The hunt is over and I can take
some time now to evaluate how it went.Obviously I am tickled to death over the results.I set out for a bear measuring at least eight
foot square and exceeded that.The
brownie’s skull will easily qualify for Pope & Young’s record book which is
an added bonus.But there were other
significant moments to measure and remember.
Shelby and I shared camp with some
wonderful people.The Randall family,
which owns Afognak Wilderness Lodge, is outstanding.The patriarch of the family is Roy.Besides having a great name, he is a great
person.It was a real delight and
pleasure to have him share his forty plus years in the wilderness with us.We did an hour long video with him and I hope
to write it down one day to share with you.
Shannon Randall who sees that
everything gets done timely and properly is a seasoned veteran at running a
hunting camp.She knows what needs to be
done and sees that it happens.
Luke, our guide, was more than I
had hoped for in a guide.He’s the kind
of guy you like to share camp with, he truly cares about your needs and
concerns.I couldn’t have asked for
more.It’s a safe bet he’s one of the
few guides I would like to hunt with again.I hope he knows how Shelby and I appreciated his efforts and his
attention to our needs.He’s someone you
should hunt with sometime.
Luke at the helm
Now let’s talk about
equipment.Several companies were kind
enough to supply us with some outstanding equipment for the hunt.Each of them told us to use and abuse their
products and then tell you how it performed.My comments are honest and not intended to be a blanket
endorsement.If it didn’t work, it
didn’t work, but none of them failed to live up to their advanced billing as
being good products.Here’s how it went.
BowTech Patriot dually bow.This was my first time using a dually but it
won’t be the last.The bow performed
flawlessly.It was easy to set up; light
to carry; and durable.Bouncing around
in the boat didn’t change its tuning or do any damage to it.Thanks BowTech for a great product.
I’ve used New Archery Products for
years.The Thunderhead broadhead has
helped me to take many animals over the years.It’s a winner as is evidenced by the many years it has been on the
market.Kudos to the people at NAP.
I previously told you about the
Arizona E-Z Fletcher, a great product.I
no longer use a single vane/feather fletcher, the E-Z Fletcher is the one for
me.
Spot-Hogg sights have traveled
with me around the world.Its one piece
of equipment I need to be able to rely on and the Spot-Hogg fills the
bill.You don’t have to worry about it
breaking or coming loose during a hunt.The people at Spot-Hogg have it right and are my choice when it comes to
sights.
Until last year I used aluminum
carbon arrows, not anymore.The Carbon
Express Maxima arrows are very tough and straight.My bear fell on the arrow and it didn’t break
or crack.I like the camo finish and
performance this arrow provides.
Innovative Designs Inc. supplied my
outer wear.Just like they promised, it
was light, quiet, warm, waterproof and withstood the abuse of the hunt.You should check out this product, it’s an up
and comer.
Simms Vibration Labs (Limbsavers) has
been a part of my basic equipment for many years.You can’t go against a winner.These guys know what they’re doing and I use
their products with confidence and pride.
I practiced a lot for this hunt
with broadheads.The American Whitetail Target stood up to being sliced and diced and is still in good shape.I especially like being able to pull out the
arrow easily while the target maintains its integrity.You’ll score a 10 if you use their targets.
Since we were video taping this
hunt, I wanted to be able to see the arrow in flight.The Easy-Eye arrow wraps helped us to do just
that.They were easy to install and
stayed put throughout the hunt.In
addition to that, they’re just plain pretty.
As I’ve said before, the Wolverine
boots are tough as the name.No leaks
and no bruises or blisters with these boots.Shelby and I used them and were glad they were there each morning to
give us sure footing on the wet, slippery footing along the coastline.
Dr. Bill
Connelly keeps coming out with truly useful and innovative
products like the Venom peep and the Rotaflex.Keep those inventive brain cells going Dr. Bill.The
Venom is more than advertised. It is easy to pick your target and gathers
light. The Rotaflex won’t replace a fully equipped gym but it comes awful
close.
Roy and wife Shelby relax over trophy Brown Bear
One final comment.I want to thank Rich Walton and Robert Hoague
for allowing me to put this on the internet so you could share the hunt with Shelby and me.Thanks to Shelby for putting up with me and supporting
me every day of my life.She’s a
winner.We have blacktail deer and shire
moose hunts scheduled for later this year, maybe we can share them with you.
