I don't think you missed anything on this thread about that at all. LOTS of good advice all around.

However, 13 (more like 15 when I was planning) years ago - I was told I 'couldn't' do it

You certainly proved them wrong! And you created (literally!), a niche for yourself that is appreciated by many on this very forum!

I'm glad to be here... I left for a few years, lost the forum somehow, and even tho I don't post a LOT, I READ a lot The info here is INVALUABLE! Not to mention reading some of the banter that goes on

I am impressed with the replys that all of you who live or have lived in Alaska at one time have given to members like myself who live in the lower 48. Most of the forums that i have visited have been hunting forums in the lower 48. I have seen a big difference in the information that members are willing to give out between the people who live there in Alaska verses most states in the lower 48.

The replys that has been given by people who live in Alaska has been in my opinion very candid and straight forward. Like someone stated on here in a previous reply. No one has said that people could not come to Alaska and make it there. They have just laid it on the line and told it how it is there. Here in the lower 48 I dont think you would get that kind of information just because of the overcrowding most states have here. Alot of people would give you false information just to discourage you in coming to hunt, fish, trap, find a job basicly anything because most states here are way over crowed and have enough competition competeing for these resources as it is.

I hope Alaska dosen't wind up like the lower 48. Someone was talking about haveing some gas stolen from their snow mobile, Here in the lowere 48 they would still the snow mobile along with the gas.

On another note the temp here in North West Arkansas is 104 degrees today, lot of sun shine and real hot. When i walked in the office one of our inspectors was ringing wet with sweat, looked like he had fell into a lake or something. Any of you people who live there in Alaska have that problem today ? LOL !

I don't miss those hot days like that. I'm originally from Arkansas as well, Heber Springs.

Eureka Trapper, How long have you lived in Alaska ? I had an Uncel that lived in Heber Springs, alot of his kids still do. Every know Burel Bramlett ? of James Bramlett ? Is it the little red river that they trout fish on there in Heber Springs ? I know they trout fish some on the white river near there. I am a couple hundred miles South West of Heber in a little town called Ozark Ark, about 40 miles East of Fort Smith.

But now i think you are pulling my leg about missing this good old warm weather we have here in Arkansas ! LOL And i bet it was most of the time a little cooler in Heber than it is here ? How long have you lived in Alaska ?

Last Friday someone stole 3 gas cans from one neighbor and 1 can from the other neighbor. Tuesday another house just up the road was broken into. They haven't messed with our place. ... yet. And they can't steal the trail cam. Those (insert many bad words here) thieves had BEST not try my house!

Yes, it's bad here - they send people around to scout and then the thieves come later and just grab things!

I've been up here since 1998 but I left Arkansas in 1988 with the Army. I don't remember any Bramletts. Yup, that's the Little Red River there. That's where the world record brown trout was caught. Not sure if that record still holds though. It was around 40 lbs. Hot and humid isn't my kind of summer. I prefer 70's with the occasional 80's.

You should set out a nice tempting fuel can that's been enhanced with some corn syrup.

That is called ethanol!

They probably wouldn't need any more fuel after they use the non-distilled version.

I Seem To Recall A Can Down There For Water.... But It Might Smell Like Gas....

(PS: No Clue Why My Keyboard Is Capping Each WorD????)

I've been holding back from posting on this subject. But my curiosity has gotten the best of me. Here is my situation: I'm single, own my own business, and also have a background in education, accounting, and finance. I've been interested in relocating to Alaska for quite a while, but just recently started pursuing it more, including working on obtaining my teaching certificate.

I would like to spend a week next year getting familiar with the areas of interest and see first hand if Alaska is really where I want to relocate my business and call home. Duck hunting is my other passion besides trapping, so I crave ducky weather. I was also once a ski school director so bring on the winter weather.

As for trapping, I would be lying if I said I wouldn't care so much about getting out on a line. Reading what some of you have posted, I will be giving up quite a bit of my trapping opportunities if I move there due to competition. So what are my chances that I may be able to assist on an already established line and work my way up to eventually having my own line?

If your willing to move to the bush to be a teacher you will be able to find a line.

no doubt on a teaching gig, this state is hurting for them from what I hear. and if you want ducks get to Kodiak!

What type of business do you own B&D?

fishermann222 i would be interested in learning more about teaching. i have a little over 6 years left till i retire from the army and this is one of the things i thought about doing after i get out.

Great thread, I have spent a couple of summers in AK working on fishing boats and now have gone back to vacation this past summer. I planned on moving up there out of high school, but decided that I just couldn't take the darkness in the winter I think I would fight depression.

Couple of questions-
With the restriction on homesteading can a person still build cabins along their line or only replace existing structure?
I remember seeing a Ad in Trapper Predator caller 15+ years ago for a line and cabins for sale, is this still done or is it even allowed.

I'm an accountant. The first company I worked for when I graduated from college had me traveling all across the US training accountants. So I had to have an understanding of state tax laws and returns for personal and business in addition to the fed rules and regs.

Thank you for the feedback. I agree that this is a great thread in helping to give a realistic point of view on what to expect moving there. I'm looking forward to visiting next year and getting a first hand look at some of the areas.

I doubt there is a one size fits all Alaska dream. Over half the population lives in cities with the majority of those living in Anchorage. I would imagine that being far removed from family causes as many to return to the lower 48 as the length of days or severity of the weather. I know the only thing stopping me from moving to Alaska permanently is that my two oldest children both live in North Carolina, that and I'm afraid I'll not live long enough to establish a trap line in a state with a land area of approximately 365,000,000 acres with 8,000 trappers.