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kodiak goat/deer trip--just returned
Posted by fullkurl on Oct 05 2005
Well, we just returned from our Zachar DG475 trip. It was a tough trip and we had a great time. We flew in with Rolen of Seahawk air--a true class act. I highly recommend him.
Unfortunately, I didnt bag my goat. It wasnt from lack of trying however. Wife and I hiked over 20 miles in the few days of decent weather that we had up high and didnt see one goat within 7 miles.
Rolen informed us that lake 629 was loaded with hunters, so in spite of the fact that I had planned and researched this area extensively, I switched to the Goat Lake drop-off spot. Maybe not a good choice. Although 629 apparently has many small billies, nannies and kids, I was looking for a mature billy.
We couldnt do a fly-over at Goat Lake due to weather and this ultimately cost me. Goat Lake is not a spot for "resident" goats at all from what we learned during our hunt. The goats simply wander through at will and could be absent for weeks. I had really expected a spot and stalk in the crags but they simply weren't there. I did see 7-8 goats seven miles away in the nastiest crags I'd ever seen. When I factored in the both-ways distance, weather, and bears--we had seen 13 large bears in 2 1/2 days--I opted not to chase these goats. Although the wife was game for it.
We had two other hunters join us on this hunt. They were pursuing deer and we all quickly realized that were none up high in the Zachar-period.
So we went to plan "B". I Sat-phoned Rolen and we switched spots to try for a few bucks. We had a blast and took 7 deer in 1 1/2 days, three fork horns, two sixes and two eight pointers. Some were really nice heads too.
Bears were never a problem in deer country.
We saw hundreds of caribou, some big bulls at 75 yards, but didnt have the "registration" permit. Really kinda ridiculous when one considers that there is "no limit" or closed season on these wild reindeer.
The Karluk area was thick with huge bears--that permit is GOLDEN.
Equipment note: If you venture to the "Emerald Isle" bring the best you can afford. We did and it made for a great time. Nothing will test your stuff like Kodiak. Bring extra food and meds etc. for weather delays. Expect the delays!! We got in and out on time but we were lucky. Take the best tent you can afford, you'll be glad you did. Our Bibler did well. One camp had to be Coast Guarded out due to a shredded tent in 80 mph winds. A tough trip indeed.
Take a Sat phone for pick up and weather updates.
Take high-vis marker tape and mark kill spots for other hunters. Bears will move deer, but it'll help others know whats up.
If you are hunting the grass land for deer, take your shot gun for woodcock, ducks and fox (check the regs). They were everywhere.
Kodiak is a sportsmans paradise!
Frank
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