They didn’t give you any references? How are you being transported to the spike camps? Is this a Spring or Fall hunt?
Where is the hunt area, in relation to OTZ?
pipercub,
I haven’t asked for any references as I just found out about this outfit and don’t plan to make contact unless I can establish whether it’s a credible and reputable outfitter. If we decide to look further, the hunt will include my son and me. It would be his first AK hunt, though he has experience in other places.
My past experience has led me to put very little weight on references provided by outfitters, unless I know who the references are. I’ve seen a lot of slanted references and testimonials and so I tend to be skeptical. That’s one of the reasons I posted here looking for 24HCF folk I recognize through their long and credible posting history.
From what I can tell this outfit hunts grizzlies in 2 areas out of Kotzebue, delivering hunters as usual, via bush plane. I saw one was a Super Cub. One of the areas is described as a “Federal Preserve Concession,” with both areas “north of the Arctic circle.” I don’t know the direction from Kotzubue as I’ve never hunted that area on any of my prior AK hunts. It’s described as a Fall hunt, and seems to be early in the season (NLT Aug/early Sep?) based on the late sunset time described in
this video . The tags are said to be over the counter, if that helps to narrow it down for those who know the area. It isn’t described as a special early hunt or a predator control area.
The video showed 3 shooting industry guys hunting with this outfit. Another reason I posted and asked is because I know that promotional videos of well-known hunters, gunwriters or industry people are often not representative of normal client hunts.
T Inman,
Although fortunately not frequently, I’ve had some experience with outfitters with shi**y personalities. Sometimes the hunt was great, because guides, territory, game, camp managers & staff were good at their job. I don’t hunt with those outfitters again. I did notice that the outfit used to offer DYI drop-off caribou hunts, but doesn’t anymore. Don’t know if that’s related to the incident you mentioned. Obviously I’d check AK F&G for prior sanctions against Mr. Saalsaa, if any. Some times screw ups can happen though outfitters are responsible for the type of stuff you describe.
Thanks to all for the input. Hopefully I can figure out whether this is worthwhile pursuing or not.
If not, I’d appreciate recommendations on other reliable outfitters who can provide a good interior grizzly hunt.