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Old 10-11-2011, 07:06 AM
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petey petey is offline
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: "Pitch Pine", PA
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Sounds like an exciting trip for sure. There's quite a few people on here that hunt Alaska and can tell you about the terrain and what to expect. I'd say aside from learning the firearm you're going to shoot start preparing yourself physically for the hunt. Also 30 degree weather sounds marvelous to me, but I'm from Western PA, so that's normal or above temps that I hunt in.

Here's a few pointers.

You're hunting moose, so be prepared to be in "not-so" dry country. Get yourself a good pair of boots that can tred water and get them broke in. Start hiking as much as possible in your boots. I can guarantee that walking flat lands of Alabama (I'm assuming) may not prepare you for the Mountains of Alaska. Once you get boots broke in, make sure you walk/hike any hills you have around. Keeping warm, dry feet will make your trip much more enjoyable. Oh yeah, when I go on hunting trips...I ALWAYS bring 2 pair of boots, so you might as well break in a couple pair. Many people use hip waders for this style of hunting, so I'll let them chime in as I've never personally been on a Yukon or Alaskan moose hunt.

Next...Have you ever tent camped at all? If not and you have the time, might I suggest a couple dry run camp excursions over a short weekend? Again, I LOVE to camp, but nothing beats a nice warm motel room and hot shower....and tent camping is not that! If you have camped before, then no biggie, just another walk in the park...but get yourself a GOOD low temp (-30) sleeping bag.

Clothing - All I can say is one word - "Layers". You're very fortunate, since nowadays there seem to be plenty of clothes designed for women in the outdoors. 10 years ago it wasn't the case. Get yourself a couple pair of good insulation layer, like under armor or like. Then your middle layer can consist of any number of wind breaking, warmwear material on the market. Your outer layer should be waterproof. Without it you'll be in trouble. Nothing worse than hunting in wet damp clothes. Keep yourself warm and dry and the experience will be no different than laying on the beach on a hot sunny day, provided you have the proper clothing. I suggest doing some research on womens clothing, layer system.

Check out http://proishunting.com/
SHE apparel - http://shesafari.com/v2/
Cabelas - http://www.cabelas.com/womens-hunting-clothing.shtml


You'll need a good daypack, to handle your gear, food and possibly pack out an animal. Many people have mixed feeling on this. Some go with non-frame style packs, just basic day packs, like a kids bookbag. They are very light but not versatile. I suggest getting a pack with an internal frame that not only is comfortable, but breathable, and can handle heavy loads. NOTE: not all backpacks are created equal.

I suggest Eberlestock packs http://eberlestock.com/ like X2 or Halftracker.

What other gear is nice to have? The obvious, compas and maps (or GPS to find your way back to camp) Shooting sticks, to steady your shot.

I could go on and on. Granted a person can go nuts buying all the latest gear and gizmos and do you really need it all? Well no, but believe me...proper clothing, and gear can turn an uncomfortable hunt otherwise, into a very enjoyable one.

Hope this all helps!
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