hunting gear

Rifles, Ammunition, and Bows

Bring a rifle you are comfortable with and can shoot well. The 30-06 was sufficient to kill the world record Brown Bear and still is. A 270 is very adequate for moose. Some Alaskan game may be larger than you are used to, but proper bullet placement is still more important than muzzle energy, and bullet construction more important than bore size. Sight in for 100 yards for bears, 200 for moose or deer. Long-range shooting is not necessary for any of our hunting and not even useful for much of it. Shots at bear will generally be 100yds and less. Moose may stretch out to 200 or 300 yards for those who are capable, but generally are also under 100 yards. Remember we also take bow clients and are used to sneaking in close. For bear and moose, bring ammunition with heavy premium bullets like Barnes TSX, Nosler Partitions, Swift A-Frames, Federal Trophy Bonded or Woodleighs. Two boxes are plenty. If you have left over ammunition and wish to leave it, it is always appreciated in the bush. Stainless steel bolt actions are the most practical and popular, but not necessary. A rifle you are familiar and competent with will go a long way towards having a successful and ethical hunt.

If you are a bow hunter you will most likely already have an idea of what weaponry you will bring. Make sure to check the Alaska Hunting Regulations for legal requirements. Generally, we have had better luck with heavy arrows instead of higher velocity. I have recently had good reports of Grizzlystik.

Gun Case and Suitcases

Oversized luggage cases will not fit in small bush planes. Multiple small soft bags are better than one large, hard one. Generally you will leave your large suitcase and/or rifle case with the air taxi in King Salmon.

Binoculars

One of the most important pieces of equipment on our hunts is quality glass. Effective hunting in open country means more looking and less walking. Most of us would prefer to hunt with a $200 rifle and $1500 set of binoculars than vice versa. Bushnell, Leica, Leupold, Nikon, Swarovski and Zeiss all make superb binoculars. Get the best you can afford.

Backpack

These are not backpack hunts but you will need to carry your jacket, rain gear, lunch and personal gear to the spotting hill every day. It is helpful if a hunter can assist carrying out their trophy or help carry the guide’s gear while they carry the trophy. Mid to full sized internal framed packs made by Stone Glacier,Eberlestock, Tenzing, and Mystery Ranch are popular.

Sleeping Bag

No one can enjoy their hunt, nor hunt for long, without a good night’s sleep. Bring a quality synthetic filled bag rated to zero degrees F or colder. Down bags are warmer for their weight but do not handle wet conditions as well.

Clothing

Most hunters wear the same clothing for the duration of the trip with a spare set in case they get wet. Bring loose fitting clothing that allows for layering. Bright colors and noisy fabrics don’t do you any favors in the woods. Your town clothes can be left in the bunkhouse at camp where you can shower and clean up after the hunt.

Alaskan weather can be extreme and ever changing. It might be raining sideways with howling winds one day and then be 60F and sunny the next.  For that reason, it is important to bring and dress in layers. Both spring and fall hunts can be very cold.  Expect lots of wind and rain, maybe snow and possibly heat and sunshine.

• Quality Raingear

Good rain gear is a must! It must be large enough to fit over your warm clothing. It is convenient to have a breathable, Gore-Tex rain jacket such as Patagonia or Simms but vital to also have a heavy-duty rubberized coat like Helly Hansen or Grunden (guide favorites). Alternately, a Wiggy’s Cagoule or even old military ponchos can also be used as a second layer OVER your breathable rain resistant jacket. Rain pants should be brought on deer hunts but are unnecessary on bear or moose hunts if you are going to hunt in waders like most of us.

• Waders

You will generally wear waders every day of your hunt rain or shine due to the necessity to cross swamp and streams.  The most preferred ones are Simms waist-high wading pants but there are many good similar options. Also popular now are thigh high goretex waders from Froggtoggs or Chota. Another option is ankle-fit hip boots from Lacrosse or Dan’s, but most prefer waders. If you bring hip boots instead of waders, bring rain pants.

• Boots

If you bring wading pants you will need boots to fit over your waders. Wading boots are generally to stiff and heavy for hiking. We often use secondhand sneakers (a size or two larger to fit over our stocking feet). Lightweight hikers also work. Remember – FELT SOLES ARE ILLEGAL IN ALASKA.

• Camp Shoes

Bring some convenient camp shoes for slipping on and off at camp.  We use crocs or rubber mud boots.

• Hat

One brimmed hat and one warm stocking cap. Balaclavas are also handy.

• Socks

Three pairs of light weight and three pairs of medium-heavy weight wool socks

• Tops

Layers are important. Bring 3 light or mid weight merino wool or polypropylene long underwear tops and 2 heavier layers. No Cotton – you WILL be wet and uncomfortable in it.

• Bottoms

Bring 3 light-mid weight merino wool or polypropylene long underwear and 2 heavier synthetic pants for under your waders. No Cotton – you WILL be wet and uncomfortable in it. If you bring hip boots instead of waders, bring rain pants.

• Jacket

Bring a warm, synthetic filled coat. I prefer a puffy jacket and a light pullover. For fall bear hunts a heavy coat is nice.

• Gloves

Nothing stays dry and gloves are no exception. Bring multiple sets. Wool or synthetic are best. We also like lined rubber commercial fishing gloves.

License

You can purchase licenses and tags from https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/

We will be in contact before your hunt to coordinate the proper license and tags. Ask if you have any questions, this is one thing you can’t really do without.

Alcohol

We have no problems with alcohol in camp as long as it is consumed AFTER hunting. Feel free to bring an adequate supply of your personal favorites. There is a small store by the terminal in King Salmon for last-minute purchases.

Other Gear

• Camera
• Batteries or external battery pack – there is no power in camp
• Toiletry kit
• Any necessary medication – PACK IN CARRY-ON, DON’T RISK THE AIRLINES LOSING IT

We can provide you with almost any replacement gear if your bag is lost, but prescription meds could stop your hunt if they are misplaced!

• Headlamp
• A book for days when the weather won’t cooperate
• Water bottle