Kathleen's (aka- Aksheephuntress) Sheep Hunt, ALASKA


buckee

Recommended Posts

Kathleen was going to start this thread last night, but got pretty busy, packing, and making sure nothing was forgotten for her hunt. She's been waiting for this hunt, for a long time, and is extremely excited.

They will be leaving Seward this afternoon, and headed for Anchorage.

They won't be starting their hike up to base camp, until Wednesday, (18 miles) and it will be Friday before they can start scouting things out.

I will keep everyone updated as the trip, and hunt progresses. This will be exciting, and even more so when she gets home with all the pictures.

She is going to give me the co-ordinance of base-camp, later, so we can look her up on Google.

Sheep hunting is as hardcore as hunting gets, in North America, and Kathleen told me on the phone this afternoon, that she would appreciate your prayers for safety, while up in those craggy, lose rock & shale mountains.;)

Stay tuned.:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 237
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I was there in Alaska with my wife while Terry and Kathleen were preparing for this hunt. What impressed me the most about this trip is those two really are going it alone. And I do mean alone.

Most of their food and provisions was dropped by plane ahead of time so they wouldn't have to carry it in on the 18mile hike in. This stuff has to be there untouched by bears for a week in order for this trip to get pulled off. Hanging it in trees prevents brownies from getting at it but a determined black bear is a very skilled climber. So keep your fingers crossed on that one. Also dropped ahead of time was an inflatable raft so they can float out with their stuff and hopefully a whopper sheep. A bear could make ribbons of that and force them to carry everything. Another opportunity for disaster is if the rain gets out of control and the river floods enough to make it too dangerous to raft down. This is a very serious concern, those floods can make a river practically impassable. So pray for good weather too folks. Yes they have a Satellite phone but that is their only link to the outside world right now. The area they are hunting is now closed to air traffic so they are literally on their own until they make it out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was there in Alaska with my wife while Terry and Kathleen were preparing for this hunt. What impressed me the most about this trip is those two really are going it alone. And I do mean alone.

Most of their food and provisions was dropped by plane ahead of time so they wouldn't have to carry it in on the 18mile hike in. This stuff has to be there untouched by bears for a week in order for this trip to get pulled off. Hanging it in trees prevents brownies from getting at it but a determined black bear is a very skilled climber. So keep your fingers crossed on that one. Also dropped ahead of time was an inflatable raft so they can float out with their stuff and hopefully a whopper sheep. A bear could make ribbons of that and force them to carry everything. Another opportunity for disaster is if the rain gets out of control and the river floods enough to make it too dangerous to raft down. This is a very serious concern, those floods can make a river practically impassable. So pray for good weather too folks. Yes they have a Satellite phone but that is their only link to the outside world right now. The area they are hunting is now closed to air traffic so they are literally on their own until they make it out.

a bear will walk 10 miles out of it's way to eat a rubber raft:D:D. or so it seems. actually, they love the (talcom?) powder inside the raft that keeps it from sticking. either way, they destroy the raft. :( but, they walked in, they can walk out. i sure hope all is well with them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

a bear will walk 10 miles out of it's way to eat a rubber raft:D:D. or so it seems. actually, they love the (talcom?) powder inside the raft that keeps it from sticking. either way, they destroy the raft. :( but, they walked in, they can walk out. i sure hope all is well with them.

You are absolutely echoing my concerns Steve. It could be dicey. They also shipped food ahead.

A trip like they are taking is not without legitimate peril.

Just doing a sheep hunt like this and not even succeeding is a very serious and notable accomplishment. Actually getting the sheep is not their biggest challenge.

This is a seriously tough person's hunt. No ifs ands or buts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

stop worrying, leo. you know they are up to the task. and, they have a cell phone for emergencies, and a gps, and and aircraft alert system.... they'll be fine. they know the country is tough, and are simply tougher.

You are absolutely right of course. They are two of the most outdoor capable people I've ever met. But since I've met those five kids, I just can't help it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Leo you are a big ol' softy. I concur that sheep hunting is crazy and tough and dangerous, but I have confidence in them and faith in the one who really does have control over the situation. They aren't really THAT alone, after all. Your concerns are valid, but they are as prepared as possible, so we will just have to pray for the best and wait for the story!

HB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.