bow safety.

While these are of top importance any time you are out, they are only one aspect of what it takes to make your hunting trip a safe one.

For additional information on available equipment rentals and safety classes, visit http://www.jberlife.com/fun/outdoor-recreation/.