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Re: WH Journal [Re: 30/06] #7345396
09/01/21 07:02 PM
09/01/21 07:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
Originally Posted by 30/06
Boy that turbine Otter can pack a load! And I'll bet it doesn't spend much time accelerating on step during takeoff. I'd love to fly one of those. Did you fly out of Homer?


Our pilot called it "The Caravan." Yup - it was up and out fast, and we loaded heavy for a very comfortable trip. Probably 1800#. We flew out of Soldotna area.

Every time I fly - it makes me want to reinvent myself just one more time. I want to fly and hunt personally in Alaska before I'm done, and do/go wherever I want.
Sounds a bit like a rich mans sport - out of my league anyway, but perhaps I can find a bunch of pals to go in on it with.
The very least is to just pay my way to go once or twice a year from here out. The cost of a plane and yearly maintenance pays for a lot of hunting trips!

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7345401
09/01/21 07:07 PM
09/01/21 07:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
[Linked Image]

30/06 - the pilot took out a whole bunch of the back seats and made a huge pile back there.
You could feel it taking off, but still plenty of power.

My pals sent me a pile of pictures and I have them all in a folder. I've never had this problem before, but now two of the pictures they have sent me want to rotate. Not sure why...
But you get the picture.

Last edited by Wolverine Hunter; 09/01/21 07:08 PM.
Re: WH Journal [Re: white17] #7345679
09/01/21 11:12 PM
09/01/21 11:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
A
alaska viking Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
alaska viking  Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
A

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
Originally Posted by white17
Originally Posted by alaska viking
The bulls I got in the Illiamna area in August were dark, almost chocolate.



Do you mean like Easter bunnies ?

Was right before the crash. Went again the following year, and could hardly find a 'bou.
Partner finally shot a small bull with a bizarre, deformed hind foot. The quarter was atrophied to the point of perhaps half the size of the other side, and the hoof was very deformed.
That was back in the 90's. Haven't been back since.
But yes, from the shoulders back was just a shade lighter than a Hershey bar.

Last edited by alaska viking; 09/01/21 11:14 PM.

Made it almost 3 years without censor!

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7346785
09/03/21 01:06 PM
09/03/21 01:06 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 811
Interior Alaska
3
30/06 Offline
trapper
30/06  Offline
trapper
3

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 811
Interior Alaska
My bad! That's a Cessna Caravan for sure. It can pack quite a load. I'd guess $1.5 million for a basic flyable one on straight floats, a few hundred thousand more if it's on amphibious floats, (that can operate on both land or water). The good news is that, for that much capability, the maintenance costs tend to be relatively low. It has probably the most reliable engine in the world, rugged fixed gear, and they're still making them so they're well-supported with parts and technical data. If I win the lottery, or an unknown rich relative leaves me a huge inheritance, it's on my short list! Congrats on your caribou.

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7348367
09/05/21 12:40 PM
09/05/21 12:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
Sounded like they had quite a business. The pilot told me they had a half dozen planes of all sizes. All planes were on a tight schedule going at it all day weather permitting - catering to people fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, bear viewing, flight seeing, and so on. When we were picked up, he had dropped off someone else and brought someone else back. Then took us. When we were picked up, he was dropping someone else off first at the same lake we were camped on. We asked for a "fly around" to get acquainted with the country before we hunted, just to see how it all laid out and good vantage points to hike to. He explained it from the cockpit but pretty much stuck to the flight path as I don't think there was time. Nonetheless we were very happy with our flight service. Quite the experience. They gotta make a ton of money every day but with all that overhead, and with it being seasonal you can see why. And here I'd be ecstatic to have a super cub before I'm done.

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397765
11/05/21 09:39 PM
11/05/21 09:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
It's been a heck of a good fall for me. Topped it off with my first brown bear on Kodiak Island. My son joined me for the adventure, and John (HFT) was there for support too. He makes pretty good bait. Ask him the story! I'm headed back to MN later this fall to visit the kids and grandkids. Then back here to trap. Still shooting for a first lynx. Also want to amp up my wolf game, and see if I can get another wolverine. God willing, I won't have the health issues I had last year that shut me down right when I got started. I'm looking for more wolf snares and leg holds - so if anyone sees someone selling, I'd appreciate the heads up!

[Linked Image]
This bear drove our friend John off a freshly killed sitka blacktail buck. There wasn't time to finish butchering and the bear was upon him, and it wasn't taking "no" for an answer. A warning shot from John got the bear to break away long enough to get some distance between them. Then the bear ran and took the deer. The next time I saw John, he had his pants down, and for good reason! My son and I were covering John from a knob nearby, and that bear nearly met its demise early. Next morning, opening day - it was laying on top of what little remained of the deer. A half hour wait, and it got up looking super fat and overly stuffed. My first shot hit lung and the far shoulder, the second broke it's spine. So we got a little revenge. As a side story, we had to fight off another bear while skinning this bear. By the next day, another larger bear had picked up the carcass and moved it 20 yards further back into the brush. I was incredulous. Those bears on that island are really something. Every one we encountered was aggressive, and it made deer hunting pretty sketchy.
[Linked Image]
This bear was already obese, and THEN it ate over 100# of deer.

[Linked Image]
It was good to have John for back-up, support, and his wife good cooking!

[Linked Image]
My son had never experienced anything quite like this before. Well, neither have I, though I've been on some grueling adventures. This was a great memory we will never forget. I was super happy to have my son do a lot of the heavy lifting; he carried the rug over a mile back to camp.

[Linked Image]
Big Noggin'.

[Linked Image]
And to think something picked this up and moved it, with no sign of drag marks...

[Linked Image]
We had some great weather, and some poor weather, and got out early before it got downright nasty as 60 mph winds and 6 inches of rain were forecast the day after we got out.

[Linked Image]

Camp was comfortable, and for the most part, we stayed warm and dry.
[Linked Image]
It's steep and brushy country where we were. Not necessarily conducive to deer hunting. And there were no beach walkers in daylight hours.

Here's proof John shot a deer. Unfortunately, it didn't last long, and John wasn't even able to retrieve a backstrap for us. Oh well, we certainly didn't starve, and the good thing is, John is still in one piece!
[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I took my time and spent a good 12 hours fleshing, turning paws, toes, claws, ears, eyes, nose and lips. I wanted it done right.

[Linked Image]
Winter came early to this rugged country too. When it's beautiful, its beautiful, and when it' ugly, it's really really ugly.
I dreamed about going to this island since I could first read. I'm so happy to have done it.
Will I ever go back?
I'd like to see the south end. The grassy hillsides where you can see a bit, and stalk something - like a good sitka buck... something I haven't done yet.
Wouldn't mind giving it a go again for a bigger bruin too. We shall see...

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397780
11/05/21 09:56 PM
11/05/21 09:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,151
Alaska and Washington State
W
waggler Offline
trapper
waggler  Offline
trapper
W

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,151
Alaska and Washington State
Great bear and a great story; congratulations.


"My life is better than your vacation"
Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397791
11/05/21 10:10 PM
11/05/21 10:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
A
alaska viking Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
alaska viking  Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
A

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
Awesome! Well done, men.
Great bear.


Made it almost 3 years without censor!

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397806
11/05/21 10:40 PM
11/05/21 10:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 127
wasilla ak
A
AK TRAPR Offline
trapper
AK TRAPR  Offline
trapper
A

Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 127
wasilla ak
nice bear

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397904
11/06/21 01:03 AM
11/06/21 01:03 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,349
Interior Alaska
smalltimetrapper Offline
small greenhorn
smalltimetrapper  Offline
small greenhorn

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,349
Interior Alaska
Good deal, sounds like an adventurous trip. Glad John is ok!

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7397906
11/06/21 01:17 AM
11/06/21 01:17 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 490
Fairbanks AK
Aknative Offline
trapper
Aknative  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 490
Fairbanks AK
Thanks for sharing!


Rumors of my assimilation have been greatly exaggerated.
Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398226
11/06/21 01:59 PM
11/06/21 01:59 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,124
McGrath, AK
W
white17 Offline

"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
white17  Offline

"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
W

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,124
McGrath, AK
You and HFT need to get a DNA check. You guys look like brothers !!


Mean As Nails
Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398309
11/06/21 05:05 PM
11/06/21 05:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,064
Wasilla AK
HFT AK Offline
trapper
HFT AK  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,064
Wasilla AK
Whoa there white! I am far better looking smile

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398531
11/06/21 09:44 PM
11/06/21 09:44 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 260
Delaware County Ohio
Darwin Offline
trapper
Darwin  Offline
trapper

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 260
Delaware County Ohio
It never ceases to amaze me at the size of the claws on one of those bears!
Great job!


Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398560
11/06/21 10:25 PM
11/06/21 10:25 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,939
Montana
B
beartooth trapr Offline
trapper
beartooth trapr  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,939
Montana
Awesome, thanks for sharing.
Good job


Let me sugar coat this
Re: WH Journal [Re: white17] #7398873
11/07/21 12:45 PM
11/07/21 12:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
Originally Posted by white17
You and HFT need to get a DNA check. You guys look like brothers !!


I think I can explain that. White/gray hair and scroungy/puffy faces from camping and not sleeping???

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398884
11/07/21 01:00 PM
11/07/21 01:00 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
AKHowler Offline
trapper
AKHowler  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
Nice work on the bear. Had a few encounters with the big bruins on the island over the years. Had to shoot one. They can be pretty ornery and different than most bears in the state I've dealt with. For being a hunted population, they sure have lost their fear for man. When the hunting is good,there is no finer place to hunt. Glad you guys were successful and made it home safe. A few close calls only add to the memories.


Alaskan #9 Trap Company
JR Pederson
PO BOX 58226
Fairbanks AK 99711
cell# 907-378-7291
pedersonjr@yahoo.com
Re: WH Journal [Re: AKHowler] #7398911
11/07/21 01:34 PM
11/07/21 01:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
W
Wolverine Hunter Offline OP
trapper
Wolverine Hunter  Offline OP
trapper
W

Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 336
Homer, Alaska, USA
JR - it certainly has a way of making you feel utterly and completely alive - and even though it's dangerous, I have to admit that I love that feeling.

I will say that when my son and I returned to the site of the kill two days later, we saw fox tracks everywhere. I really wanted to get a silver fox for my collection, or maybe a cross fox too. The limit is two. But then, we saw that the carcass (estimating 700 pounds) was completely moved! A younger me might have charged in for a closer look (I wanted to see the track of whatever did that), but the older, wiser me got the creeps. We imagined a 9 or 10 footer back in the brush, guarding that pile of fat and meat, and being pretty ornery about defending it. With brush all around, there would have been very little warning or time to react if it rushed us. My son and I - we were both spooked, and had the creeps going up and down the back of our necks. So we did the wise thing, and got the heck out of there.

There was a guide with a single client working the same area. I told him to watch the carcass, and he told me that "bears don't really cannibalize one another. There's better things to do." I questioned that, but just let him do him. But later, when the carcass was moved and he saw it, you can bet he was going to sit on it! He should have been there before. I'm still wondering, and curious - if they got that bear.

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7398976
11/07/21 03:22 PM
11/07/21 03:22 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,487
Moved to Fbks, Ak.
M
martentrapper Offline
trapper
martentrapper  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,487
Moved to Fbks, Ak.
You're an inspiration for us old fogeys who still try to do what you have done!

Re: WH Journal [Re: Wolverine Hunter] #7399043
11/07/21 05:22 PM
11/07/21 05:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
Ryan McLeod Offline
trapper
Ryan McLeod  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
Nice bear WH!


If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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