Recommended Hunting Gear for Southeast
The following list of recommended personal gear for hunting in Southeast Alaska was compiled for the purpose of allowing individuals not experienced in this area to be aware of the minimum equipment required to be safe and comfortable on a hunt in Southeast Alaska. This list has been compiled by guides and hunters experienced in this area and should not be considered as one hundred percent complete, but as a guideline for the equipment required. Individual requirements should be utilized to supplement this list.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Rifle - .30 caliber or larger recommended, .338 cal. or larger magnum for brown / grizzly bear. The main requirement for a rifle is that you are comfortable with it and can hit where you aim at a reasonable distance (75-250 yards)!
Optics - A good pair of comfortable binoculars with good light-gathering capabilities are recommended. Good ranges are between 7x30 and 10x50. Your guide will carry a spotting scope.
Sleeping bag - A bag you are comfortable in at 20-50 degrees F. A fill that is warm even when damp or wet is best. Down can be used on some "high country" hunts but the synthetic "warm when wet" fillers are best. For the larger vessel hunts, you may not need to bring a sleeping bag. Check with us to be sure.
Pack - A pack that fits you well and can support any anticipated loads you need to carry. For most bear hunts, you only need a daypack. For high country hunts such as early mountain goat and alpine deer hunts, we suggest an internal frame pack with at least 4,500 cubic inches of storage due to the heavy brush that is often encountered. Most of us use the Dana Design ArcFlex Terraplane (www.danadesign.com). It's a tough pack that can carry a serious load.
Boots - A good pair of "broken-in" waterproof hiking boots are required for mountain goat and alpine deer hunts. We use the Danner Rain Forest boot with 200 grams of thinsulate (www.danner.com). Hip boots are required for moose and bear hunting. Ankle-fit hip boots are best. A good pair of "broken in" boots are also required as a supplement. Chest waders can be used, but normally become too hot while hunting.
Clothes - Warm layers of clothing are best. Wool (or fleece) and polypropylene work best for most individuals. Comfortable warm socks are a must as well as a minimum of one additional complete change of clothes. For the high country hunts, we recommend bringing at least 2 extra sets of polypropylene or Thermax (or equivalent) sock liners and heavier synthetic/wool combination socks. Thorlo makes a good one (www.thorlo.com). These socks are quick drying and very comfortable. Regular wool socks will work fine as well.
Jackets that shed the rain and are quiet in the woods are best. In Southeast the wool "halibut jacket" and red rubber boots are some of the most used hunting equipment. Pants should be quiet in the woods, warm and dry out quickly when wet. Levi's and other cotton fabrics are not recommended, are cold when wet, and do not dry quickly at all. Uninsulated saddlecloth, fleece, MT050, or wool - parkas, jacket and pants that have been laminated with a waterproof liner such as Dry-Plus or Gore-Tex can make hunting a lot more enjoyable in Southeast. We primarily use Swazi Apparel (pictured here) made in New Zealand. E-mail me for a contact name, number and e-mail address.
Be sure and bring a waterproof or quick-drying hat to hide from the occasional raindrop. Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) can be an excellent source for any of the above gear. Tough leather gloves are also a must for alpine goat and deer hunts as the devil's club and blueberry bushes are usually the first thing to grab when you start to slide.
Rain gear - Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rainforest!
Float gear - Lifejackets are furnished on any vessel you will be on. Floatcoats or even floatation coveralls are best, if you own them, if the weather is bad. Please inquire about your specific hunt before you purchase any of these items.
Medicines/Pills - Any required medications should be brought on the trip with a spare dosage kept in a separate secure area. Notify your guide and companions of any requirements in this area. First aid gear is furnished for the guided trips. However, it does not hurt to carry a minimum first aid kit to meet any minor needs such as blisters, cuts, scrapes, and headaches.
Alcohol - No alcohol is furnished as part of the guided hunt. There is normally beer or wine served with the evening meal after the day's hunt is over. Any evidence of drinking or drugs in the field is grounds for immediate termination of the hunt. Please discuss this with your guide if you have any questions.
Knife/Compass/Light/Survival Gear - Each hunter should carry these items on each day's hunt. The Petzl Tikka Headlamp is an ideal light for most of our hunts (www.petzl.com). It lasts a long time on 3 AAA batteries and can be purchased at REI or any reputable mountaineering store. Discuss this with your guide to insure you have that required for the type of hunt you are on. Maps are usually available from the guide for the area being hunted.
Meat & hide bags - These items are provided and carried by the guide and include saw and hatchet as required.
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PO Box 32644
Juneau, AK 99803-2644
(907) 723-9242
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