Gear List for 11 Day River Hunt for Brown/Grizzly Bear
Resources/Links of Interest

 

 

Gear List for 11 Day Fall Sheep Hunt

The following information is intended to use as a GUIDE.  I avoid cotton & down items completely because they get wet quickly and dry slowly.  Except for socks, I prefer the newer synthetics and wind stopper fleece over wool and size my clothing so I can wear them in layers.  This is my personal “fly to spike camp clothing & gear list” for an August Sheep &/or Mountain Grizzly hunt.  Temperatures can hit the mid teens and strong winds are not unusual.  Bump everything up a notch if you will be hunting in September because temperatures then can easily reach single digits!!

 

*4 – 6	pair light to medium weight wool or wool/synthetic blend socks.  Thickness of socks depends in part on boot fit and temperature rating.  Smart Wool, Lorpen, and Bridgedale are all good brands that offer several different weights.
1	pair heavy weight wool or wool blend socks (for in my sleeping bag)
*1	pair goretex or seal skin socks - these work really well to keep my feet and regular socks dry if my leather boots get wet inside
1	pair light weight rubber bottom slippers or tennis shoes for camp
2	pair Sitka Boxers - or other brand synthetic shorts
2	synthetic T-shirts
1	pair Sitka Core Top and Bottom long johns - other medium to heavy weight synthetics such as Thermax, Poly Pro, and Duo-Fold also work well.
2	pair of  Sport Hill 3SP Expedition II Pants - 1 camo and one black (the black ones are a back up pair and are the same pant but cheaper than the camo ones)
	Note: The Sitka Ascent and 90% pants in Moth Wing Mimicry camo pattern are also very good.
1	Sport Hill 3SP Expedition Deep Woods Camo jacket - I use this as a long sleeve shirt, expedition weight long john top or light jacket.  Sitka’s 90 % Jacket is also very good.
1	Medium warmth hooded jacket.  I use a Sitka Celsius Mountain Jacket in Moth Wing Mimicry camo pattern sized to layer over my 3SP jacket for extra warmth.
	Note:  Various brands of wind stopper fleece also work very well as does the Wiggy’s Barren Ground Jacket (this jacket is light weight, compacts well, and keeps you warm – even when wet).
1	quality pair of light weight rain pants – lower leg zips or snaps are nice so you don’t have to remove your boots every time you put them on.
**1	pair light weight over boots -OR- light weight elastic chords or bands to tie over rain pant legs and boots for stream crossings
1	Quality ¾ length “water proof” rain coat - preferably in earth tones or camo color.  My favorite is a Wiggy’s Cagoule ¾ length in digital camo pattern.  Helly Hansen Impertech also works very well and they have a new camo pattern too.  I replace my rain gear every season!
1	water resistant Sitka ball cap
1	Sitka Traverse Beanie or Celsius hat - any light to medium weight wind stopper fleece or wool stocking cap that covers the ears will work
1	pair of water proof gloves with abrasion protection for climbing through Devils Club but also good for shooting.  I like Seal Skins.
*1	Pair rugged, water proof hiking boots warm to mid teens and broke in.
1	Therma Rest or compact closed cell foam pad – a ¾ length will save weight & space.
1	Wiggy’s 20 degree Lamilite sleeping bag with compression sack.
1	Full size external or internal frame pack with extra pins - I personally use a Camp Trails external freighter frame with the large moose bag.  It’s light, strong and simple.  I take the top rack off and put a 4” peg in one side to throw my rifle sling over.
1	Light weight, telescopic walking/shooting stick with a flat, non glare finish
	Rifle, scope, ellen wrench and/or screw driver to fit your scope rings, and 2 boxes of ammunition - I recommend a minimum caliber of .270 with premium hunting bullets in the 150 grain range and up.  I sight my rifles dead on at 200 yards.
1	pair quality binoculars - 8 to 10 power with a 25 to 40 mm objective lens - with cleaning cloth or chamois
1	Digital camera or similar with extra batteries
1	Hunting knife with about a 4” blade good for skinning and caping, & a small sharpener
50	Feet parachute chord and a couple light weight bungies
1	Small led flashlight and headlamp with spare batteries
1	Box water proof matches, lighter, compass, pocket rain poncho & space blanket – the space blanket & poncho are the light weight $2 - $3 dollar variety for emergencies.
1	Small rifle cleaning kit or “bore snake” for your caliber
1	Large water proof duffel – approximately 30” x 18”
3	Large (33 gallon) Garbage bags - to keep clothing dry and haul out trash
3	Gallon zip locks - for keeping personal effects dry
1	Quart water bottle with filtering system and/or iodine pills
1	Hard gun case for airlines
1	Soft gun case for the field
	Range finder - We will have one good spotting scope and range finder for each camp.  However, range finders are light.  If you have one you like and trust, bring it.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
1	Spork (combo knife, fork and spoon), cup and small bowl
1	pair good sun glasses
1	Pr. extra prescription glasses if necessary
1	Handkerchief and small towel
	Chap stick, sun block, bug dope and/or head nets
	A bar of soap and 1 or 2 small travel packs of wet wipes (10-15 wipes per pack)
	Mole skin for blisters and 10’ of duct tape (for bandages, patches and gun barrel)
	Tooth brush, tooth paste & 1 roll of TP in zip lock bag
1	Leatherman type multi-tool
	Minor 1st aid supplies & needed prescriptions & medication - bring 7 days extra meds
***	An emergency contact and medical information card
****	Cash and/or travelers checks for license and tag purchases.
	A good book

 

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:  Try to make your gear as compact as possible when packing for your air charter trip.  You should be able to fit all of your gear - other than your pack frame, sleeping bag, ground pad, gun and what you wear to the field - inside the 30” x 18” water proof duffle mentioned above.  Put your sleeping bag and ground pad in your pack frame. These can be easily separated if necessary for transport in a small bush plane. Organize every thing else in 2-3 medium stuff sacks inside your larger water proof duffle, in case it needs to be broken down as well. KEEP FIELD GEAR TO 60 POUNDS OR LESS!  We are generally able to keep hard cases, travel clothing & other items not needed for the hunt at our home while you are hunting.  

 Dall Sheep and Brown/Grizzly Bears live in some pretty tough country. Additionally, weather in Alaska can vary from one extreme to the other.  I feel the equipment recommendations above, along with patience, a positive attitude, and good physical conditioning will greatly improve your hunt in Alaska and your chances for success. Come physically and mentally prepared for whatever nature has in store and don’t let wet weather or clouds dampen your spirits!!

*NOTES ON FOOTWEAR: A rugged boot that is warm, water proof and fits well will prove to be among your most important piece of gear on a sheep hunt.  Many hard core sheep hunters wear the plastic Koflach or Asolo boots with removable booties and glacier socks for crossing streams.  I tried them once but prefer leather myself. I’ve used several brands over the years but plan to try the Kenetrek 10” Mountain Extreme 400’s this year. Make sure your boots fit well, and break them in well ahead of time!!!  Kenetrek recommends 50 miles!!   Also, make sure your socks fit in your boots, and maybe experiment a little with liners.  Liners can improve moisture management and blister protection.  If you have trouble areas, a good cobbler can usually ball stretch that specific area and make it fit better without reducing the water proofness of the boot.

**Stream Crossings:  I feel a light weight pair of over boots sized to fit over your hiking boots is the best and quickest way to accomplish stream crossings.  Good rain pants bungied tight to your hiking boots works most of the time as well but can be a hassle changing all the time.  Wiggy’s sells a light weight pair http://wiggys.com that weighs only 9-10 ounces.   Creek Creepers offer another option that weigh just over two pounds but have some nice options.  http://www.creekcreepers.com

***Emergency Information Card:  I would like to encourage you to print your emergency contact information and any important medical information on a small card that you can keep with your licenses and tags, in case of emergency.  Water proof or laminate it if possible.  On over 200 hunts, I’ve never had a serious emergency, but I like to be prepared.

****Hunting Licenses & Tags: You must have the appropriate licenses, tags and harvest tickets on your person when you arrive in camp, or you won’t be able to hunt!!  My wife is a license vender with the state of Alaska. She can fix you up prior to or upon your arrival in Alaska.  Cash, traveler’s checks, money orders or bank checks will be necessary to purchase these. Hunt balances are due 60 days prior to arrival. Contact us any time that questions or concerns arise, and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Sincerely,

Wayne Kubat

 

 

 

 

Gear List for 11 Day River Hunt
for Brown/Grizzly Bear

The following information is intended to use as a GUIDE. I avoid cotton & down items completely because they get wet quickly and dry slowly. Except for socks, I prefer the newer synthetics and wind stopper fleece over wool and size my clothing so I can wear them in layers.  Below is my personal “camp clothing & gear list” for mid-September bear hunts on river bottoms and salmon streams. Low temperatures seldom hit the teens prior to October 1st, but strong west winds are not unusual. Bump everything up a notch if you will be bear hunting in late September and early October because temperatures then can easily reach single digits on clear nights.

 

4 – 6 pair	Medium to heavy weight wool or wool/synthetic blend socks. Make sure your socks fit well in your hip boots. Smart Wool, Lorpen, and Bridgedale are all good brands that offer several different weights.
1	Heavy weight wool or wool blend socks (for in my sleeping bag)
2	Pair goretex or seal skin socks – these work really well to minimize foot and sock moisture inside hip boots.
1	Pair rubber bottom camp shoes – smooth bottoms work best to keep sand out of tents.
2-3 pair	Sitka Boxers - or other brand synthetic shorts
2-3	Synthetic T-shirts
1	Pair Sitka Core Top and Bottom long johns - other medium to heavy weight synthetics such as Thermax, Poly pro, and duo-fold also work well.
*2	Pair of Sport Hill 3SP Expedition II Pants - camo or black (the black ones are the same pant but cheaper)  Note: The Sitka Ascent and 90% pants are also good pants.
1	Sport Hill 3SP Expedition Deep Woods Camo jacket - I use this as a long sleeve shirt, expedition weight long john top or light jacket. Sitka’s 90 % Jacket is very good also.
1	Medium warmth hooded jacket. I use a Sitka Celsius Mountain Jacket in Moth Wing Mimicry camo pattern sized to layer over my 3SP jacket for extra warmth.
	Note: Various brands of Wind Stopper Fleece also work very well as does the Wiggy’s Barren Ground Jacket (this jacket is light weight, compacts well, and keeps you warm – even when wet).
*1	quality pair of light weight rain pants – lower leg zips or snaps are nice for slipping them on over foot wear.
*1	Quality ¾ length “water proof” rain coat - preferably in earth tones or camo color. My favorite is a Wiggy’s Cagoule ¾ length in digital camo pattern. Helly Hansen Impertech also works very well and they have a new camo pattern too.
1	Water resistant Sitka ball cap
1	Sitka Traverse Beanie or Celsius hat - any light to medium weight wind stopper fleece or wool stocking cap that covers the ears will work.
1	Pair of water proof gloves with abrasion resistance for pricklers but also good for shooting. I like Seal Skins.
*1	Pair ankle fit insulated hip boots (not waders) and “Shoe Goo” or similar for leaks
1	Therma Rest or compact closed cell foam pad
1	Wiggy’s 20 degree Lamilite sleeping bag with compression sack
1	Full size external or internal frame pack with extra pins - I personally use a Camp Trails external freighter frame with the large moose bag. It’s light, strong and simple. I take the top rack off and put a 4” peg in one side to throw my rifle sling over.
1	Light weight, telescopic walking/shooting stick with a flat, non glare finish (these are optional but still nice on bear hunts)
	Rifle, scope, ellen wrench and/or screw driver to fit your scope rings, and 2 boxes of ammunition – I recommend a minimum caliber of .300 Win. Mag. with partition type bullets of at least 180 grains. Sight dead on for 200 yards.
1	Pair quality binoculars - 8 to 10 power with a 25 to 40 mm objective lens – with cleaning cloth or chamois
1	digital camera or similar with extra batteries
1	Hunting knife with about a 4” blade good for skinning and caping, & a small sharpener 50 feet parachute chord and a couple medium weight bungies
1	Small led flashlight and headlamp with spare batteries
1	Box water proof matches, lighter, compass, pocket rain poncho & space blanket – the space blanket & poncho are the light weight $2 - $3 variety for emergencies.
1	Small rifle cleaning kit or “bore snake” for your caliber
**1 or 2	Large water proof duffels – approximately 30” x 18
3	Large (33 gallon) Garbage bags - to keep clothing dry and haul out trash
3	Gallon zip locks - for keeping personal effects dry
1	Quart water bottle with filtering system and/or iodine pills
1	Hard gun case for airlines
1	Soft gun case for the field
**1	Warm and waterproof gloves, hat and coat
	Range finder - We will have one good spotting scope and range finder for each camp. However, range finders are light, if you have one you like and trust, bring it.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
1	Spork (combo fork, spoon, knife), cup and small bowl
1	Pair good sun glasses
1	Pair extra prescription glasses if necessary
1	Handkerchief and small towel
	Chap stick
	Sun block
	Bug dope and/or head nets
	A bar of soap and 1 or 2 small travel packs of wet wipes (10-15 wipes per pak)
	Mole skin for blisters and 10’ of duct tape (for bandages, patches and gun barrel)
	Tooth brush, tooth paste & 1 roll of TP in zip lock bag
	Leatherman type multi-tool
	Minor 1st aid supplies & needed prescriptions & medication - bring 7 days extra meds
	An emergency contact and medical information card
	Cash and/or travelers checks for license and tag purchases.
	-A good book to read.

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Brown/Grizzly Bears live in some pretty tough country. Additionally, weather in Alaska can vary from one extreme to the other. I feel the equipment recommendations above, along with patience, a positive attitude, and good physical conditioning will greatly improve your hunt in Alaska and your chances for success. Come physically and mentally prepared for whatever nature has in store and don’t let wet weather or clouds dampen your spirits!!

*NOTES ON FOOTWEAR: We almost always wear hip boots on river hunts. Get a good pair of ankle fit insulated hip boots!! I like LaCross my self. Rain pants are optional but nice for wearing around camp with camp shoes on rainy days. I’ve found that wearing goretex socks over my regular socks really helps to minimize foot and sock moisture inside hip boots. Also, it is important to wear pants that fit inside hip boots comfortably and that dry out fast when wet. 3SP are my clear favorites. IMPORTANT: I don’t gamble with used hip boots or rain gear. I replace them every year!

**ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS: We often take long boat trips in open skiffs and wet weather. Be able to store all of your gear in 1or 2 medium-large sized duffles, and bring some extra warm and water proof clothing to slip on and off your head, hands & upper body fast for boat rides.
Try to make your gear as compact as possible when packing for your air charter &/or boat ride. You should be able to fit most of your gear - other than your pack frame, sleeping bag, ground pad, gun and what you wear to the field - inside one 30” x 18” water proof duffle mentioned above. Organize it in 2-3 stuff sacks inside your larger duffle so it can be broken down if necessary for transport in a small bush plane. Stick your sleeping bag and ground pad in the second duffle and strap it (or put inside) your empty pack frame. These can be easily separated as well if necessary. KEEP FIELD GEAR TO 60 POUNDS OR LESS!
We are generally able to keep hard cases, travel clothing & other items not needed for the hunt at our home while you are hunting.

***Emergency Information Card: I would like to encourage you to print your emergency contact information and any important medical information on a small card that you can keep with your licenses and tags, in case of emergency. Water proof or laminate it if possible. On over 200 hunts, I’ve never had a serious emergency, but I like to be prepared.

****Hunting Licenses & Tags: You must have the appropriate licenses, tags and harvest tickets on your person when you arrive in camp, or you won’t be able to hunt!! My wife is a license vender with the state of Alaska. She can fix you up prior to or upon your arrival in Alaska. Cash, traveler’s checks, money orders or bank checks will be necessary to purchase these. Hunt balances are due 60 days prior to arrival. Contact us any time that questions or concerns arise, and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Sincerely,

Wayne Kubat

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Equipment Resources and Links of Interest

Marc Taylor is an Alaskan author and good friend as well as owner/operator of the Wiggy’s retail store in Anchorage, Alaska.  Many of the items on my personal list came from Marc.  Marc is really knowledgeable on what is needed for an Alaska hunt and can fix you up with the right sleeping bag, rain gear, water proof gear bags, a good book, etc.  Mention that you are hunting with me, and he will take 20% off the top!!  Contact him by phone at (907) 336-1330, cell: (907) 952-4616 or email at MTCazador@aol.com.  His website is: http://www.huntinghardinalaska.com

Sitka Gear has some really fine gear and clothing.  I especially like my Celsius Jacket, and long johns. You can research the information and specs for their clothing and gear at: - http://sitkagear.com/

I’ve worn Sport Hill’s 3SP pants and jackets for many years.  Their comfort, warmth, and breathability are awesome.  My only complaint was not having camo patterns, but now they do!!  Check out their 3SP Camo Expedition II Pants and their 3SP Expedition Deep Woods Camo jacket at: http://www.sporthill.com/prodlist.php?zonecat=CAMO&gender=m 
You can find their products at numerous retail outlets and some discount stores.

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