Alaska moose hunting trip (part 1)

KySongDog · September 28, 2011, 01:28:22 PM

Tikaani and his wife graciously invited me up to their home in Alaska for the fall moose season. After sitting down with my better half and checking our bank account, we decided it was a trip that I couldn't pass up and should definitely take. Having never hunted in Alaska before, I was really looking forward to the outdoor experience more than just bagging a moose. After all, an Alaskan moose at 1,600 pounds somewhat exceeds the airlines baggage limitation.

The scenery in Alaska is something that has to be experienced to truly appreciate it. Pictures simply do not do it justice. But here are a few of the many pictures I took while on the trip.

Before going after moose, John and I joined his friend Mark for a Dall sheep hunt. Mark had the tag and John and I were along to help bring back the meat if a legal ram was taken. The ground was very rocky going into a canyon with a glacier stream running though it. We must have crossed this stream 30 times in the course of the day.

John with Mark leading the way. Mark is a life long Alaskan resident who in his younger years ran a trap line with his dad for several hundred miles per week. To say he knows something about Alaska hunting would be a gross understatement. He is also a part time taxidermist and, after seeing some of his work, it is absolutely beautiful.

I also did double duty as the designated bear guy. Thankfully no grizzlies showed themselves although we did find fresh tracks. The rifle I'm holding belongs to Mark. Its a 45/70 Marlin loaded with Buffalo Bore ammo at 3550 foot pounds of energy. One hell of a bear gun.

Some dall ewes

A unicorn??

No legal rams were found on this trip. But after 9 hours of scrambling over rocks and the back and forth over the glacier stream, I don't think I would have been much help in carrying one out if Mark had shot one.

KySongDog · September 28, 2011, 01:31:19 PM

I spotted this cow moose in a lake.

And this caribou

We took off for a 7 day moose hunt in the wilderness in John's ARGO (which is another name for a tank

). That thing can go most anywhere as long as it doesn't get high centered. But then, that is what the winch is for. We had to winch the ARGO 3 times going in and then 6 times coming out. The trails were in horrible shape. Mud and water everywhere.

But we made it to our campsite in one piece. The camp was 9 1/2 miles as the crow flies from the trailhead. I think we actually went about 15-20 miles on the trails however. And it was worth every mile of it.

Sunrise

Moonrise

Rainbow

KySongDog · September 28, 2011, 01:32:05 PM

Our camp

Moonset over the Sawtooth

Great white hunter

Cow moose and calf

No bulls were located on this trip. We continued to hunt in a different area after returning to John's home. But again no bulls were found. We did have a cow come to within 160 yards of us and we both thought a bull was right behind her by the way she kept looking over her shoulder back to the birch and spruce thicket. But none showed.

Although the moose hunting was unsuccessful, the trip was more than what I expected. I am so glad I went and want to thank John and his wife for putting up with me for the 3 plus weeks. Better folks can not be found.

A couple more pics of the Alaskan wilds.

Hawks Feather · September 28, 2011, 01:55:24 PM

Semp,

Those Moonsets are AWESOME! I am glad that you had a good time and that you enjoyed the scenery. While a moose would have been nice, I am sure that it was not the real reason that you went.

Jerry

Todd Rahm · September 28, 2011, 03:00:18 PM

Some real nice pics Semp and glad ya enjoyed it.

Maybe next time.

HuntnCarve · September 28, 2011, 06:09:02 PM

I looked at that picture of you standing there Johnny with rifle in hand, and thought you looked like you belonged there.

Thanks to you and John for taking us along. The photos and scenery are magnificent!

Dave

Biscuit · September 28, 2011, 07:56:13 PM

Real nice Semp!! I would love to go to Alaska one of these days

KySongDog · September 28, 2011, 08:26:17 PM

Quote from: Todd Rahm on September 28, 2011, 03:00:18 PM
Some real nice pics Semp and glad ya enjoyed it. Maybe next time.

My wife and I are planning to go back to Alaska late next spring *if* all works out OK. But we will be doing the RV thing and just tour through the interior of the state. I really want to get back to Denali and spend some time there. That place is awesome!

iahntr · September 28, 2011, 10:50:26 PM

Very cool Semp ! I know ya had a great time regardless of the harvest of a moose.
Lookin at your pics brought back some good memories.

Thanks for sharin it with us, appreciate it !

Frogman · September 28, 2011, 11:16:35 PM

Wow, Semp, great pictures and story. I got to go in late August and thought Denali was awesome. My pictures are still in the camera. I need to get them organized and posted. Your post has motivated me to get with it!

Jim

Yotehntr · September 28, 2011, 11:43:31 PM

Man that's cool as heck Semp! AWESOME trip!!!

FinsnFur · September 29, 2011, 06:06:28 AM

I gotta go through this one again tonight after work when I got more time. But right off the bat...I'm jealous

possumal · September 29, 2011, 10:00:31 AM

Great pictures and story, Semp. Pleased as punch you got to make that trip. What was the main cause for those trails to be that torn up. Do they have a lot of logging or something of that nature going on in that area? It sort of reminded me of some of the farm roads where these farmers take those big diesel 4WD tractors when tending their cattle. They get them so torn up, they have to take a grader in there once in a while and level up. I've seen some of them where a regular ATV might not get through unless it is one that will swim through mud lake.

Dave · September 29, 2011, 10:48:04 AM

Wow, Semp, that looks like it was an awesome trip. And a two for one, too. You got exposed to sheep hunting, to boot. I've heard that's a tough hunt.
Really enjoyed your post and pics!!!

JohnP · September 29, 2011, 12:22:16 PM

Thanks for posting that story and pictures, really enjoed it. As a matter of fact I went back several times just to look at the pictures.

FOsteology · September 29, 2011, 01:23:00 PM

Three weeks stomping around in Alaskan paradise..... you SUCK!!!

Looks and sounds like quite the adventure. Beautiful scenery!
Dig the moonrise picture. The moon looks humongous.

Thanks for sharing!!

FinsnFur · September 29, 2011, 05:45:48 PM

As jealous as I am, I'm glad you got to go Johnny. Thats like a trip of a lifetime ...especially considering your experienced and gracious host. Kudos to you John

Those pics you call Moonset over the Sawtooth are awesome Semp. They almost look like they are painted.
Thanks for sharing the trip.

Tikaani · September 29, 2011, 06:42:33 PM

Sorry I am just getting to this, I am working 200 miles south of home this week and just got some time to sit at a computer. Johnny I am glad you had a good time during your stay here in Alaska. It was a pleasure having you as a guest in our home, Dian and I enjoyed our time with you and never felt that you were a "guest" more like a family member. We just commented the other day that we miss the green light at five in the morning making coffee. I am sorry that we could not connect with a moose, it was not from a lack of effort, but that is hunting as you well know. The pictures are beautiful, I am once again glad that Dian and I could share our wonderful state with you, and we will see you next year.

Hunt Hard, Die Tired
John

By the way, anyone who can hike up Gunnysack looking for Dall Sheep, can hunt with Mark and me anytime.

coyote101 · October 02, 2011, 05:09:20 PM

Great post and beautiful pictures Johnny.

I hope to get back up to Alaska myself sometime soon.

Pat

weedwalker · October 02, 2011, 07:35:19 PM

Looks like an AWESOME trip Johnny!! Great pictures!!

And kudos to Big John Tikanni for taking you along.