Yes, But Can You Hit A Charging Bear?

So in my last post you saw that I decided to select a revolver as my chosen bear protection while traveling, hiking, and fishing in Alaska.  Again, I'm not out to harm a bear as I will be salmon fishing and this is only a last resort for self defense.  If you saw my last post and video, you probably noticed that I shot OK, but I really tore up my hand due to the recoil of the gun.  Well this time I was prepared.

I am armed with reinforced shooting gloves and better hearing protection.  I actually look like I know what I am doing at the range!  So after researching all week on the proper grip and aiming method for a large caliber handgun, I am ready to sight this thing in.

I start at the closest range of 10 yards and fire 3 shots.  I read that it is really important to completely focus your eyes on the front sight and let everything else go out of focus.  This sounds easy, but I naturally want to focus on the target instead.  Well, as you would expect, the experts are correct.  This really improved my shooting.  My first two rounds are nearly touching each other, but they are several inches to the right.  I adjust my rear sight to the left several clicks and presto!  I am hitting the bulls eye *(note the two shots in the bulls eye below)!  Now it is time to move a little further back.  The husband and wife that are shooting next to me are relieved I am moving.  The wife was not happy shooting next to the guy with the 44 Mag (just to loud!).

After the range is open for reposting targets, I move down to the 20 yard range.  I staple up my targets and go back to the line.  I focus on the front sight and try not to flinch as I anticipate the BOOM.  My first six are good!  It isn't Olympic level marksmanship, but I am satisfied for my current level of shooting (I hope to get better).  No further adjustment needed.  I got out my 22 pistol and plinked a little and shot the 44 Mag a little more, but I was getting hot and tired so I called it a day.

So I may have adequate bear protection by carrying my revolver, but the real question is, can I now hit a charging bear if needed?.  I really hope I don't get a chance to find out, but if I need to, I believe I can.  Instead, I hope my stories after the Alaska trip include only tales of big salmon and pictures of bears from a safe distance!

A Can of Bear Spray Just Won't Do

So I am continuing to prepare for my Alaska fishing trip and most recently I have been wrestling with the question of bear protection.   It is common knowledge that Alaska Brown Bears frequent the same areas that Salmon fisherman do since they are all after the same thing, spawning salmon.  I have been utilizing Alaska fishing forums on-line to do my research and without a doubt, all the experienced  people say that you are foolish not to be prepared for bears.  There are two common options for bear protection.  Bear spray (mace for bears) or a firearm.  In my research, many recommended the bear spray for those new to Alaska, but when pressed what they themselves use, almost everyone is packing heat.  Now I don't mean that the streams of Alaska are littered with the bodies of chewed up fisherman and dead bears, but to enter into a situation where you will be in close proximity  to feeding bears without, first, knowledge about what to do and, second, protection if that bear awareness doesn't work is crazy.  I also don't want anyone to think that I am trying to harm a bear.  On the contrary, I look forward to seeing them and hope to take pictures of the majestic creatures (from a safe distance) without disturbing them.  

I researched diligently about what and what not to do in bear country and the effectiveness of bears spray and guns as a deterrent against bears.  I weighed my options and made a decision.   I decided that I will make every effort to not put myself in a dangerous position by keeping a clean camp, making noise while traveling in the woods and being very aware of my surroundings while fishing.  I also decided if all that goes wrong and I have an 800 pound brown bear charging me, I do not want to trust my life to a can of spray.

Now that I decided I want to bring a firearm, the next decision is what kind.  Resident Alaskans tend to use a 12 gauge shot gun and although I considered this, it would mean that I would need to modify my Remington 870 with a pistol grip, sling and 18 inch barrel and I would need to check an additional bag (my third bag) which would cost me $150 to check each way.  Dang, I could buy something cool with $300!  So I decided that I would buy a pistol.  I have always wanted a 45 caliber 1911 model pistol, but when I asked on the Alaska forums, they told me that this was not nearly enough gun for a bear.  The appropriate calibers were 44 Mag, 454 Casull, and 500 S&W.

Next I did my research of these calibers and I found that they all came in revolvers and were not cheap.  I like my guns to be aesthetically pleasing and most of the double action revolvers that I saw were, well, they were just ugly.  Make that ugly and expensive.  Then I happened upon the Ruger Super Blackhawks.  Although they are single action, these revolvers are, in my opinion, beautiful.  Clean lines, and a design that looks like something Wyatt Erpe might have carried.  I have found my gun.

I purchased a 44 Magnum at Cabelas, but had to wait a week before I could get to the range.  I knew it would have a kick, but I was sure I could handle it.  I drove out to my local gun range and approached the pistol range with apprehension.  I was taken back by the sheer power and noise from the handguns being fired to my right and left.  I only had ear plugs and everyone around me had external ear muffs (note to self, get ear muffs).  After a few minutes, the range officer called for the firing line to stop to allow for people to set up targets.  I stapled up my silhouette target, not because I want to practice shooting a bad guy, but because it is so large, I may be able to tell where I am shooting.

I make my way back to the firing line, load up and shoot.  The kick of the gun is immense, but it is very accurate.  I hit a bit to the right, but my elevation was perfect.  Soon I was placing most of my shots in the 10 ring. After I had fired all six rounds, I put the gun down and noticed my hand begin to sting.  The recoil of the revolver had driven the area where the gun meets the handle deep into the web of my fingers between my thumb and index finger and caused a blister.  On the other hand I had a blood blister where the handle had thumped the palm of my hand (note to self: get shooting gloves).  I continued to shoot about 40 rounds and was happy with the accuracy of the gun, but I really tore up my hands.

After I left, I went directly to Cabelas to pick up better hearing protection and shooting gloves.  I may be slow, but I am not stupid.  For now I will let my hands heal, but I think I will go back to the range tomorrow to see if I can't improve my accuracy, but even if I didn't improve, I am already good enough to hit a bear if need be.

Cryogenically Frozen Quail from 2009

I just finished signing up for my 2011 dove lease and I thought, "hey, I should grill the last of my dove!"  Well I dove into my freezer and dug up the last two unidentified ice bergs that I was confident contained last season's dove.  I placed them in a large pot of water and began the thawing process.  As the ice melted away, I was surprised to find five nice quail in my pot.  Huh, I think these are from 2009.  Wow they are old!  I hesitated for a moment, but I was committed to exert my God given right as an American to grill on the fourth of July weekend.  I began the process of preparing grilled bacon wrapped quail (see ingredients and directions below).  At the completion of the grilling process, I tentatively took my first bite and was pleasantly surprised with an awesome result!  WOW, these are super spicy, bacon wrapped quail and they taste like I shot them this afternoon!  God Bless America!

5 whole quail (or whatever you have)
5 pieces of bacon (maple is best)
1 bottle of Cajun seasoning
15 slices of jalapeno peppers (Olive Mountain)
5 toothpicks

Directions: After defrosting quail, soak them in saltwater for 1-2 hours then place them on a plate and sprinkle the cajun seasoning liberally.  Then place 3 jalapeno pepper slices on each breast and wrap each bird with a single slice of bacon (use a toothpick to keep the bacon in place once it is wrapped).  Pre-heat grill and place on a low indirect heat for 10 minutes (breast side down first) and then turn for another 10 minutes.   Remove and cool before eating.

They Taste Better Than They Look!

Bears Like Alaska Salmon Too!

So I was spending the evening researching my Alaska fishing trip and I came across this news story in the ADN (Anchorage Daily News) about a section of woods near the Russian River that has been "temporarily" closed off because a momma bear (also know as a sow) and her two cubs have taken up residence in the area.  Hey, that is the area I'm going to fish and camp!

Bear, Cubs and Concerned Fisherman, Oh My!

Actually it is a common occurrence for bears to be in this area since there are so many spawning salmon returning to the area, but from what I have read a sow can be a little more dangerous as she may feel her cubs are threatened.  Federal officials have taken this step to try to avoid any fisherman/bear confrontations.  I have included a map of the area and as you can see the red area highlighted is where the bears are.  The "ferry" that is being pointed out is a ferry service that is provided to transport fisherman across the Kenai River so they can fish the Russian river confluence (the area where the Russian River and the Keanai River meet).  There is a parking lot at the ferry and there can be hundreds of folks coming through there at the peak of the Salmon runs.  I will be camping on the South side of the Keani River in the area marked as the Russian River Campground.

Here is a picture of the campsite.  You will notice that there is a nice picnic table, a fire pit, and a big brown metal looking container.  I was curious what this was, so I read the description and it is a "bear proof food container".  Huh, who knew you needed one of those?

Well this looks like it is going to be a real adventure.  I am both excited and hesitant about being so close to such large and wild creatures.  I would love to get some pictures of them, but I would also use the full extent of my zoom lens to ensure I don't get too close.  I was already considering purchasing some bear spray when I arrive to provide a small amount of protection, but this story may have sealed the deal.  Here is is a Link to the full story if you would like to read further.

What I Have Learned (Planning for the Alaska Trip)

Well, I am still planning, reading, and otherwise researching as I prepare to journey to Alaska.  During my research, I have come across some interesting facts that I would like to share.

1.  Fisherman are very willing to help a fellow fisherman!  Now this will come as no surprise to most of you, but I have been amazed as I am utilizing Alaska fishing message boards to refine my knowledge how and where to fish in Alaska.  I stumbled across the Outdoor Directory (see link) and found a wealth of Alaska forums on every topic.  I registered as a user and have been able to search their archives for all the questions that have been asked and answered for those that have gone through the same research process before me.  I have also posted questions and received great information and advice.  One person in particular, went out of his way to help me.  He goes by the name Jedi Salmon Slayer and has a slick website with loads of information.  Jedi (aka Dennis) was kind enough to email me and give me a complete rundown of what I need to know to be successful.  Here is a link to his site at Alaska Salmon Slayer.

2.  Airlines are not willing to help a fisherman!  So all I want to know is if I can bring a two piece rod as a carry-on in the plane. I found countless testimonials in the fishing forums that say it has been done, but when I call the airline they read me what it says on the website which wasn't clear and was the reason I called in the first place.  Because of this, I have elected to get rods that break down in 3 to 4 pieces that will fit in my duffel.  Problem solved!

3.  Alaska regulations are complicated!  Ok, so in most states, there are general regulations that govern the entire state with a few exceptions in special areas, but nothing too confusing.  Not in Alaska!  Every river and drainage system has its own set of rules.  Rules state that an area is closed to Salmon fishing, but see the "exceptions" and you find that it is allowed in certain areas at certain times.  Limits differ by location and method of catch can be artificial only and in some areas, fly fishing only, but this doesn't mean that you need to fish with a fly rod, just a fly on the end of your line.  Emergency orders can be issued at any time changing the rules of the game including completely shutting down fishing in a given area, so be aware and read the regs and check the updates by the state game and fish before each outing, SHEESH!  This is another subject that I have utilized the fishing forum for and found that I am not alone in struggling with the complexity of the state regs.

4.  There are five different kinds of Salmon in Alaska and they each have two names!  Although I consider myself an avid outdoorsman, I didn't know didly about Alaskan Salmon.  Turns out there are five species in Alaska.  They are Kings (also called Chinook) Salmon, Silver (also called Coho) Salmon, Red (also called Sockeye) Salmon, Chum (also called Dog) Salmon, and Pink (also called Humpy) Salmon.  These fish all spawn at different times, in different places, and have their own unique challenges.  They change appearance from the time they migrate from the ocean (when they are bright and silver) to varying degrees of spawning phase as they make their way up river.




5.  Sockeye Salmon don't really want to bite my lure!  Sockeyes are my targeted species this trip, so imagine my surprise when I read that the sockeye really aren't interested in any lure.  Instead you are placing a fly 6 to 18 inches off the bottom of the stream in hopes that it will get in the way of a red salmon charging upstream and he will bite at it to get it out of the way or your line may pass through the mouth of the fish as he swims with his mouth open and your fly snags him in the mouth (this is called flossing).  This isn't the case for all salmon as silvers, pinks, and chums are more aggressive and will chase after lures and bait.

I am continuing to gather more information as I prepare for the journey, but I now feel like I have a fighting chance of legally catching a salmon.  More to come as I continue my preparation and research.

Scratch Year of the Elk, It is Year of the Salmon!

So if you have read my blog before, you know that in February of this year I threw down the proverbial gauntlet by saying that this would be the year I finally go elk hunting after planning and canceling numerous trips over the last several years for various reasons.  Well, again I am canceling my plans to go elk hunting this fall.  There are several reasons, including the recent development of a knee injury and the fact that my work schedule only allows me to travel during the first week of the season before the bulls really go into rut and begin bugling. When I made this decision, I still wanted to undertake some sort of outdoor adventure, so I began to research other ideas that would fit into my budget and schedule.

For the past several years, my hunting/fishing buddy (and best friend) has faithfully invited me to Alaska to go salmon fishing (he works it into a business trip each summer) and each year I had to decline due to my work schedule.  I began to wonder if I could make a trip like this work given my limited budget and restrictive schedule.  My initial research was a bit disheartening.  It appears that, not only is everything bigger and wilder in Alaska, it is also more expensive. Guided trips, hotels, flights, car rentals are all really, really expensive during the "peak" tourist season.  But I would not be deterred!  During one of my extensive searches of information on the web, I came across a random fishing forum that mentioned a book called "Alaska Fishing On A Budget" where a fellow in the U.K. had decided to make the trip and he utilized this book as his planning resource had good success.

Link to Alaska Fishing On A Budget

I was intrigued by the mention of the book.  I looked it up on Amazon, it was only $14.95, so I ordered it, and upon receiving it in the mail, I absolutely consumed the information.  I read the entire book in one evening!  This was exactly the information that I needed.  The author, Bernard Rosenberg, outlines how he himself makes a trip every other year to Alaska to fish for salmon and does so on a low cost budget!

Armed with this information, I have been busy planning my trip.  My work schedule has one window of opportunity in the summer that happens to fall during the prime time of a few different salmon runs, so the timing works!  Bernard recommends utilizing a "camping van" (a van that has been converted inside to become more like an RV to allow camping) and he recommended a specific van rental company in Anchorage that would pick you up directly from the airport.  I found the web site of the company, but when I called them, it said the number was disconnected.  I researched further and found that they had actually gone out of business.  I thought to myself, no problem, I will find another camper van rental company.  Well that wasn't so easy.  There are plenty of car rental agencies and there are also RV and pickup camper rentals, but these are really expensive.  I found one camper van company that rents old Volkswagen vans that are set up for camping, but the disclaimer that said "they can't be held responsible for mechanical breakdowns of these old vans" made me nervous.  I finally stumbled across a small "mom & pop" rental agency in a town north of Anchorage called Wasilla that does rent the exact kind of "camper van" that I am looking for, but the town is an hour away from Anchorage (Houston we have a problem).  Well I gave them a call anyway and they just happened to have one van available during the my targeted window of opportunity and they agreed to come to Anchorage to pick me up from the airport!  Upon reserving the van, I also made my flight reservations.  I now have transportation and a place to sleep!  This is really going to happen!

Next I need to decide where I am going to drive my "camping van".  I have three options as Bernard describes it.  Option #1, I can go North and then East on the "Glenn and Richardson" highways.  This path has the lightest pressure, but provides fewer fishing opportunities.   Option #2, I could go North up the "George Parks" highway.  This path provides lots of fishing opportunities, medium fishing pressure, and views of Mount Mckinley or as the locals call it, Denali.  Option #4, is to go South to the Kenai peninsula.  This boasts some fantastic fishing, but it comes with the highest level of fishing pressure and crowds.

Option 1 was eliminated since I don't have that much time.  I am tempted by Option 2 because I want to visit Denali park, but Option 3 would allow me to fish for sockeye salmon or "reds" as their known along the famous banks of the Russian river.   I can't pass that up, Option 3 it is!

Next on the list is establishing where I can park my camping van overnight without being evicted.  I need to find a campground.  Well it just so happens that there is a campground on the Russian river, but it is very popular.  I had to immediately book a spot before they were all taken.  The prime spots were all gone, but I am just happy to have a reservation.  This is the first campground that I have ever reserved that required me to first read the rules around potential danger from bears!  This will be very interesting.

Well it's official!  I going to Alaska to fish for salmon and I will be sleeping in a van down by the river (that is a joke for all you Chris Farley fans from Saturday Night Live)!  I still have a lot of planning to do since I need to get all my fishing gear in order and there are still some logistics I need to work out.  I am not disclosing the exact timing of my trip because I am paranoid about letting the world know when I am away from my family, so you will hear about the trip after I return.  I also have tons of research to do around how to catch salmon, so I am sure I will be posting more about the planning in the near future.  Wish me luck!

OBN Gear Review: Irish Setter Boots

This is a first for me as I will be doing my first gear review on An Outdoor Adventure.  Why am I doing a gear review you might ask?  Well the folks over at the Outdoor Blogger Network (see the OBN badge on the right side bar for a link) offer weekly gear give-aways to outdoor bloggers so they can field test the equipment and write reviews.  I was the lucky winner of a pair of Irish Setter Rut Master Boots!  So here we go.....

First, let me just say that the folks at Irish Setter are first class!  I won these boots about a week ahead of my turkey hunting trip.  I emailed Joe at OBN and expressed my concern about receiving the boots in time for the hunt.  He shared my concern but then responded by saying that Irish Setter had agreed to ship the boots 2nd day air so that I would receive them in time!  They arrived as promised and are beautiful.

I am a heavy user of rubber hunting boots as they keep my feet dry in wet conditions (such as water crossings, muddy conditions, and heavy dews), but the primary reason is scent control during deer hunting.  I am really hard on my boots while hunting and expect them to perform without fail.  Here is my review of the boots highlighting those aspects that I look for when purchasing new hunting boots.

The first thing I noticed when unpacking the boots is that the quality is obvious.  These boots are made to last.  I pulled out my old hunting boots and did a side by side comparison. 

Side by side comparison of New vs. Old

1.  Heavy Tread:  You can tell this boot has an aggressive tread before you even pick it up.  It has cleat like grippers along the side and when you pick it up to take a look at the bottom you are even more impressed.  The lugs are thick but are spaced out enough that it won't just be a mud trap.  Able to provide traction when you need it most.  I took a look at my sad pair of old boots and noticed that the tread was almost gone in most places.  Granted, these are very old boots, but the wear is more excessive than you would expect.

Serious tread on the Irish Setter Rut Master

Tread that didn't hold up on the old boots.

2.  Reinforced Tops:  The biggest complaint from my old boots has been solved by the folks at Irish Setter!  The weakest part of most rubber boots is where it flexes in the front where my foot meets my ankle.  This has caused my old boots to crack and wear in this area causing holes in both boots!  The Irish Setter boots have reinforced material in this area to prevent that from happening!  Wow!  I know it seems like I am over emphasizing this point, but if you ever stepped in a creek on a day when it it just above freezing and you felt cold water rushing into your socks through your "water proof" boots, you would share my enthusiasm.  These holes also compromise the "scent free aspect of the boots and are the primary reason for utilizing them during deer season.

Pointing out reinforced areas with double layer.

What happens when you don't have reinforced area.

3.  ExoFlex:  What the heck is that?  Well, if I only read about it, I wouldn't have believed it, but this actually works.  The Irish Setter boots have this flexible area in the back that is where you place your heel inside the boot, that allows you to slip it on.  The boot "gives" just a little as you slip your foot in so it isn't a chore, but once you have it on, it is a nice snug fit.  The old boots, well you just use brute force.

EXOFLEX LINK

4.  Comfort:  When you put on my old boots, you can feel the "thin" construction, like there is no cushion of support between me and the sole of the boot.  The Irish Setter boots are luxurious.  They have a cushioning that provides tennis shoe type of comfort with the protection of rubber hunting boots.  No pics on this attribute, but you can imagine me smiling as I put them on!  

Over All Review:  I tried to utilize these boots during my turkey hunt, but the conditions weren't right for this test.  These boots will thrive in a cold and wet environment, but this trip was very hot and very dry.  Had it been a normal wet Spring season, they would have been perfect.  I know that I will be utilizing these boots also this fall season as I bow hunt whitetail deer.  Overall, I give these boots a 5 out of 5 star rating due to their heavy duty construction, aggressive tread, comfortable fit, and the innovative design that helps you more easily put them on.  Let me express my thanks to the folks at Irish Setter Boots for donating the boots and thanks to the Outdoor Blogger Network for coordinating these gear reviews!