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S u mme r 2 0 2 1 H u n t A la s ka M a g a z in e . com 1
Volume 13 | Issue 2 Features
Summer 2021 26
Five for Five at Seventy-Five
Contents by Dave Grover
A remote, do-it-yourself (DIY) moose
hunt isn’t for everyone. However,
with the right team, the right attitude,
the right gear and the willingness to
persevere, it’s doable for many. 75-year-
old Dave Grover and four partners took
five bulls on their recent DIY adventure.
32
2021 Editors’ Choice Awards by Hunt Alaska Staff
The sixth annual Hunt Alaska Editors’ Choice Awards showcase
the best gear we tested in 2020/21. Categories for this year’s
awards include Guns and Ammunition; Optics; Packs and Cases;
Field Accessories; Knives, Cutting Tools and Sharpeners; Game
Processing and Cooking; and Apparel.
54
42
2021 New Gear by Hunt Alaska Staff
Now is the time to start gearing up for hunting season!
Here’s a short list of some promising new items to consider
taking to the field with you in 2021. Rest assured, we’ll be
testing many of these ourselves this fall.
Departments
4 Hunt Alaska Online
6 Hunting for a Compliment 46
Grit in Hunters
10 The Hunt by Larry Bartlett and Peggy Keiper
For remote hunting trips, grit is often what separates
14 Trip Tips the successful from the unsuccessful. Some have it.
Some, not so much. What is it, and how does it relate
18 Life on the Ledge to hunter success? Larry Bartlett and Peggy Keiper tell
22 Red Gold us, along with things we can do to become more gritty.
64 Ad Index
66 Recipe
52
Advanced Calling Techniques for Yukon-
Alaskan Bull Moose
by Jesse Grady
Sometimes, calling from a stationary position is
effective in coaxing bull moose to within shooting
range. However, Jesse Grady’s advanced calling
techniques provide food for thought for older bulls
that aren’t so easy, and can also lead to better shots and
easier packing for any bull you might shoot.
On The Cover
58
Gear for the moose hunt. One-eyed Jack
© Marcus Weiner by Casey Dinkel
Interior grizzlies have a reputation for being more
unpredictable and ferocious than their coastal
cousins. This particular bruin, guarding two moose
kills, had the battle scars earned from a lifetime of
fighting and surviving, and he nearly outsmarted the
author and his two hunting partners. Nearly.
2 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 3
Summer Highlights at: The upcoming hunting season is nearing, so we’ve compiled the best gear we’ve tested in the past
HuntAlaskaMagazine.com year to grow your arsenal and increase your harvest rate. Find our Editors’ Choice Awards, new
blogs, and more online.
The Homer, Alaska, area is best known for fishing, but In this blog, Publisher Marcus Weiner walks you through
Garret Baeton’s blog describes excellent duck hunting. On this how he makes moose jerky. It’s simple, nutritious and delicious.
trip they targeted Harlequin ducks, common and Barrow’s
goldeneye, and scoters. New year, new website! We’ve re-designed and refreshed our
entire website, and updated our digital-issue viewing experience.
Our 2021 Editors’ Choice
Awards are now live! Find all of your Have you tried out our
favorites and share with friends under online trip-planning service?
the Gear tab on our website. It’s free, just click the Plan a
Trip tab on our website for
free custom trip tips, our
favorite Alaska lodges, hotels,
transporters, and more!
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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PUBLISHERS Marcus Weiner (907)-345-4337
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EDITOR George Krumm
Hunt Alaska magazine is published three times annually
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Editorial correspondence should be sent to Attn:
Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Editor, Hunt Alaska magazine, P.O. Box 772424,
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS (907) 345-4337 main photos will be considered, but must be accompanied by
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Lon E. Lauber, Steve Meyer, (907) 223-8497 advertising care, Hunt Alaska is not responsible for the loss or return
Jim McCann, Scott Haugen, huntalaskamagazine.com of unsolicited materials.
The opinions expressed in this magazine are not
John Whipple, Casey Dinkel, Larry Bartlett ISSN 2475-577X (print) necessarily the opinions of Hunt Alaska magazine
ISSN 2475-5796 (online) publishers and editors.
©2021 by Fish Alaska Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.
4 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 5
Jared Miller and
Tashina Esparza with
Tashina’s first black
bear harvested
Ryatt Weed with his near the Kantishna
first moose, taken in River in the fall of
unit 13. 2020.
Jason Metzger of
Eagle River, AK, with
his huge moose. The Baker Trio—
Cruz, 6, Storie, 4,
and Haven, 2—and
their uncle Zach
Ralph Pennella of Franklin, NJ, took this moose on with a caribou bull
Father and son, James & John Inch, opening day in 2019 while hunting the Alaska Range. near Butte Lake.
on their second moose hunt together
in November. John drew the antlerless
Tristen Barnes with
moose hunt permit in Unit 14A, DM413.
his first moose
on the Kenai
Peninsula.
Chuck Knoll
took this 64-
inch moose
on a float
hunt on the
Chandalar
River.
Dale Boothroyd had been trying to
connect on a grizzly bear for nearly
a decade when he finally took this
giant outside of Nome in 2020.
6 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 7
Ryland Narum, 6, on his
first sea-duck hunt outside
of Juneau, AK, in October Dave Bergman and Greg Giggi with
2020. an impressive Raspberry Island elk.
Send Your Photos!
Use the QR code to easily send your hi-
res photos directly to us or e-mail your
photos to: russell@fishalaskamagazine.
com. Subject Line: HFC. Include a
caption in the e-mail. You can also mail
photos to: HFC, PO Box 772424, Eagle
River, AK 99577. Include a SASE if you Shari Bergman with a Chugach Mountains
want it returned. Include a separate caption moose taken in September 2020.
for the photo. Do not write on the back of
the photo. We will let you know when your
photo will be in the magazine.
8 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 9
a primary reason we hunt. I’m saying take a deep breath,
closely observe the animal’s behavior, use a range finder
to assess yardage, study the wind where you’re at, at the
animal’s location, and in between, then pay attention to the
Recognizing Opportunities position of the sun if it’s a clear day. Once these elements
Story and photos by Scott Haugen
are all carefully noted, then it’s time to decide your next
move.
Too often hunters get in a chaotic rush once an animal
Eleven hours after spotting a giant brown bear loping is spotted, and this is something I’ll talk about in the next
across the coastal tundra, it was time to make a move. The issue’s column. For now, suffice it to say that taking your
bear finally awoke from a mid-day nap, the wind changed time is important, for if an animal doesn’t smell, see, or
direction, and the sun was low on the horizon and at my hear you, you maintain the advantage. At this point, you
back; every element was finally in my favor. Following a must locate the best spot for a shot opportunity, then figure
lengthy stalk, the 10’9” bear went down with one shot, an out how, and when, to get there.
insurance shot anchoring it for good. Wind is the most important factor when closing in
When living in the Brooks Range, I once watched a bull on a big-game animal. Animal noses are so powerful, it’s
moose for two days before it finally moved into a valley mind-boggling to see them sniff danger. Bears have been
where I could close to within shooting range. Another time documented smelling carrion from up to 10 miles away.
I watched a band of Dall rams graze, sun themselves, sleep, Imagine having a nose so strong you can smell dinner from
and graze some more, before getting a shot moments before that distance. In other words, if the wind is not favorable,
dark, nine hours after spotting them. don’t even think of closing the distance, as you’ll rarely get
I’ve been fortunate to hunt much of Alaska—and a second chance once an animal winds you.
the world—embarking upon several hundred big-game My favorite time to move in on an animal is when the
hunts. One thing that’s helped me find success, as well as wind is in my face and it’s raining. Rain not only knocks
exceptional hunters I’ve spent time afield with, has been down human scent, it masks sound and movement. Snow
the ability to recognize opportunities when they present can have the same impact, and both scenarios allow you to
themselves. move quickly and more aggressively than normal.
Just because you locate an animal doesn’t mean getting Speaking of moving, that usually equates to sweating and
a shot is a given, as many factors hinge on getting within smelling when big-game hunting in Alaska; carrying heavy
shooting range, especially with a bow or crossbow. Being packs and wearing rain gear only accentuates our foul odors.
aware of the elements which factor into a hunt, then For 45 years I’ve hunted big game and never have I found
knowing when to make a move, are crucial to consistently a scent-prevention agent that works. I don’t use or trust
putting meat in the freezer. them. We smell horrible to the sensitive noses of big game.
Shot opportunities are some of the most-forced, botched These odors cannot be contained and using agents claiming
mishaps in big-game hunting, usually because adrenaline to mask them gives a false sense of security to hunters, and
takes over and rational thinking falls by the wayside. that’s where mistakes are made. By the way, much of our
Controlling your emotions once big game is spotted is offensive odors come from our mouth, head, and hands,
important. I’m not saying suppress the enjoyment, as that’s parts that are often exposed. If you hunt from a tree stand
Patience is key to big-game hunting success, and this means
watching game from a safe distance. From this spot the
author watched a bull moose for two days before it got into
a position to finally make a move on it.
untAl
10 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 11
Hunting in the rain offers many
advantages for big-game hunters,
not the least of which are knocking
down scent and helping cover
movement.
or ground blind and using scent-control agents gives you By paying attention to the many factors involved in big-
confidence, use them, but never move on an animal with game hunting, your odds of success will rise. Watch the
the wind at your back. animal very closely and study its behavior and movements,
Be it in spring or fall, Alaska’s changing photoperiods then move in only when the conditions and opportunity
greatly fluctuate. When the opportunity arises, having are right.
the sun low on the horizon and at your back is perfect for
helping close on an animal. Imagine driving into a rising or
setting sun; it’s hard for us to see, and the same holds true For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s best-selling book, Hunting
for animals. The Alaskan High Arctic, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow
If the position of the animal, the lay of the land, and the Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
surrounding conditions allow you to approach your target
animal from above, do it. The pupils, rods, and cones of
ungulates are structured to where their most acute vision Patience, recognizing
is at and below the horizon line. Come in from above, opportunities, and knowing
when to make a move are
especially with the wind in your face and the sun at your key elements to consistent
back, and you’re almost assured of getting into a high- big-game hunting success.
percentage shooting situation. Everything came together
perfectly for the author on
this brown bear hunt on the
upper Peninsula.
n tAl askaMaga
12 H u ntAl askaMagazi
zi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 13
At lower elevations, the snowpack had
begun to melt in patches, leaving a maze
to navigate. While making our way from
Gaiters sea level to 2,400 feet, we encountered
Story by Sarah Stallone everything from calf-deep water puddles
and rotten knee-deep snow, to solid,
frozen drifts that could hold a man’s
The meat-grinder motor spun up as it finished its hopper load. I clicked it off and weight. In this scenario, having gaiters
straightened up to stretch my sore back. Tony came through the back door with helped keep us dry as we splashed, post-
another bowl of chunks to grind, closing it with a hip bump. With four-foot snow piles holed and scratched our way up the
remaining, the backyard had become the perfect walk-in cooler. mountain.
The garage smelled of fresh game meat and chorizo spice and the radio blared, In one of several driving rainstorms,
occasionally turning our workstation into a karaoke bar—albeit a poor-quality one. a combination of rain pants and gaiters
“Good thing you shoot better than you sing!” someone commented. prevented the saturated bear grass from
“Truth!” I laughed back. The four of us joked our way through processing the slipping under our rain pants and
quarters, reliving moments from our successful trip. “What was your favorite gear pick soaking our boots as we headed up a
from this trip?” Tony asked. I waited for the grinder to finish as I thought about my river bottom towards the high country.
answer. This happy garage moment came after our return from a week-long adventure Just getting up into goat country
chasing mountain goats on the south end of Kodiak Island in March of 2020. Our is an endeavor. First, it’s the creek-
party of four had faced bigger, steeper, and more adverse challenges than ever before, crossed, willow-filled bottomland to
and we had come out on top—with four goats. We were still giddy about it. navigate and then it’s the elevation gain
Spring in Alaska is always a weather gamble and Kodiak Island seems to wager with while ramrodding yourself up tangled
the highest stakes. There, you never know what you’ll get! In preparation for this hunt, mountainsides choked with alder, devil’s
we packed gear for warm and sunny, high winds, driving rain, deep snow, sheet ice and club and puchki (cow parsnip). It feels
everything in between. I’m surprised the boat still had freeboard after getting us and all as though every piece of vegetation has
our gear on board. arms reaching out to grab and throw you
We had brought plenty of gear options on this hunt, but like most adventures, I found off the mountain. Gaiters help reduce
myself reaching for the same trusted kit containing those favorite items that just seem drag as you fight through these thick
to work time and again regardless of game species, season, or location. The one thing I bands of underbrush.
reached for every day of this Kodiak hunt was my gaiters. Cliff climbing is an animal of its own.
Each day brought a different set of challenges, but every scenario was made more When you’re clinging to the side of the
comfortable by my old faithful gaiters. Here are a few examples: mountain following a narrow shelf, the
Ten miles of snowshoeing took us deep into a frozen valley and closer to the surrounding last thing you need is loose clothing to
cliffs for a better look at a band of goats. Though starting temperatures were in the 40s, catch and trip you up! I appreciated
sundown brought a nearly 20-degree temperature drop, and the incessant onshore wind gaiters in this instance for streamlining
grew progressively colder. Gaiters over thick hunting pants and wool long johns added foot placement and freeing my ability to
warmth and protected our boots from the crystalized snow underfoot. navigate the steep ledges.
A sudden storm made landing the skiff unusually dicey one It’s hunts like these that solidify your
morning as wind-driven waves lapped well over our trust in quality gear that allows you to
boot-top level. Despite the angry ocean’s best push harder, climb higher, hike farther,
efforts, we launched the hunt with dry and ultimately reap the rewards of your
feet, thanks to gaiters! hard work. They say happy feet make
for happy hunts, and I say that’s not just
Snowshoeing our way into the
high country, we appreciated
the extra warmth that gaiters
provided as well as the protection
from the heavy, wet snow.
© Sarah Stallone
14 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 15
about boots and socks; happy feet start with gaiters!
Back at the garage, we wrapped up the meat-processing
party and headed inside for a celebration dinner of
tenderloin and backstrap. These are memories we’ll share
for a lifetime.
Having tried several brands of gaiters, I prefer a burly,
waterproof, windproof, full-length leg gaiter and have
found that those with Velcro closures provide the most
protection. Outdoor Research’s Expedition Crocodile
GORE-TEX Gaiters have served me well for many years!
Pro Tips: The gaiter style is noisy; changing the width
of your gait can help. Plan well in advance if you want
to take the gaiters off prior to a final stalk—the Velcro
is ridiculously noisy to undo. And lastly, gaiter fit is
important! Adjust the gaiters firmly around your leg and
boot and make sure to keep the lace hook latched as far out
on the toe as possible for optimal waterproofing.
Trusted tools of a goat-hunting adventure: The author with her Sarah Stallone is an avid hunter, firearms instructor, and
crampons, gaiters, and a good trekking pole! first mountain goat. Territory Manager for Leupold Optics. She is grateful to be
© Sarah Stallone © Chad Eberline living in Alaska, enjoying the outdoors whenever possible. For
more, visit AccurateAdvantage.US or Leupold.com.
16 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 17
Gear and Clothing for
Alaska’s Inclement Weather
Story and photo by Lon E. Lauber
“When you hunt in Alaska, you are a backpacking solo hunt, using a jet my head when choosing clothes. At one
going to get wet” was the theme of my boat, llamas or a small bush plane time, I had 17 different pairs of boots
last Hunt Alaska column. This time, let’s like a Super Cub on wheels or going when I lived in Wasilla; everything from
discuss the gear and clothing necessary more luxurious with the bigger, more ankle-high hiking boots to neoprene
to hunt in the often inclement weather spacious De Havilland Beaver bush chest waders and everything in
you are likely to encounter in the plane on floats. between. On a backpack hunt, I’ll only
Great Land. Once you know the method or bring the one pair of boots most suited
Realize Alaska sprawls more than means in which you will travel to your for that hunt. If a big old jet boat or a
660,000 square miles and is about one- hunting destination, then you can Beaver bush plane are carrying my gear,
fifth the size of the Lower 48 states. start choosing gear and clothes. Of I might take three pair of boots: leather
Also, Alaska is bigger than Texas, course, the time of year will dictate the hiking boots, knee-high rubber boots
Montana and California combined! clothing and gear selection as well. For and then hip boots or chest waders.
Thus, where and when you hunt in this example, the stuff I take to Prince of There are some slick, lightweight “over
huge state will have giant implications Wales for a May black bear hunt while boots” available that you can slip on
on what gear and clothing you take. staying in a cabin will be different from over your hiking boots when crossing Here, Lon Lauber uses his bow as a
Let me make this clear, what you are the gear needed on a late September rivers you may want to consider. clothes-drying rack. The bow is propped
trying to do is strike a balance between fly-in moose hunt out of Kotzebue For socks I’ve always found a super up against his one-man bivy tent and the
being the least miserable without compared to what I’d want with me thin, slippery silk or synthetic liner horns of the Kenai Mountains ram Lon
having so much bulk and gear with when bowhunting in the dead of winter sock next to my feet and then a thicker killed after the inclement weather eased
up share the spotlight.
you that you can’t hunt effectively. Of for musk ox on Nunivak Island. pair of mostly wool socks are the best
course, this balance will vary depending For whatever reason, I’ve always combination. Of course, the hunt
on whether you are roughing it on started with my feet and worked up to parameters will dictate how thick and
18 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 19how many pairs of socks to carry. on. Eventually, the clothes dried from the rain fly to attach 17 guy wires to the in Alaska. Remember, you are gonna
Here, the author is waiting out nasty For pants, I usually bring one or two my body heat and the rain let up. On poles to shore up the stability of our get wet!
weather on a wilderness, solo Dall sheep pairs of different thicknesses of super the last day I killed the biggest ram of only shelter from the severe weather. It
hunt. He is wearing rain gear in wet, rainy, quiet, tight-weaved outer pants of wool my life. all paid off with a couple of Pope and
snowy, sleety weather, near his one-man or synthetic that are large enough to For outer rain/wind clothes I believe Young-class blacktail bucks!
tent camp. When hunting in Alaska, you wear as is or slip on over long johns. Regarding sleeping bags, I’ve used Lon E. Lauber is a freelance writer and
are gonna get wet!
you have a couple choices: You can
As a bowhunter, choosing outer clothes wear breathable rain gear with a everything from super lightweight outdoor photographer from Spokane, WA.
that are whisper-quiet is really high “waterproof laminate” like GORE- synthetic to the newer water resistant He lived and hunted extensively in Alaska
on my list. You must understand that TEX that is somewhat “breathable,” or so called waterproof down bags. The for 17 years and has returned many times
outer clothes, if brushed against in the or you can wear a truly waterproof weight of the bag will be dictated by to continue his passions of bowhunting
sporting-goods store sound “swishy,” rain slicker. With the truly waterproof the time of year and who is carrying the and wildlife photography. Lon is a nine-
will sound really loud outside in cold variety you will get very wet from sweat load. time Alaska state archery champion, and
weather when trying to sneak up on if it’s a vigorous hunt. If you choose the In closing, buy the best quality gear the holder of 52 Pope and Young record-
your target animal. “breathable” type rain gear, you will and clothes you can afford and then from class big-game animals. Lon also spent
The same thing applies for shirts and get somewhat damp from sweating, trial and error, you’ll learn just what gear 28 years as a paid, professional archer
coat. I want roomy clothes so I can and eventually some moisture will seep and clothes to take on any given hunt and bowhunter.
slip them on over long johns, draw my in from multiple days of wet weather.
bow, climb a tree or cliff and not get For a tree-stand hunt in the rainforest,
bound up. I want the clothes to dry out I might choose an all-rubber raincoat
quickly with just my body heat or with that’s very pliable, rubbery and quiet.
the aid of wind and sun. Often the only Most of the time I choose a super
heat source on a backcountry hunt is quiet, mostly waterproof rain jacket
from your body. and pants.
I recall a really wet, August Dall sheep I won’t belabor the next point
bowhunt in the Kenai Mountains. I because most people know this,
spent about 43 continuous hours in but conscientiously using layers is
my one-man tent due to steady rain paramount to comfort or at least being
and fog. It had rained so much that less miserable. When hiking, I often
every stitch of clothes was soaking wear just a moisture-wicking long-john
wet. I ended up trying to sleep inside top and perhaps a light raincoat too if
a synthetic bag with my wet clothes it’s windy and wet. Then, when I stop
to glass, I’ll put one or two more layers
on to glass for game.
Then there are gloves, mittens, hats
and neck gaiters. I love lightweight
Merino wool gloves. Those plus
chemical hand warmers or a new digital
hand warmer (if you are carrying a
small solar panel for recharging) and
maybe a thicker wool mitten when it
gets really cold are my choices. I usually
choose a synthetic ball cap and a beanie
or balaclava plus a wool or synthetic
neck gaiter to stay warm when glassing
or sleeping.
For tents, I’ve used everything from a
one-man bivy tent to a substantial wall
tent depending on when and where
I’m hunting. One time, my buddy
Bob Ameen and I spent 10 wet, windy
days on Kodiak during October where
the wind blew so hard it broke a tent
pole. We spent 32 hours basically lying
in our bags, using our body weight to
keep the tent from flying away in gale-
force winds. We chose to drop all the
poles down to lower the profile of our
shelter to not break any more poles.
Being prostrate for a day and a half with
nylon flapping against you is no fun.
But once the wind died down, we built
a splint for the tent pole from alder and
duct tape. We also had to cut holes in
20 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 21I was missing something. I cut from the
buck’s swollen neck to his tail and then
peeled his hide down. Every minute or so
I stood up and checked for bears. It was
almost December, but I’d encountered
Deer Reflections fresh bear tracks earlier in the day. A
Story and photos by Bjorn Dihle flicker of brown moved through the
brush; my rifle, already chambered,
A Sitka blacktail doe, followed by a later, just before he was about to bolt, I I sat for a few moments, thinking of leaned against a stunted, crooked pine
small buck, sprinted across a meadow on fired. Richard Nelson, a southeast Alaskan within arm’s reach. The doe emerged
Admiralty Island. After they disappeared He lay shuddering in the blood- anthropologist, author and deer fanatic, into the open and stared at me for several
behind a clump of shore pines, I snuck saturated snow. One of his antlers had who’d passed on the November before. seconds before coming closer.
through a half-foot of wet snow to try been broken from fighting another buck. His book, Heart and Blood: Living with Richard Nelson had also written of
to get a better vantage. I saw the buck I knelt out of his field of view and waited Deer in America, is a classic for anyone longing to touch a living deer in the wild.
picking his way slowly towards the doe for him to die. The doe, who looked to who loves deer and hunting deer. Nelson The spring before, I’d watched an old,
through the brush. It was snowing and be a two-year old, slowly approached wrote a lot about the idea of an animal spooky-looking bear almost catch a deer.
foggy, making the deer look more ghost until she was a few yards away. The giving itself to a hunter. Through the It was a strange interaction, as the deer
than animal. I wrapped my sling around buck thrashed one last time and the doe years I’d thought about that idea, but it seemed to let the bear come within easy
my arm to steady my aim and brought bolted. I rose, touched the deer with my didn’t seem like an accurate interpretation pouncing range as it fed on new greens at
my rifle to my shoulder. The buck froze rifle’s barrel, rested my hand on his side of the interchange between me and the the forest edge. It seemed like it would be
broadside and stared at me. A second and whispered thanks. animals I hunted. It made me wonder if an easy kill, but the deer leapt away right
as the bear pounced. The brush exploded
as the two animals sprinted into the
The young buck the author forest. A minute later, the bear emerged
shot on Admiralty Island. from the woods and walked down to the
edge of ocean, staring at me as I floated
nearby in a packraft. When I was a kid, I’d
longed to touch a living bear. I’m not sure
why I wanted that proximity; it probably
had something to do with wanting to
prove myself. I no longer want to touch
a living bear—I’ve been within inches on
a few occasions, and that was more than
enough.
The longing to touch a living, wild
deer meant something different. It wasn’t
an urge I ever had. I’d been followed by
fawns on a few occasions, but this doe
was old enough that she should have
known better. She came nearer, until
she stood in the blood-stained snow a
couple yards away. Having her so close
and watching as I carved up the buck
she’d been cavorting with just minutes
before left me with a pit in my gut. I
inadvertently thought “35 pounds”—the
amount of venison she’d yield if I were
to kill her. Instead of reaching for my
gun, I went back to butchering the buck.
I severed the front quarter, laid it in the
snow, and then cut the hind quarter free.
I cut away the backstrap, rose and told
the doe that she needed to stay away from
me and my kind. She didn’t budge. For
a moment, I thought about reaching out
and seeing if she’d let me touch her nose.
I somewhat aggressively flipped the buck
over to begin butchering the other side.
That finally did it—she walked away and
left me alone to my task.
I finished with the buck, loaded my
pack and began the hike out. A blizzard
set in, blotting out all landmarks, as I
trudged through the white landscape.
22 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 23Luke Dihle, the author’s brother, on a
late November Sitka blacktail hunt.
Along the edge of the slough, I walked way to feast on the buck’s remains. At our
beside a trail where generations of brown rendezvous spot, my brother was waiting
bears had stepped in the same track and with the meat of a buck he’d shot in his
worn holes several inches deep into the backpack. The blizzard died, revealing
ground. Called grandfather trails, they’re mountains covered in a blanket of fresh
all over Admiralty Island. Even though snow, as we made the trek back to camp.
no bear had traveled the trail recently,
the snow in many of the paw tracks was
melted. Something about the grandfather Bjorn Dihle is a lifelong southeast Alaskan.
trail made me think of Richard Nelson His new book is A Shape in the Dark:
again. I wondered how Nelson would Living and Dying with Brown Bears and
have interpreted the doe’s behavior. Was can be purchased here: mountaineers.org/
chalking it up to hormones enough? books/books/a-shape-in-the-dark-living-
Ravens flew through the gray on their and-dying-with-brown-bears.
24 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 25Five for Five
My 18-year-old grandson, Rowdy, was next to
get his bull. He was determined to take his with a
bow and by God he did! He was able to get within
at Seventy!Five
25 yards of a bull bedded down and was able to
put an arrow right where it counts as it stood up.
Pulling back on his Prime Centergy bow, he released
the arrow with a fixed broadhead from Tooth of
the Arrow, and it proved to be a perfect shot. The
bull ran less than 30 yards before collapsing to the
ground. It was a huge bull with a 60” spread.
We had stopped by Rowdy and Porter’s boat in
the early afternoon and noticed that they had come
back for the meat packs and dropped off the bow
with one arrow missing. So, we figured that they
had been successful. We were unable to reach them
on the radio or satellite phone, so we continued on
our hunt.
As late afternoon approached, we decided to
head back and see if we could make contact with
Rowdy and Porter. As the sun was setting, we made
our way to the bank where they had beached the
boat. There was still no sign of anyone. Rick and Al
climbed the steep bank with guns in hand ready for
the unknown.
Bears are always in the back of your mind in
Alaska. Some bears have been conditioned over the
years to hear a shot or pick up the scent of a kill and
immediately move in knowing they have an easy
meal; we hoped this wasn’t the case this time. With
daylight dwindling they called out to Rowdy and
Porter. Rowdy immediately answered. He was less
than 15 yards away packing a whole hind quarter
out. “Where’s Porter?” I asked.
“He’s coming right behind me.” Rowdy replied. I
asked how far back and he said he wasn’t sure. Then
I asked him how far in did he get his bull. Rowdy
responded, “Far, maybe a mile and a half.”
Now, Porter is a seasoned hunter and
All five men took good bulls during this hunt, resulting in 2600 outdoorsman, and knows better than to split up
4UPSZCZ%BWF(SPWFSÓPhotos by Rowdy Grover pounds of great-tasting game meat. in thick timber packing meat out. But unable to
keep up with the stamina of an 18-year-old, he had
told Rowdy to keep going and not to worry. We
So, you think you want to go moose hunting? his feet and lit out like a scalded cat. Unable to get another shot off, my before sunrise, we were on our way. With five guys we were forced to split up. Porter and all became increasingly concerned as time went by
I had committed to this hunt in early February near my 75th birthday. son knew he had screwed up! After spending two days searching with Rowdy took the smaller boat, and Rick, Allen, and I took the larger boat. with no sign of Porter. There was no return of our
I knew that if I didn’t go this year, that I would most likely not have no sign of the moose, we had no choice but to move on. The first day proved more difficult than I had imagined, and upon exiting the boat in call even after traveling several hundred yards into
the opportunity again. That said, I spent the next eight months trying As heartbreaking as it was, we each learned just how tough a bull the thick mud, I quickly ended up face first in it. Porter had a close call, also ending up the thick timber. Al was packing his rifle and we
to back out and sell my spot. But family and friends would not accept moose is to take down. Among the key lessons learned that day were: chest deep in mud. It took Rowdy over 15 minutes to free Porter! Beware of the soft spots. quickly fired off two rounds. Seconds later a shot
or cooperate with my efforts to back out. They stayed on me, and I’m Don’t stop shooting until the moose is down…Put them down and They usually exist at new sand bars, since the river is constantly moving and in the winter came back, maybe 500 yards away. We all breathed
grateful they did, but at the time I was thinking: “What in the hell am keep them down! Even once down, never take your eyes away from that the Yukon can freeze over with four feet of ice. During the spring thaw, tons of new sand a sigh of relief.
I doing going on a moose hunt at age 75?” My knees are not what they location until you know it’s dead. Only then should you attempt to is swept downstream creating new waterways and sand bars. After getting our boats stuck By the time Porter finally made his way out it
used to be, and I knew I had a challenge ahead of me trying to survive a approach the animal. My son had to wait another 13 years, until 2017, in the mud a few times, we soon learned to stay in deep, flowing water. was pitch black and he did not have his pack with
two-week moose hunt in Alaska! before getting the chance to redeem himself by taking a young bull in Covering 10- to 15 miles a day in thick brush was out of the question for me on this him. He had made the decision to turn back to a
I had only been moose hunting once before, back in 2004 with my the same location as our upcoming hunt. hunt. I would have to rely on my patience, (which I’m notoriously short of ) and a little marked GPS location that they had been at earlier
son, Rick. We did a do-it-yourself float trip down the Koktuli River The time had come, and I was finally off to Alaska for the hunt. I luck. This time of year, the big bulls are coming down out of the mountains and gathering in the day and drop off the pack, so he could make
into the Mulchatna River, a 110-mile drift as the crow flies. Upon being was to meet up with my son, Rick Grover (52, founder of RaptoRazor, up as many cows as they can handle. The cows usually come into heat the second or third it out more easily.
dropped off in the middle of nowhere and watching your lifeline fly and inventor of the Big Game Skinner, a revolutionary type of field- week of September. But with warming climates, the rut can be pushed back by several The big problem was that Rowdy and Porter had
away, you get a knot in your stomach and that’s when it all sinks in: It’s dressing knife), my grandson Rowdy Grover (18), a longtime friend and weeks. We have seen the same thing with elk for the past two decades. switched packs so Rowdy could pack out the heavier
just you and the vast Alaskan wilderness! coworker, Allen Conrad (55), and Porter Turnbull (65), a chiropractor The bulls come out onto the banks of the river in the early mornings and late afternoons load. Porter had Rowdy’s pack with all his gear in it,
That year the river was low and after dragging rafts for three and longtime friend of my son. They would all be coming in from to drink and look for other moose. Tracks in and out of the timber are a sure sign that and it was now ¾ of a mile back in the woods with
days down a trickle of a river we finally got into flowing water. I Hawaii. moose are in the area. The moose are usually no more than a hundred yards back from the fresh meat in it…in pitch-black darkness in Alaska.
remembered how tough the hunt was and the dangers involved but I have to admit that my son had done most of the legwork setting up riverbank. If you choose to hunt further back than that, you’re going to pay for it on the Not good! With the help of Rowdy’s onX maps and
there is something primal in all of us that pulls us back again and again the hunt and I was along for the ride. And what a ride it was! pack out! A typical bull moose can weigh 1,200- to 1,500 pounds. They are magnificent lights we were able to retrieve the pack about 45
no matter the dangers. I have never felt more alive than when in the From Anchorage we flew Ravn Air, with one change of planes. creatures. minutes later.
Alaskan wilderness. Arriving in the late afternoon, we still had to load all the gear into boats Al Conrad was the first to fill his tag. He took a nice bull about 80 yards from the river But now we faced another obstacle: We were
My son had called in a bull on the sixth day. From less than 15 and travel 50 miles down the Yukon to set up camp before dark. The late in the afternoon on the third day. He and my son made quick work of the harvest with still miles away from camp on the opposite side of
yards away he fired his .300 short mag into the front shoulder. The weather was good so at least we had that going for us. Our camp was Rick’s Big Game Skinner and MANO knives. the Yukon River in totalJust blackness and the
like their coho wind
cousins,
moose turned and faced him in thick brush. It was shaking its head and 15 miles from our hunting unit. I had been glassing a meadow most of the afternoon and had only spotted a cow and calf was picking up. The only land weare
Chinook could makefor
suckers outa
moaning. My son thought he had a clean kill so he did not take a follow The first night was filled with the normal jet-lag symptoms and from a distance. After getting back to camp in the rain just before darkness set in, we still was a mountain ridge well-presented
directly across twitching
from us. Wejig.
up shot… big mistake! preparing our gear for the next day. One thing about hunting in Alaska had to hang the meat. We had worked on a few meat poles days earlier so with the help of motored straight across the Yukon, nearly a mile
After several minutes of watching, the moose finally went down. As in September is that you have plenty of time in the morning waiting for everyone there, we were able to quickly hang and cover the meat before complete darkness wide, and hugged the shoreline until we came to
we “high-fived” with excitement, to our amazement, the moose rose to the sun to rise. After topping off the boats with fuel and loading gear fell on us. After dinner and a victory toast, we turned in. our camp a little after midnight.
26 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 27Rowdy and Porter had only packed out a portion of the meat. We previously. It wasn’t until the 9th day that my luck changed. Rick had long to break down.
figured the next day would be a long one, and it proved to be as long decided to hunt with Rowdy and Porter in the afternoon. Al and I 11 days. Five nice bulls. So now what? Now the work really began! We
as they get. Unable to traverse the thick brush and steep terrain with started drifting down the south side of the Yukon River. 45 minutes had several thousand pounds of meat to break down. Good thing we all Alaska Airlines asks that you cover
my knees acting up, I was left at camp. I spent the day looking after later a large bull stepped out into the open. He was 800 yards away, but had our RaptoRazor knives! We broke down all five bull moose much each antler point when transporting
the meat and splitting firewood. I figured the guys would be back he was heading in our direction and the current was moving us in his faster and easier than I had imagined. It really sunk in at that moment moose antlers on their planes.
sometime in the early afternoon. But as the afternoon wore on there direction. I got set up as best I could on the bow of the boat, kneeling what an amazing field-dressing tool my son had invented. In the hands
was still no sign of them. Finally, as the sun had made its way behind down and using a life vest as a rest. With Al calling out the yardage: of those who know how to use them, RaptoRazor knives are unbeatable.
the mountains, I heard the roar of a motorboat. One, then two boats “700…600…500…” I wondered if my luck would hold and I decided
came into view; the guys had done it! to take my shot at 400 yards. “475 yards…425...” I knew I was close. I Our Essential Gear
It had taken them several trips to pack all the meat and antlers out. pulled up my rifle and put the crosshairs just above his front shoulder. Ëh ` UjR` yRahFNCq3c.hi@3h#Cyou 500 pounds of meat, so be prepared to get at least six totes into and out of the bush. We chartered a cargo
per moose. Meat was deboned and put into heavy-duty trash plane to get us back to Anchorage. This does
bags. Lids were attached to totes with zip-ties. We left Alaska not come cheap! It took two trips to get five
with 2,600 pounds of boned-out meat and a total of 46 checked guys, five moose heads, 2,600 pounds of meat
bags. All told, we paid under $17.00 a pound for the hunt. Not and our 15 bags of gear out of the backcountry
bad! and back to Anchorage. Although it may sound
In most game units, you can’t debone meat in the field. Alaska expensive, spread out between five guys, it was
regulations state that you must bring out the quarters with the not as bad as one might think. Anyway, it beats
bone in. It is also an Alaska regulation to keep proof of sex with the alternative of being stuck. You have to take
hind quarters, since antlers are not considered proof of sex. advantage of any clear day to fly. We were only
With a 14-plus-day hunt in Alaska it is best not to book your delayed one day due to weather on this trip.
return flight out of the bush or back home for that matter. You Not bad!
will most likely end up eating your ticket or paying more money To transport trophy heads, Alaska Airlines
to change the dates. Weather also plays a big role in getting prefers to take them unboxed and unwrapped.
They require that the tips on the antlers be
Alaska Airlines allows hunters to check moose
covered. A great, inexpensive solution is to use
skulls and antlers as baggage. Check with your empty 12-gauge shotgun shells and a little duct
airline to see what they allow. tape. Another good solution is to use chunks of
garden hose on each point. The skull must also
be wrapped in a heavy-duty trash bag and duct
taped. The maximum size of antlers they will
accept are 72” wide. Always check with airlines
ahead of time since policies can change!
Back in Anchorage, what do you do with
2,600 pounds of meat, five moose heads and
racks, plus 15 pieces of luggage for 24 hours
or more? At this point we had handled the
meat 10 times in and out of boats, to and from
camp, and on and off planes. The last thing we
wanted to do at this point was to have to move
it any more than necessary. The other dilemma
is that cold storage for one day was running
$250 to $300 per moose. So, we improvised.
We Ubered to the nearest U-Haul and rented
a box truck. On the way back, we picked up
150 pounds of dry ice. Total cost was $265,
instead of $1500. The best part is that we were
able to drive straight to the hotel and back to
the airport without having to handle the gear
two more times! The Alaska Airlines crews were
great; they see this kind of thing all the time and
are very helpful.
At 75 years old, this was my second time
hunting moose. I had never seen a bull moose
up close. I have always been drawn to the
outdoors and tried, from an early age, to escape
to it as much as I could. All of my hunting
experience had been with mule deer, elk and
Hawaiian axis deer. Nothing prepared me for
the size and work involved in harvesting a bull
moose. With hind quarters that can weigh close
to 200 pounds, you need to have a plan. I am
very thankful that I was surrounded by men
younger and more experienced than I was. In
the end it does not matter if you’re successful or
not. It’s the time spent with family and friends
that is priceless! We will see what adventure my
son has in store for me next year.
I hope you can use the tips I shared and
lessons I learned to plan and execute your next
successful outdoor adventure. Special thanks to
Rick, Rowdy, Allen and Porter. I could not have
done it without you!
Dave Grover loves spending time in the outdoors
hunting, and especially so with family and friends.
This moose hunt was one of the most difficult and
rewarding hunts of his life.
30 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 31Hunt Alaska editors are avid hunters who spend many days each year in the field
chasing moose, caribou, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep,
waterfowl, upland birds, Sitka blacktail deer, muskox, bison, and elk. Our Editors’
Choice Awards feature brings you insights from many different voices, allowing
you to gain hard-earned information about products that yield success. This
year’s feature includes awards in the following categories: Guns and Ammunition;
Optics; Packs and Cases; Field Accessories; Knives, Cutting Tools and Sharpeners;
Game Processing and Cooking; and Apparel.
| GUNS & AMMUNITION
Glock Model 20
us.glock.com
Browning Wicked Blend 3 1/2” Shotgun Shells Contributing Editor Jim McCann had this
browning.com to say: “When it comes to bear-defense
Contributing Editor Scott Haugen spends a lot of time guns, opinions are many and varied. Still,
waterfowling. He explained, “The all-new Browning Wicked many folks—including me—have turned
Blend Waterfowl Loads impressed us last season, on both ducks their attention toward the 10mm cartridge
and geese. These stacked payloads feature 30% bismuth shot (by loaded with heavy, hard-cast bullets from either Buffalo Bore (buffalobore.
weight) over steel, and their com) or Underwood Ammo (underwoodammo.com). My choice is the
famed BXD wad ensures extra Glock model 20 that holds 16 rounds of relatively deep-penetrating
distance. Moving at 1,500 bullets, and the handgun is easy to shoot fast and accurately. I carry mine
fps, it’s an impressive impact. in a Gunfighter Inc.(gunfightersinc.com) chest holster which is very
For puddle ducks and diving comfortable and allows me easy access and a rapid draw even when worn
ducks the Wicked Blend in under my fishing waders.”
2 steel and 4 bismuth shot
was very effective, while the
BB steel and 1 bismuth were
outstanding on geese and sea
ducks.”
Hi-Point Model 1095
hi-pointfirearms.com
Hornady Precision Hunter Hi-Point Firearms produces reliable, accurate, quality
Ammunition firearms. The 1095 carbine chambered in 10mm auto is a
hornady.com multi-purpose gun to be used for hunting, target shooting
Hunt Alaska contributor, Nick Ploesser, of and home defense. Features we appreciate include a rugged
Alaska Trophy Expediters shared, “I have polymer stock, recoil-dampening butt plate, protected
been using Hornady’s ELD-X bullets for iron sights, and a raised soft-rubber cheek piece that aids
the past few years in a few different calibers in sight picture and recoil control. It weighs 7 pounds,
and have been very impressed with their has a 10-round detachable magazine, sports a single-stage
performance at longer distance. I recently trigger with 6-pound pull, and has a 17.5-inch barrel with
used the 175-grain ELD-X bullet on my an overall length of 32 inches. We have found this carbine
Montana mule deer hunt and was successful to be fun to shoot targets, and can see both hunting and
due to the performance and accuracy this bullet provides through my gun. If you home-defense applications. It’s available in multiple colors
have been looking for a consistent bullet to work with all your guns, I recommend and camouflage patterns. It comes with a lifetime, no-
trying the Hornady ELD-X bullet on your next trip to the range.” questions-asked warranty and is made in the USA.
| OPTICS Leupold Optics
DeltaPoint Pro
Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W leupold.com
leupold.com Contributing Editor
We used this range finder successfully in Sarah Stallone offered
2020 on multiple hunts. One of the features these insights, “Everyone
we really appreciate is True Ballistic Range shoots better with a red
technology which takes into account the angle dot—it’s true! Switching
of the shot. It can range reflective targets out from aligning sights to
to 1600 yards and is usable on animals out superimposing a dot on a
to 1000 yards. The unit easily and quickly target shortens response
acquires targets and delivers a reading, it times and instantly increases accuracy. Whether you’ve honed your
is compact, weatherproof, easy to use and handgun skills for sport, protection, or bear defense, you know
accurate. We were really impressed with how that target acquisition and engagement are where you live or die.
well this unit works in low-light conditions. The DeltaPoint Pro from Leupold Optics is built to last. This
feature-packed optic is rugged and reliable whether you mount
it on a .454 or 10mm for bear, or a 9mm for your home. Years
of battery life, a fully waterproof housing, customizable dot-
brightness levels, and Motion Sensor Technology are just a few of
Vortex Diamondback HD this optic’s unique features. From the field to the home, improve
15x56 Binoculars your speed and accuracy with a DeltaPoint Pro!”
vortexoptics.com
These binos were new in 2020 and we tested out a pair on a blacktail deer hunt and a moose hunt. We
were impressed with the clarity of the image and the range of these binos, which far outperformed their
price point. The set comes with a comfortable neck strap, GlassPak binocular case and case harness,
objective lens covers on tethers, an eyepiece cover and a tripod adapter. With 15-power magnification and
a 56 mm objective lens, you can really glass a long ways. We recommend using a tripod when glassing at
long distances.
32 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 33| OPTICS | FIELD ACCESSORIES
Leupold Optics VX5HD
leupold.com Alaskan Gun Guard
Contributing Editor Sarah Stallone brings years of experience into this alaskanscopecouplerguard.com
recommendation, “Adapting to all hunting situations with one optic is One of the difficulties of
nearly impossible. Low power is needed for close-range snap shooting, like hunting in wet conditions and
deer hunting or bear defense. Higher magnification is needed for caribou and dense vegetation is keeping your
sheep hunting, or long-range shooting practice. Many hunting seasons overlap and scope and action dry and clean.
conquering any Alaskan big-game animal with one scope is possible with the Leupold VX5HD! The Enter the Alaskan Gun Guard.
1-5 power is ideal for heavier calibers (.45-70 or .375) and close-quarters hunting. The 2-10 power is a great mid-range hunting option, and 3-15, We tested the unit on our .300
Leupold Optics bestselling optic, gives the hunter or shooter options for close and long range. The VX5HD offers unparalleled low-light clarity, Win Mag on three different
rugged durability, waterproof and lightweight performance for any caliber and any game. Scope weights range from 13- to 19 ounces depending hunts in 2020 and now endorse
on power range, reticle, and objective-lens size, and all models have 30 mm main tubes. You truly can have one scope for every application!” the product. The magnetic
closures allow you to put the
guard on (and take it off)
| PACKS & CASES Plano Field Locker
quickly and quietly. Once you
engage the closures, cinch down
Element Double Long both ends and you are ready to
Three Bears Alaska Gun Case go. It is available in a range of
Grizzly Tech Dry Pack planomolding.com colors and patterns.
threebearsalaska.com This waterproof case has the
We recently used one of the largest internal capacity of any
40 L camouflage dry packs Plano case at 54” x 15” x 6.4”
on a very wet moose hunt and it is constructed to last. The wheels provide a smooth ride, the handle is extra
and can attest that the pack sturdy, and the reinforced locks are brawny. This case is made in America and is
performed well. The dry pack airline approved. Useful for travel to or within Alaska, the pressure-release valve is
has comfortable shoulder straps, present to equalize pressure from altitude or temperature changes.
a chest strap, and waist strap.
The roll top is easy to shut and
the pack also features a zippered Yeti LoadOut GoBox
external pocket. Gear Case 30 Tan
yeti.com
Yeti was first known for their coolers but has
Frontier Gear of Alaska been building a wide array of bomb-proof
Pinnacle Pack gear for several years. The LoadOut GoBox
barneyssports.com is a great, Alaska-tough storage item that
Contributing Editor John Whipple could be used for shooting supplies, boat
conveyed this recommendation: equipment, camping equipment and a host of
“Arguably the best all-around other possibilities. It makes a great box to store
hunting pack for Alaska, the essential waterfowl equipment such as shotgun
“Barney’s Pack” from Barney’s shells, choke tubes, calls, a first-aid kit and so
on. If you have gear you need to protect in SJK Outpost 4 Tipi Tarp
Sport Chalet has been the slumberjack.com
mainstay of hunting camps for the field or the boat, this is the container you
want. It’s O-ring sealed, so it’s waterproof and Weighing less than five pounds, this shelter
decades. No other pack handles allows you to quickly set up a tipi-style
the weight of a moose quarter dustproof. It’s stackable and has non-slip feet to help it stay put. Heavy-duty
latches prevent it from opening unexpectedly and it is lockable. Inside is 30 L of structure in minutes. This helps when you are
or a 10-foot bear hide like trying to get out of the weather, which leans
this one does. This year, some space. It has a divider that splits the space inside in half, plus a caddy (removable
storage tray) and Pack Attic organizer in the lid. Our tester uses this box to store towards brutal in the fall. It comes with an
improvements have been made, aluminum center pole, guy lines and stakes
most notably reverse-pull buckles on ammo, communication equipment, camera equipment, firearm cleaning supplies
and more. External dimensions are about 20.5” long by 14.5” wide by 11” high. so that you can pitch this in a variety of
the hip belt and lid straps, a removable terrain conditions. The Kryptek Highlander
lumbar pad, removable hip-belt pouches, added cinch It weighs 11 pounds empty and comes in three colors: white, tan, and charcoal.
camouflage pattern helps it blend into the
buckles on the sides for securing heavy loads or compressing willow and alder brush, particularly in the
the pack for day trips, and a two-tone color pattern.” Stone Glacier Krux fall. Part of what we used this for was to set
Evo Frame and up a blind for the camera man during our
Stone Glacier Approach 1800 Pack with Large Belt Sky 5900 Pack 2020 moose hunt. It would make for a good,
stoneglacier.com stoneglacier.com one-man shelter when going adventuring in
The Approach 1800 includes an 1896-cubic-inch main bag, 375-cubic-inch We tested this the summer.
spotting-scope pocket and a 2500-cubic-inch-plus expandable load combination on a moose
shelf. Weighing less than 4.5 pounds with the medium hunt in October and an Stanley Legacy
X-curve frame, this pack has a 150-pound load rating. elk hunt in November QuadVac
This is a great day pack for heading out of spike camp to and were really impressed Thermal Bottle,
a glassing location. Like all Stone Glacier packs, this one with the pack. It’s light, 2 Quart
is customizable for fit in a variety of ways. The spotting- strong, fits great and stanley1913.com
scope pocket fits both straight and angled spotting allowed us to pack out a Stanley has
scopes. The interior of the pack contains the main moose with relative ease. upgraded its
compartment plus one pocket. There is also an external The frame and pack can recognizable green
tripod mounting system. The Approach bag can also be separated depending on your needs; other vacuum bottle with
be removed and added to the Stone Glacier packs will also fit this frame a new look, thicker
Solo and Sky packs to add so if you don’t need 5900 cubic inches of steel, better handle
2000 cubic inches to these storage, you can downsize to a smaller pack. and much better
systems. We really appreciate how good this pack fits, insulation. It is
comfortable in the waist and shoulders, and dishwasher safe, which makes keeping it clean
how it distributes a heavy load. There are
Sealline E-Case many pockets in the pack, as well as optional
a breeze. Our tester, Editor George Krumm,
seallinegear.com is a coffee fiend. The two-quart capacity of
storage accessories, making it simple to this bottle means he can take a full pot of
Keep everyday essentials dry and organized, as well as store everything you need on the hunt, and
easily findable in the abyss of your pack. The case is coffee (and then some) with him. That keeps
positioned for easy access. everyone happy.
available in four different sizes.
34 H u n tAl askaMagazi n e .c om Sum m e r 2 0 2 1 Summer 2021 Hunt A laskaMagazi ne. c om 35You can also read
