We can assume as outdoorsmen you have some gear. Granted some of it will not work, but some of it will. We'll get to that in a minute. Let's see how our budget is doing.
R/T Airfare to Alaska…………………$ 750. ea
Air taxi cost ea…………………………$1400. ea.
Licenses/Tags…………………………..$ 555. ea.
Camp food………………………………..$ 100. ea
Alaska gear rental(raft)……………$ 375. ea.
Total so far..........................$3,180.00 each
Balance...............................$ 670.00 each
The following costs are variable-weather can delay you while in town.(Be financially prepared)
Hotel overnight stays 1-day before, 1-day after hunt
Meals while in town
Camp gear/additional* (Gear you may need and do not have)
When you get to Anchorage, get to camp as fast as you can. Hope there are no weather delays as this could keep you in a hotel waiting to fly out. Weather alone could wreck your budget. However, that's Alaskan reality. Let's talk about your gear.
A good tent with a full tent fly that has plenty of tie-down loops is crucial. Alaska weather will beat on you while you are here, go ahead and assume that. Get a comfortable tent. One you can move around in and bring collapsible cots. They go with me everywhere! Sleep good, eat good and hunt better.
Another piece of essential gear is your waders. I suggest they be ankle fit and not the "cheap" ones! You will do most of your hunting while wearing waders. Be sure to wear them and break them in BEFORE you arrive. Another mistake I have seen lots of hunters make.
The same goes for rain gear. Both pants and hooded rain gear are recommended and essential. Again, do not buy the cheap stuff; it won't make it through your trip! A good sleeping bag will be your ally at night. It does not need be a sub-arctic bag that is the size of a bushel basket when rolled up! Remember, your gear will eventually end up in the back of a small plane. Inexpensive sleeping bags with a fleece liner installed in them are as good as any sub-zero sleeping bag-the extra layer is the key!
You will need a GOOD backpack. One that has a hip belt as well as chest straps and a STRONG frame. When it comes to packing meat back to your raft, your backpack is another essential. It's another quality item you need to have with you.
Bring along two small tarps. They are invaluable! They cover gear in the raft, they cover your tent if you have a problem, they cover your meat, make good ground clothes and on and on-bring two! 1/4-inch sisal rope is another must. Hanging meat will require good rope on your trip.
Food for camp. There are many variations here. I can provide you with a variety of camp menus upon request. I firmly believe in taking good food to camp. No, add water meals. They just don't do the job meat and potatoes do while in the Bush. You might also want to make sure your buddy is a good cook!
We have $670. left in our budget. The above items can be purchased for less than this amount and still keep your budget in tack. Just be aware, those hotel stays before and after camp can wreck the budget-hope for timely weather! I suggest that some of these items be acquired well before your hunt, less impact the budget.
There are a few items that I have not discussed during part 2, I will address those in the final post of this series. I will also discuss the details of the hunt further and outline a typical day on the river for you. This will point out any items we have overlooked. AGAIN, do not bring gear that you do not need! Leave the gadgets at home-only the essentials need be brought along. Keep your clothing at a minimum too. This is one area that is usually overdone.
Information's pretty thin stuff, unless mixed with experience!
