My Hunting Stories
Back in 2005 when I retired from the guide business, the Mulchatna caribou herd was crashing. I had guided for them through the peak which topped out at about 250,000 caribou. It dropped to an estimated 80,000 or so and finally dropped on down to about 60,000. Those caribou hunts were by far the most fun hunting experiences that I have ever had and I have always wanted all of my grandchildren to have that experience.
As our 54th wedding anniversary approaches I’m reminded of the anniversary that Karen and I spent in the gorgeous Wrangell Mountains. We were high school sweethearts so we have been together a long time. In our younger years, I could never convince her to join me on a hunt. We had no relatives in Alaska so she never felt comfortable leaving our daughters. She has always been reluctant to fly in small planes for basically the same reason. In addition she has always had a full time job and vacation time was limited. Hunting wasn’t her first choice for a family vacation. However, after our daughters were grown and on their own, I finally convinced her to go on a hunt with me. She was only interested in hunting sheep and caribou. So for her first hunt, we decided to go on a caribou hunt. I personally love caribou hunting as it is a lot of fun.
Check out my special memories.
This story would not happen in today’s world and I for sure would not have had to walk out. The Satellite phone has changed everything about what could be an emergency. I worked for four different guides in 1983 and none had radio or telephone communications. All of these guides are still in business today and wouldn’t even think about not having a Satellite phone. Most have multiple phones. Single sideband radios were the only option back then. Many times the signals were not very good and in some areas no signal at all.
After my being involved in this particular incident, Brent and I made sure that we had some type of communication for AAA Alaska Outfitters. We purchased a portable single sideband radio from Surveyors Exchange in Anchorage. Like I said, some days the signals were so bad you couldn’t use it but that usually didn’t last but a day or so. It was better than nothing!
As soon as Satellite phones came out we purchased one. It weighed 28 pounds and cost $4,200. They charged us $2 a minute but it was a great feeling when I landed my cub at camp and could call Karen to let her know that I had made it. If you ever stop by Surveyors Exchange in Anchorage ask Antonio to show you that big phone. He still has it there. I personally think Surveyors Exchange is one of the best places to rent or buy a Satellite phone in Anchorage.
Hope you enjoy my first guiding experience.
