The Official Publication Of The Alaska Professional Hunters Association
WINTER CONVENTION 2022
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Event News JANUARY 6-9
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB CONVENTIONKAY BAILEY CONVENTION CENTER
JANUARY 13-15
WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION CONVENTION-RENO SPARKS CONVENTION CENTER
JANUARY 19-22
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION-MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS
JANUARY 26-29 GRAND SLAM OVIS CONVENTIONWESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT FEBRUARY 4-6
HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB CONVENTION
FEBRUARY 26
IOWA FNAWS BANQUET
HUNTER EDITORIAL Editor, Deb Moore Associate Editor, Lyle Becker Associate Editor, Sam Fejes Contributing Writers, Thor Stacey, Phil Shoemaker and Sam Fejes BOARD OF DIRECTORS Founding President, Bud Branham President, Sam Rohrer Vice President, Wayne Kubat Secretary, Angie Bloomquist Treasurer, Lyle Becker Director, Cabot Pitts Director, Paul Claus Director, Alicia “Mutts” Rosenbruch-Decker. Director, Sam Fejes Director, Dan Montgomery Director, Jay Stanford Executive Director, Deb Moore Office Administrator, Chelsea Adler GOVERNMENT LIAISON Director of Government Affairs, Thor Stacey
THE ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTER is the official publication of The Alaska Professional Hunters Association, Inc. Copyright © 2020 Alaska Professional Hunters Association. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Volume 45, No.1. THE ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTER is published three times per year by The Alaska Professional Hunters Association, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Denver, Colorado, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription is paid through membership in The Alaska Professional Hunters Association: One (1) year sustaining (US) $40; One (1) year sustaining (non-US) $100; Business (US) $100; Assistant Guide Membership $75; Non-Contracting Professional Members $150; Contracting Professional Membership $250. APHA CODE OF ETHICS: • To institute and secure the general adoption of a high and sportsman like conception of wildlife and hunting of game;
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• To promote hunting by fair chase: the pursuit of trophy in a legal and sportsmanlike manner, without herding, driving or chasing trophies with the use of mechanically powered equipment; • Consistent with the practice of hunting, fishing, and photography, to promote and assist in the conservation of fauna and flora and to cooperate with government officials concerned with the conservation of flora and fauna; • To assist in the prevention of illegal or unsportsmanlike practice by anyone in the practice of professional hunting or by anyone engaged in the sports of hunting, fishing or photography; • To promote and safeguard the interests of all members of this corporation;
ART and DESIGN Publication Design, A.T. Publishing and Printing CONTACT THE PUBLICATION Contributing manuscripts, photographs, advertising & editorial submissions, artwork and other materials pertaining to the Alaska Professional Hunters Association are always welcome. Contributed material will be reviewed by the magazine committee and published at the editor’s discretion. Submissions should be sent to the APHA, ATTN: Editor, PO Box 240971, Anchorage, AK 99524. Please do not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by the production staff. If you wish for the materials to be returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope
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C O L O R
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PLEDGE TO SUPPORT OBJECTIVES: By signature, all members shall pledge themselves to support the objectives of the corporation, as stated in these laws.
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DISCLAIMER: While The Alaska Professional Hunter strives to attract quality advertisers and donors, it cannot be responsible for the ultimate quality of the products which they may present to our members and buyers. Neither The Alaska Professional Hunters Association nor its officers or directors is a guarantor of your satisfaction with the products it makes available to you. Our dedication is to the Alaskan hunting and fishing industry and not to policing our advertisers or donors. We cannot, under the law, reject an advertiser or donation simply because of a prior complaint from a dissatisfied consumer. We will strive to make available quality merchandise and hunts, but without warranty or guarantee.
No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association. All information provided is based on information correct at the time of press. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to products/services referred to in this magazine. We welcome reader submissions, but cannot promise that they will be published. By submitting materials you agree to give the Alaska Professional Hunters Association the royalty-free, perpetual, non-exclusive right to publish and reuse your submission in any form in any and all media and to use your name and other information in connection with the submission.
• To endorse and foster a code of business ethics in accord with ethical standards and the laws and regulations of the state of Alaska.
RECEIVED OUTSTANDING ANIMAL AWARDS 6 TIMES 2019, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2007, 1999
2016 APHA / SCI AWARDS 2 nd & 3 rd Place Moose 3 rd Place Grizzly
2017 APHA / SCI AWARDS 1 st & 2 nd Place Grizzly
with master guides Virgil & Eric Umpenhour 2400 Davis Road • Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Phone 907.456.3885 • Fax 907.456.3889 E-mail: akhunt@ak.net www.huntalaskawithus.com
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Departments Pg 6
Editor’s Message
Pg 7
Senator Josh Revak
Pg 8
President’s Message
Pg 10-11
Legislative Report
Pg 12-13
Board Of Directors
Pg 14
Big Game Services Report
Pg 16
Annual Meeting Recap
APHA OUTSTANDING ANIMAL AWARDS
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NICK’S DREAM HUNT EXPERIENCE
32
WILDLIFE REPORT WOLVERINE
36
ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
41
Pg 36-38 Wildlife Report Pg 45-53 Hunter Gallery Pg 55
Newsworthy
Pg 56
About APHA
Pg 61
Alaska Gourmet
Pg 69-79 Membership Directory
WINTER 2022
Features pg 19-28 Pg 30-31
2021 APHA Outstanding Animal Award Winners Dream Hunt Raffle
HUNTER GALLERY
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ELIA’S THANK YOU
Pg 32-34 Nick’s Dream Hunt Experience Pg 41-43
Essay Contest Winners
Pg 57-59 Elias Holt’s Thank You
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Pg 64-65 Alaska Hunting Conservation Pg 66
Meat Donations
COVER PHOTO BY PAUL CLAUS, ULTIMA THULE LODGE
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ELIGIB
DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
ER MB
APHA ME LE
WHERE THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Alaska-Yukon Moose • Mt. Goat • Coastal Brown Bear • Black Bear • Sitka Blacktail Deer • Sport Fishing • Wildlife Viewing
907.349.4040
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www.FejesGuideService.com
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FejesGuideService@gmail.com
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Editor’s Message Dear readers, Though we faced many challenges as a continuation of Covid, we end 2021 on a positive note and through some creativity, find ourselves in a good position. We absolutely would not be as successful as we are without the support of our conservation partners. We thank the Wild Sheep Foundation, Safari Club International, Iowa FNAWS, Dallas Safari Club and Shikar for their continued support.
Brief 2021 Review: We are just wrapping up a successful Annual Membership Meeting that was both in-person and offered on Zoom. While we miss having everyone “in the room” it seems to be the way of the future and offers options for those who can’t make the trip to Anchorage.
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The administrative team of Chelsea Adler and Angie Bloomquist have been a tremendous asset to this organization, without them we would not have accomplished all that we did this year. Through the efforts of Chelsea, our social media presence has greatly improved. Please take a look at our Instagram and Facebook and help us by sharing our posts.
Raffles have really proven to be successful for us. Earlier this year we partnered with Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation for a Marco Polo hunt raffle. The raffle was successful enough that we decided to offer a 2nd Marco Polo raffle which was drawn at our virtual event in December. We held our 4th annual Dream Hunt Raffle in 2021 and I’m please to announce that we sold out of tickets in early December! We will be kicking off our 2022 Dream Hunt the first part of January. You will see an announcement regarding our website redesign further in this magazine. We are beyond excited to get this project going. The new website will offer a comprehensive search feature for clients who are looking to book hunts with our guides. We continue to promote our meat sharing programs. We’ve worked with the Alaskan Native Medical Center in proving game for their patients over the past few years. The 501(c)(3) foundation took a special interest in furthering meat sharing and worked with Indian Valley Meats to help with processing. We were also able to donate meat to the Changepoint Church in 2021. We held our first Youth Shooting Class this past summer, it was a great event teaching kids how to safely handle firearms We held our 5th annual Youth Essay Contest where the winner spent a conservation based stay at Ultima Thule Lodge. We thank Paul and Donna Claus for their generosity.
We held our election of Board of Directors in December, we are welcoming Jay Stanford to our board and welcome Lyle Becker and Wayne Kubat to another term. We thank Steve Perrins, II for his service these past 3 years.
I wish everyone a great 2022
We had a very successful, albeit 100% virtual auction in December of 2021. We brought Donald C Martin in as MC and Rohn Nelson was auctioneer. They did a great job with auctioning to an empty room and it was streamed online.
DEB MOORE Editor
Intensive Management Repeal and Charitable Gaming Greetings! My name is Josh Revak, and I am the state Senator for part of South Anchorage. I’m a combat veteran and life-long hunter. Hunting is a staple of Alaskan culture and essential to the lives of many Alaskans. Hunters have a deep appreciation for our resources by putting us in direct contact with the natural world. Getting the next generation passionate about hunting passes on this sacred tradition of conservation and responsible use of our land and resources. I’m proud to be an advocate of the outdoors with you. This year, the hunting community faced several unique and significant challenges. Alaskans have a long history of living close to the land and relying on big game populations. It is crucially important that these wildlife populations be carefully maintained throughout our state so that future generations can continue to provide food for their families, carrying on this great Alaskan tradition. The Board of Game’s Intensive Game Management Program does the critical work of maintaining sustainable big game populations across Alaska. But, as some of you know, its future was uncertain at the beginning of this year. To tackle this problem, I passed a bill this session which protects the program’s funding ($4 million per year) so it can continue its crucial wildlife conservation efforts that ensure bountiful moose, caribou, and deer populations across Alaska for Alaskan families. The COVID-19 pandemic also presented unique challenges for the hunting communities of Alaska. Among these was the problem of fundraising for non-profits like APHA. As the pandemic decimated in-person event attendance, I heard from several charities looking to take advantage of online charitable gaming to reach their fundraising needs. Unfortunately, several state statutes created overburdensome barriers for these non-profits. I was proud to advocate for more reasonable online gaming statute by introducing an amendment fixing this issue through the middle of next year. With a huge effort on the part of APHA and my office, we were able to get it across the finish line quickly, allowing fundraising efforts to continue uninterrupted.
Blessings, Josh Revak Alaska State Senator
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To those outside of the hunting community, both of these problems may seem minor. However, they have enormous effects on the hunting issues we all care about. I could not be more thankful for people like you and organizations like the Alaska Professional Hunters Association who dedicate their time to advocating for us on these critical issues. Please continue to reach out. My door is always open, 907-269-0222 and at Sen.Joshua. Revak@akleg.gov.
The Alaska Professional Hunter
President’s Message Greetings from Kodiak, I hope this message finds you healthy and prosperous in the New Year! It has been a very good year for APHA. For the second year in a row, we have sold out of our Dream Hunt Raffle tickets. We are also down to just 150 tickets left for our Marco Polo Hunt Raffle that we do in partnership with the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation! Over the last 3 years, these two raffles have become significant fundraisers for APHA. Thank you to our staff, Conservation Partners, and members who have worked so hard to sell tickets, and of course a tremendous thank you to all the individuals who have purchased these tickets. We could not do this without you.
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On the Legislative front, APHA were honored to give our 2021 Legislator of the year award to Senator Josh Revak. Senator Revak has been a tireless advocate for sound wildlife management in the Alaska Senate. This last year he championed a bill, SB22, that would permanently remove the sunset provision for the Intensive Management (IM) Surcharge. The IM Surcharge has been in place since the beginning of 2017, and has resulted in a reliable funding source, that when matched with Pittman Robertson funds, has allowed the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to continue to build active management programs that are effective, dependable and benefit all Alaskans. Sen. Revak’s bill passed the legislature and was signed into law this last year.
I was privileged to present former Representative Registered Guide #222, Mel Gillis, the 2021 Simon Waugh Award. Representative Gillis joined an exclusive list of Alaskan Guides who have received APHA’s most prestigious award. To the best of my knowledge, Representative Gillis is one of only 3 Registered Guides that have ever served in the Alaska Legislature. He joins Senator Ken Fanning and Governor Jay Hammond as being a hunting guide legislator! In addition to this, Representative Gillis is the first person, in the history of APHA, to receive both our Legislature of the Year award (2020) and our Simon Waugh Award. Never one to sit around and rest on his laurels, Representative Gillis is still hard at work on guide issues. As always, our staff have worked extremely hard for APHA this last year. Deb Moore, our Executive Director, continues to work tirelessly on our behalf, she is truly the glue that holds our association together. Deb was joined in the office this spring by Chelsea Adler. Chelsea has been quick to come up to speed, and primarily manages the membership and our hunt raffles. Unfortunately, this last year, Angie Bloomquist had to step back from her paid position with APHA to focus more on her and her husband’s guide business. We will miss her in the office but are thrilled that she has agreed to stay on as our Board Secretary. Thor Stacey, our Government Affairs Director and State Lobbyist, is always working hard in Juneau. He coordinates all our state and federal efforts and never ceases to strategize how to move APHA forward. A special thanks to our Vice President Wayne Kubat, Wayne gives generously of his time to our association, and is easily our hardest working board member. Lastly, I would like to encourage all our members to participate in this winters Board of Game (BOG) meeting cycle. APHA will hold several Legislative and Regulatory Committee (L&R) meetings in the lead up to the BOG meetings. We use these L&R meetings to develop our policy and to craft good proposal comments. The success of these efforts is directly tied to the participation of our member who are knowledgeable in the affected areas. Please be on the lookout for meeting notices!
Sincerely,
SAM ROHRER President, APHA
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The Alaska Professional Hunter
Legislative Update Dear Guides, We are coming to the end of the second year of having our lives and businesses defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the government affairs side, 2021 was just as challenging as 2020 but for different reasons. For the hunting guides new challenges are waiting for us in 2022 that are not all together unexpected even if the stars have aligned in ways that we could never have predicted. On one hand members are reporting stronger demand for Alaska hunts than ever. On the other hand some conservation concerns, driven by tough winters, have exposed some of the weaknesses in guide policies that will take serious work to navigate in the coming year or years. While the future challenges are always a cause for worry and consternation I want to take the time and report back on what I have worked on for APHA this year without speculating on the future.
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When the legislature gaveled in for the first year of the 32nd legislature we were faced with unknown impacts of an expired COVID-19 disaster declaration, the capital being closed to the public and topsyturvy leadership struggles in the house. APHA’s approach to this situation was cautious partly out of respect for the ongoing public health crisis and partly because difficult politics within the legislative body is a dangerous environment. Our main priority was to reauthorize the Intensive Management (IM) surcharge and permanently remove the sunset on that source of funding to the Division of Wildlife. As session evolved and we understood better some of the provisions of the original disaster declaration (DD) we realized working on a permanent reform to charitable gaming would rise to a legislative priority. Securing permanent funding for the division of wildlife and reforming charitable gaming laws would be a full plate for any group but as session evolved even more issues would arise that required our attention. At the end of the 31st legislature a serious flaw in language that was included in the reauthorization of the Big Game Commercial Services Board (BGCSB) was identified. This flaw mandated that ANY wildlife
or guiding violation would be cause for a Master Guide license to be revoked. The new interpretation, understood only after the bill was passed, required a master guide license be revoked for even minor paperwork violation. This error was unforeseen and especially surprising because two different state attorneys had reviewed the language in the bill and assured the bill sponsor, the public and amendment sponsor that paperwork violations or other minor tickets were not cause for revocation. APHA was in a tough spot because we had lobbied hard for the reauthorization and did not spot the error until the bill became law and subsequent analysis had been presented to us. At the beginning of session in 2021 Master Guides were at risk of losing their licenses for paperwork violations. On our first legislative priority APHA and the coalition of sporting groups found themselves in good hands when Senator Josh Revak (R), Chair of Senate Resources, once again filed legislation (SB 22) to reauthorize the IM surcharge. The hunting conservation community sprung into practiced action and began lobbying to move the reauthorization through the legislature rapidly to avoid a conservation funding shortfall. Leaders in the Republican led Senate did a good job of prioritizing and advancing Revak’s bill. Revak proved capable of working with Senate minority members and garnered an 18 to 1 voted in favor on the Senate floor. Moving to the house SB 21 faced a different political landscape. Once again the hunting communities solid relationships and Revak’s partnership with the new Chair of house resources, Josiah Patkotak (I), moved SB 21 rabidly along in the House. A special thanks to leaders in the house, Speaker Louise Stutes (R) and Rules Chair Bryce Edgmon (I) for getting this to the floor. SB 21 passed the house 38 to 2. I’m proud to say that APHA played a key role in getting SB 21 passed. By February it was apparent that reauthorizing the COVID-19 DD was politically uncertain. I worked with the relevant legislative committees, the Governor’s office and our legal team in DC to identify provisions of the DD that were beneficial to the guides and wildlife conservation in Alaska. One previously overlooked portion of the DD that came into focus was the regulation suspensions allowing for online raffle ticket sales due to impacts on in-person events such as charitable fundraisers. Almost simultaneously as we worked to understand the DD representative Zach Fields sponsored HB 218 to make DD provisions, updating arcane charitable gaming laws, permanent. Working
Senator Von-Imhoff’s staff worked to with the BGCSB to find a resolution to the Master Guide license revocation issue. This resolution was moved and voted on in the light of day by the BGCSB. APHA acted in a monitoring role, deferring to the BGCSB and Von-Imhoff’s office. Von-Imhoff’s staff moved the bill to final passage in less than a month near the end of session. APHA mostly monitored the bills progress working in a defensive position if unsupported changes or amendments were proposed. Senator Von-Imhoff and her staff deserve recognition for their work to correct mistakes made in the BGCSB reauthorization bill. The BGCSB also deserves credit for working hard to listen to industry and guide input to propose a solution that accomplished the original intent of the legislature and prevent disciplinary overreach. All in all it was great to see industry’s regulatory body and the legislature work collaboratively like they were intended to do. It is true some other challenges arose in 2021 that will continue into 2022 and beyond. Those future challenges aside, I wanted to report on some of the work we did in Juneau this last year during an especially trying and difficult time in our state. If we can successfully work through 2020 and 2021 there is cause for optimism that we can once again rise to the challenges waiting for us in 2022 and beyond. I remain honored and proud to work for and on behalf of APHA and Alaska’s hunting guides.
THOR STACEY Director Of Government Affairs (907) 723 1494
The Alaska Professional Hunter
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with our team in DC and the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation and other hunting groups we began lobbying for HB 218. While HB 218 remains in house Rules now, we were successful in getting changes included in the DD passed by the legislature allowing online raffle sales for 2021 and into spring of 2022. This was key to ensuring viability of nonprofits such as APHA through the pandemic and should ultimately result in modernizing charitable gaming laws in Alaska. Once again, I am proud of APHA’s effectiveness on this issue and my work on the group’s behalf.
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Board of Directors
Nominations for Board members are made during the annual business meeting in December of each year. Directors are elected and serve for a three year term. Officers are elected during the first meeting of the new board at the close of the membership meeting.
SAM ROHRER, President - 2011-2023 Sam was born and raised on Kodiak Island in a guiding family. He has been involved in the business since his early teens. He has been fortunate to have the opportunity to guide in many different areas of Alaska. He received his Assistant Guide license at the age of 18 and his Registered Guide license at the age of 21. Sam lives in Kodiak with his very understanding wife, Sarah, and their four kids. They own and operate a big game guiding, sport fishing and wildlife viewing operation on Kodiak.
WAYNE KUBAT, Vice President - 2012-2024 Wayne received his registered guide license and started Alaska Remote Guide Service in 1986. He’s been a member of the APHA since then and is now a master guide. He guides for brown bear, Dall sheep, and moose and also markets a video on calling and hunting moose. He keeps active in wildlife and guiding issues through the BOG and BGCSB. He and his wife, Marilyn, live near Wasilla and Marilyn is vital to both businesses.
LYLE BECKER, Treasurer - 2013-2024 Born and raised in a small town in central Ohio, Lyle grew up hunting, trapping, fishing, and dreaming of one day moving to Alaska. After commercial fishing in Bristol Bay several summers during college, he moved up permanently in 2006 with the goal of trapping and one day owning a guiding business. He received his Registered Guide license in December of 2008. Lyle is a board member of the South Central Chapter of the Alaska Tappers Association, and resides in Anchorage with his wife Alexandra.
CABOT PITTS, Director - 2014-2023
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Introduced to the outdoors at a young age, Cabot’s passion has always revolved around hunting and fishing. Cabot worked in Alaska as a packer in his off months while obtaining a degree from Virginia Tech in Geography with a focus on Aerospatial and Environmental Analysis. He realized he wanted to fully pursue an outfitting career in Alaska and has since then obtained his registered guide license and now runs Alaska Wild Wind Adventures where he currently holds an exclusive concession on the Alaskan Peninsula.
DAN MONTGOMERY, Director - 2013-2022 Dan was born in a small town in eastern Washington and grew up hunting and fishing. He moved to Alaska in 1982 and got his assistant guide license in 1985 and received his registered guide license in 1993. That same year he started his own guiding business Alaska Trophy Adventures. He has since earned his Master license and also holds a commercial pilot license for both land and sea. Dan has lived in Southeast Alaska (Juneau), the Arctic (Kotzebue) and now lives in Wasilla.
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Vast Alaska Rod- Krupicka Alaska Raven Guides, LLC SAM FEJES, Director 2011-2023 Cash Joyce 903 rd. 22 McLeod Born and raised in Alaska, Sam entered the guidingKenneth industryDustin in 1978 as an assistant 6200 Beechcraft Rd Milligan, NE 68406 1726 Halibut Point Rd. guide. In 1981, he received his registered guide license and formed Fejes Guide Service Ltd. Wasilla, AK 99654 907-830-3321 Sitka, AK 99835 He holds a commercial pilot license—land/sea with instrument rating, air taxi certificate, 907-350-3982 rkrupicka@gmail.com 907-738-0323 and a 100 ton Master coast guard license. He has also been active with many conservation cash@vastalaska.com mcleod_dustin@yahoo.com Ron Lambert children who experienced fishingalaskaravenguides.com and hunting in Alaska, and hopes www.vastalaska.comgroups. Sam has three Secondthe Avenue their children1419 experience same. Working GMUs: 7, 9,that 13, 14C Working GMUs: 3, 4 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Afognak Wilderness Lodge II, LLC 612-386-0742 Gakona Guide Service Jordan Kamae lambertron50@gmail.com Bryan McMahan PAUL CLAUS, Director - 2019-2022 PO Box SYB, Seal Bay PO Box 209 LaRose Guide Service Kodiak. AK 99697 AK 99586 I was born in Anchorage and grew up flying, climbingGakona, mountains, skiing and hunting all Gary R. LaRose 360-799-3250 907-259-3553 over Alaska. My father, John Claus, was a registered guide and hunted most of Alaska and PO Box 172 808-381-5266 N82491@gmail.com I spent my younger years riding around with him in the back of his supercub. One of my AK 99587 jkamae@gmail.com favorite places to Girdwood, go was the Wrangell Mountains. I started flying myself at age Gakona Guide Service 16. In 1982, 907-350-6841 Cell www.huntafognak.com I married my amazing wife Donna and together beganChuck building up our guiding business McMahan garylarose30@gmail.com Working GMU: 8 that we named Ultima Thule Outfitters. We’ve raised our children PO3Box 110 under the shadow of www.garylarose.com has9E richly blessed me with an incredible life! And now I’m Hunter Creek Guidesthe Wrangell Mountains. Gakona, AK 99586 WorkingGod GMUs: honored to have been elected to the board of the APHA and look forward to working Loren J. Karro 907-320-1064 Magnuson Outfitters that is 907-822-3553 26239 E Buckshot Drive with and contributing to thisAlaskan great organization so vital to the continuation of the Dwayne Magnusson Palmer, AK 99645 Guiding Industry and our Livelihoods! cmcmahan@cvinternet.net 1517 W. 47th Avenue 907-745-3712 Working GMUs: 11, 12, 13 Anchorage, AK 99503 lorenk@mtaonline.net Gakona ALISHA “MUTTS” 907-382-6717 ROSENBRUCH-DECKER, Director - 2019 - 2022Guide Service Joseph Kazimirowicz Johnny McMahan dwayne@huntmao.com Mutts was bornwww.huntmao.com and raised in an Alaskan guiding family Southeast Alaska. She never PO Box 31 POinBox 184 strayed from her desire and drive to be a Hunting Guide, and is the only Ekwok, AK 99580 Gakona, AK 99586 active female Working GMUs: 9, 19 Master Guide in the State of Alaska. Mother of 2 young boys, she and her husband Zach 907-464-6121 907-882-5925 Alaska Dall Sheep Guides, LLC are continuing their second-generation guide operation, Glacier Guides, Inc. Passionate joe@alaskarigidoutfitters.com 907-259-5925 Mont Mahoney about wildlife, their habitat, and the ability to pursue our hunting heritage and traditions, jmanyabuddy@hotmail.com Aniakchak Guide Service PO Boxto 190905 Mutts is looking forward serving on the Board to help ensure we will be able to continue Joey Klutsch Anchorage, AKto99519 those traditions for generations come! PO Box 222 907-360-6190 King Salmon, AK 99613 akcubpilot@aol.com 907-469-3033 Cell www.huntdallsheep.com joeyklutsch@gmail.com JAY SANFORD, Director - 2021-2024 Hidden Alaska Guides & Outfitters www.joeyklutschhunting.com Jay’s Alaskan heritage is as old as the Bristol Bay salmon run. In his early childhood Tony Marchini Working GMUs: 9E, 26C he spent his summers on Lake Clark 6870 S Meyers Cir. with his Yupik Grandmother, Bella. When he was useful he put to work on his family’s commercial set net sites in Wrangell Outfitters old enough to beWasilla, AKwas 99623 Naknek; he continues to make his living off the waters of Bristol Bay each summer. He William Koehler 907-378-2676 got his name and hiddenakguides@gmail.com a deep love and respect of Alaskan Wildlife and natural resources from HC 62 Box 5219 Delta Junction, AK 99737 www.hiddenak.com his grandfather, Gov. Jay Hammond. With big, pioneering shoes to fill, Jay graduated 724-427-5350 GMUs 9, 16, School 19 from South Anchorage High and went on to get his bachelor degree in Business wrangelloutfitters@gmail.com Management and Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. Fresh out of college, Donald Martin www.wrangelloutfitters.com he came to work 8913 for Paul Claus Ultima Thule Outfitters, where he went on to earn his White StaratWay Working GMU: 12 Registered GuideElk License in 2017. He also guides for Sam and Dick Rohrer on Kodiak Grove, CA 95758 Island. Between these two legendary Kramer’s Kodiak Guide Service martin@earthlink.net guiding families he has developed his passion for professional hunting and sustaining this lifestyle for all future Alaskans. Having always Cole Kramer Clint Mayeur made his life in Alaska’s natural resources; commercial fishing, as a registered guide and PO Box 2748 Skyview Dr. of this lifestyle is a responsibility he takes seriously. the continuation Kodiak, AK 99615 living off the land,9401 Wasilla, AK 99623 907-539-6447 907-422-4207 kodiakhunter19@hotmail.com Mayeur@mtaonline.net DEB MOORE, Executive Director Stony Mountain Lodge Deb was raised in rural Arizona and grew up loving all things outdoors. She spent many Arno Krumm years in large cities until the day she decided to simplify her life. That decision led her to 1120 Huffman Rd., Ste 24-288 Alaska in 1998. It was love at first sight and she knew instantly she would never leave. Deb Anchorage, AK 99515 comes to us with plenty of business management experience and is enthusiastic about the 907-267-2629 guiding business as well as the conservation of our wildlife. stonymountainlodge@gmail.com
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Big Game Commercial Services Board Report
able
to
provide
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• Unique Verification Code requirements have been written more clearly for Guide-Outfitters participating in the ADF&G permit process.
I’m excited to provide a report this year! If you haven’t been following the progress our Big Game Commercial Services Board (BGCSB) is making, it has been tremendous! We are fully staffed and working hard on your behalf.
• New Regulations Projects the board will be taking comments on for the March meeting.
Licensing Costs The board requested an out of sequence review with the Division during the March 2022 meeting.
Education For 2023 renewal year the board implemented a refresher course on regulations concerning your license as part of the renewal process. The division is working on getting those questionnaires online.
Investigative Trends Conflicts in the field. Licensees are encouraged to look at Statute 08.54.720 and Ethics Regulation 12 AAC 75.340. The board is willing and ready to uphold these standards of professionalism.
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• Transporters will be processing equipment.
APHA Members and Supporters,
The following is a recap of the most recent December 2021 board meeting.
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• Caribou will be removed from species specific licensing.
New licensing and renewal applicants. When in doubt, disclose any violations. If not, do not expect a timely application process, expect a board action and don’t say we didn’t warn you. Our licensees spend tens of thousands of dollars chasing these “failure to disclose” applications each year. GuideOutfitters are encouraged to micro-manage their assistant guides licensing and renewal applications before being submitted.
Newly Adopted Regulations • Refresher questionnaires for all license renewals will be implemented for 2023. New Registered and Master Guide applicants will be required to have attended a number of BGCS Board meetings.
• Overhaul of the supervision statute. • 3-year Guide Use Area registration exemption for predator control listed species. • Adding requirements for in the field communication requirements. • Repeal of 10-day GMU requirement for noncontracting registered guide supervision. • Sub-Committees. Watch the BGCSB website for public notice. • Transporter Sub-committee. We have an increased trend in Marine Transporter activity which is creating the need to review and highlight regulations. • LLC and Partnership Business Practices Subcommittee. They will attempt to clearly outline lawful practices and regulatory requirements.
New Business Limited Guide Use Area Registration. The board is exploring lawful limited GUA registration as a method to reduce conflict and congestion in the field between Guide-Outfitters especially on State Owned Land. Online Tools. We are actively moving towards a more efficient means of administration for all licensees. Harvest tickets. We will continue to work with ADF&G on the harvest ticket issue when purchasing locking tags online.
Ongoing Business Survivorship, Disciplinary Matrix and Registered Guide Testing Sub-committees continue. We invite you to check the BGCSB website often for updates, reach out to us with questions or concerns and know your input is valuable as a licensee, future client or member of the public. JASON BUNCH Registered Guide; Kodiak, Alaska Chairman, Big Game Commercial Services Board
NX8 RIFLESCOPES
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Go to nightforceoptics.com to find a dealer near you. Nightforce is a registered trademark of Nightforce Optics, Inc. © 2022 Nightforce Optics, Inc. All rights reserved.
RUGGED. RELIABLE. REPEATABLE.
Paul Chervenak is proud to offer premier, professionally guided, fair chase hunts for Kodiak Brown Bear, Mountain Goats, Sitka Blacktail Deer and Waterfowl. We concentrate solely on Kodiak Island, operating three exclusive use guide areas in the heart of the Kodiak Island Archipelago, hunting Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, State of Alaska and Kodiak Native lands.
COMMITTED TO ENSURING YOU HAVE THE MOST REWARDING, SUCCESSFUL HUNT AND BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE.
(907) 486.3008
www.kodiakoutdoors.com
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Annual Meeting Recap
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING BY CHELSEA ADLER Our membership meeting was quite a success this year, averaging between 40-50 people via zoom and in our in-person meetings this December. We had several officials from BGCSB, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, ADF&G, Board of Game, and even heard from Representative Don Young and Senator Murkowski and Senator Revak! We had a very informative two-day meeting, receiving all the updates, and plans for our upcoming 2022 year. Our many supporters who attended varied from Safari Club International, Wild Sheep Foundation, Dallas Safari Club, Iowa FNAWS, and Global Rescue. Sarfari Club International sponsored our hospitality suite this year which was a great evening of socializing and being able to catch up with members that we don’t see too often throughout the year.
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And to top off the last day of our meeting, we were presented Grant In Aid checks from Iowa FNAWS and the Wild Sheep Foundation. Their continued support is greatly appreciated! We heard from Senator Murkowski, Don Young and Senator Revak during our meeting via zoom as well. Senator Revak mentioned how honored he was receiving the Legislator of the year Award. We also presented our Simon Waugh award to the legendary Mel Gillis this year. He is the first registered guide to not only receive the Simon Waugh award but was also awarded Legislator of the Year award last year as well. Congrats Mel! We had a great meeting and are looking forward to the new 2022 year!
ELIGIB
DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
Nick Albonico 40.5” Dall Sheep - 2021
Mark Burton 8’10” Grizzly Bear - 2021
BROWN BEAR FISHING MOUNTAIN GOAT
Jeff Edwards 68” Moose - 2021
LANCE & NIKKI KRONBERGER - HUNTING SEASON 2021
www.FreelanceOutdoorAdventures.com
MOOSE DALL SHEEP GRIZZLY BEAR
ER MB
APHA ME LE
In Commemoration of Our 50th Year, APHA is offering these Knives of Alaska, limited edition knives. Each knife is serial numbered with the APHA 50th Anniversary logo. Choose the fixed blade Alpha Wolf with a leather sheath or the Model CPM530V folder. Each are made of a durable stainless steel blade that will withstand the rigors of Alaska. All knives are made in the USA.
$125 each.
For purchase send email to office@alaskaprohunter.org or call 907-929-0619
Alaska Raven Guides Professional Hunts of Southeast Alaska Brown bear, Black bear, Mountain Goat
Dustin McLeod
Scott McLeod
907-738-0323
alaskaravenguides.com
APHA ME LE DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
ER MB
ELIGIB
907-738-6405
THE ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTER
2021 APHA ANIMAL AWARDS The following are the awards for the spectacular animals taken during the 2020 year. Animals include Dall Sheep, Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Sitka Black Tail Deer, Caribou, Mountain Goat, Mountain Goat, Moose and Wolf
Congratulations to all of the hunters who took home an animal this year. We look forward to seeing the entries for next year!
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OUTSTANDING ANIMAL AWARDS #1
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DALL SHEEP ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Louis Breland Hank Flatow & Mike Gray Alaska Trophy Adventures 184 1/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#1
SITKA BLACK TAIL DEER ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Fred Fanizzi Sam Fejes & Aaron Christiansen Fejes Guide Service 121 4/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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#1
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BROWN BEAR ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st George Vaught David Summers Glacier Guides, Inc. 25 1/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#1
GRIZZLY BEAR ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Kevin Pritchett Matt Snyder Alaska Hunting Adventures 25 2/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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#1
#2
#3
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BLACK BEAR ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Nick Blyton Kurt Whitehead Treasure Hunter Lodge 21 5/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2nd Kean Edwards Kurt Whitehead Treasure Hunter Lodge 20 14/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3rd Rick Marcelle II Kurt Whitehead Treasure Hunter Lodge 20 11/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#1
#3 #2
MOUNTAIN GOAT ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Doug Perry Alisha “Mutts” Rosenbruch-Decker Glacier Guides, Inc. 31 6/8 __1st __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alex Balestrieri Skylar Scheid Big Wild Outfitters 30 3/8 __2nd __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3rd Vance Misuraca Alisha “Mutts” Rosenbruch-Decker Glacier Guides, Inc. 30 2/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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#1
#3
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#2 MOOSE ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Steven Toepich Jason Semler Alaska Expedition Lodge 615 6/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2nd Adam Weatherby Shawn Huffman Hunt Alaska 464 2/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3rd Brenda Weatherby Trevor Saunders Hunt Alaska 452 1/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#1
#2
#3
DALL SHEEP ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Louis Breland Hank Flatow & Mike Gray Alaska Trophy Adventures 185 2/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2nd Erik Swanson Rick Parker Alaska Trophy Adventures 164 1/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3rd Michael Perchetti Hank Flatow & Mike Gray Alaska Trophy Adventures 162 1/8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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#1
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WOLF ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name Guide Outfitter Score __Place __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Roger Lynn Skylar Scheid Big Wild Outfitters 17 8/16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JOE KLUTSCH APHA ME LE DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
ER MB
ELIGIB
MASTER GUIDE
KODIAK ISLAND & ALASKA PENINSULA MOOSE SITKA DEER
APHA ME LE DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
ER MB
BRISTOL BAY FISHING
ELIGIB
BROWN BEAR MOUNTAIN GOAT
SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY GROUPS SALMON & FRESH WATER SPECIES
PHONE: (907) 246-3030 FAX: (907) 246-3050 King Salmon, Alaska 99613 P.O. Box 313 joeklutsch@gmail.com www.katmaiguideservice.com
Registered Guide #1277 • Federally Permitted
907-469-3033 • joeyklutsch@gmail.com P.O. Box 222 • King Salmon, Alaska 99613
FOR SALE Three buildings, two runways on 80 deeded acres in the Western Brooks Range. 118 gps miles north of Kotzebue. This has served as headquarters for Arctic Rivers Guide & Booking Service and Jake Jacobson, Master Guide #54, since 1972. Arctic Rivers Guide Service & guest hunters have received 65 awards for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place animals in annual APHA/SCI competition. This turn-key operation may include a residence and storage vans in Kotzebue, if buyer wishes. See more: www.huntfish.us Contact Jake: huntfish@ak.net
Enter to Win
Ticket Price $100.00 Only 1250 tickets to be sold
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN Drawing Held at APHA Event in December 2022
Win Big! Dedicated to Conservation of Wildlife Resources Permit #103040
Twenty-Five Thousand Dollar Credit Towards Your Choice of Hunt with Participating APHA Member
Ticket Info: http://alaskaprohunter.org/raffle.html or call APHA office 907-929-0619
Hunt with any of the following APHA Members:
This list is growing, please check with the APHA office for additions 21. Joe Klutsch Katmai Guide Service
2. 2. Peter Barela Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters
22. Joey Klutsch Aniakchak Guide Service, 40. Cabot Pitts Katmai Guide Service Alaska Wild Wind Adventures 23. Cole Kramer Kramer’s Kodiak Guide 41. Clay Roberts Service Big Wild Outfitters
3. Lyle Becker Alaska Skookum Guides 4. Aaron Bloomquist Alaska Outfitters Unlimited 5. Jeff Burwell Alaska High Peak Adventures 6. Paul Chervenak Kodiak Outdoor Adventures, Inc. 7. Jay Claus Ultimate Thule Outfitters 8. Paul Claus Ultimate Thule Outfitters 9. Zachariah Decker Glacier Guides, Inc. 10. Susan Entsminger Alaska Hunting Adventures 11. Samuel Fejes Fejes Guide Service Ltd. 12. Jacob Fletcher Fletchers Guide Service 13. Cary Foster Full Scope Outfitters 14. Gary Gray Alsek River Guide Service, Inc., Alsek River Lodge, Inc. 15. Richard Guthrie Frosty View Lodge 16. Justin Horton H & H Alaskan Outfitters 17. James “Jake” Jacobson Arctic Rivers Guide & Booking Service
19. Cash Joyce Vast Alaska 20. Gary “Butch” King Wildman Lake Lodge
24. Lance Kronberger Freelance Outdoor Adventures & Cinder River Lodge Alaska
42. Richard Rohrer R. Rohrer, Inc.
25. Wayne Kubat Alaska Remote Guide Service
44. Jimmie C. Rosenbruch Glacier Guides, Inc.
26. Gary LaRose LaRose Guide Service
43. Sam Rohrer Rohrer Bear Camp, Inc.
45. Alisha RosenbruchDecker Glacier Guides, Inc.
46. Jason Semler 27. Tony Lee Alaska Expedition Lodge Alaska Big Game Hunting 47. James Smith 28. Joe Letarte Alaska Hunt Smith Alaska Wilderness Enterprises 48. Matt Snyder Alaska Hunting 29. Michael Litzen Adventures Litzen Guide Service 49. Thor Stacey 30. Mont Mahoney Arctic Alaska Adventures Alaska Dall Sheep Guides, LLC 50. Richard Stewart 31. Dave Marsh 51. Ed Toribio Big Game Big Country Primo Expeditions 32. Scott McLeod 52. Eric Umphenour Alaska Raven Guides Hunt Alaska 33. Dan Montgomery 53. Virgil Umphenour Alaska Trophy Hunt Alaska Adventures 54. Tracy Vrem 34. Mike Munsey Blue Mountian Lodge Munsey’s Bear Camp 55. Gary Wall 35. Tim Nelson G’s Greatland Guiding, Tim’s Alaskan Guide LLC Service 56. Kurt Whitehead 36. Spencer Pape Treasure Hunter Lodge Alaska Premier 57. Dennis Zadra Adventures Lonesome Dove 37. Bruce Parker Outfitters Inc. Parker Guide Service, 58. Mike Zweng Inc. Alaska Adventure Safaris 38. Steve Perrins The Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
Prize Details • Winner recieves a $25,000 credit towards the hunt of choice with participating APHA Member • Multiple hunts can be combined to total $25,000 • Credit may also be used for fishing trips • Need not be present to win • Only 1250 tickets will be sold • Drawing will be held at our APHA Event in December 2022 • Transportation, license and tag fees are not included • The winner will have until 3/15/2023 to select the outfitter/guide • Hunt must be conducted by 12/31/2025 • This prize has NO CASH VALUE
Look for the banner APHA ME LE DREAM HUNT RAFFLE
ER MB
18. Brent Jones AAA Alaskan Outfitters
39. Brian Peterson Brian Peterson Master Guide, LLC
ELIGIB
1. Dale Adams Adams Alaskan Safaris
for participating members ads in this issue!
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Feature #1
2019 DREAM HUNT RAFFLE WINNER
NICK PASCIAK SHARES HIS RAM SHEEP HUNT EXPERIENCE BY CHELSEA ADLER Nick Pasciak was the 2019 Dream Hunt Raffle Ticket winner, with only purchasing ONE raffle ticket! When Sam Rohrer called him that evening to share the news, Nick was in such utter disbelief that he even called Sam back the next day to verify that he did indeed win this amazing hunting prize! Sam answered without saying “hello?” but rather “Yes Nick! you won!”.
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Throughout the following months, Nick and Joey started discussing the upcoming hunt, what kind of gear to buy, and what to prepare for. Nick spent the following year saving up money, conditioning, and shooting his rifle nearly every week (a Ruger American in 6.5 CM with a Swarovski Z5 3.5x18 shooting Nosler a 142gr. ACB Trophy Grade Long
Range) to make sure that when the opportunity came to take a sheep, his shot was going to be accurate regardless of shooting position and distance. August 4th of 2021, he flew to Alaska with his long-time hunting buddy, and fellow sheep hunter Daniel Jones to start their hunt! He noted that this was his second time on a small aircraft, and it was a rather bumpy ride for him. Once he got to Coldfoot on August 6th, it was the typical ‘hurry up and wait’ game that most of us know and deal with up here. Weather being the ultimate deciding factor of when they were going to get to basecamp and embark on his two-week hunt. August 7th, Dirk (Coyote Air), transported them to the hunt area in a Dehavilland Beaver, unloaded their gear and supplies, and everyone began to pack food and take inventory of what was to be left at base camp and what was to be packed to spike. Nick and his buddy bumped knuckles, exchanged their “good luck and be safe” and parted ways with their guides to embark on this epic adventure into the North Slope of the Brooks. Nick and Joey had a twelvemile hike to the first spike camp to meet up with
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Over the course of the last few years, Nick started pursuing more western hunting, including elk with his fellow hunting buddies. His passion for hunting, the outdoors and filling his freezer with game meat became his biggest passion and hobby. Nick attended the Dallas Safari show in January of 2020 where he was introduced to Russel Cunningham of Dripping Springs. Russel was ecstatic to meet Nick and said “you have to meet Joey Klutcsh (of Aniakchak Guide Services), come on I’ll introduce you”. They got to talking, and ultimately Joey convinced Nick that the only once in a lifetime hunt, he should do is a Dall Sheep hunt.
} their packer Brennan Bogardus. Over the next two days they took their time making it to camp, seeing a ton of caribou and other wildlife, and of course stopping along the way to pick blueberries.
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They spotted one potentially legal ram on day 1 but it was still pre-season and they had plans to go much further up the main river valley. Over the course of the next 5 days, they hiked nearly every available drainage spotting nice caribou and various ewe and lamb groups but no legal rams in the bunch. August 13th, 4 days into the season a bruiser mature ram presented them with 500-yard opportunity 4.5 miles into steep drainage. Joey got a good range on the sheep, Nick dialed his scope for 500 yards and got on a rest that was a pile of rocks with a backpack on it, but of course, the wind shifted, the ram caught wind, and bolted up the hill. They had to travel about 900 yards uphill to go after the ram. They found him bedded down at about 470 yards and was facing away from them but still aware that they were there. The ram got back up and bolted back down the drainage. From there, Nick and Joey decided to call it a day, and try again the following morning. They had hiked nearly 11 miles that day and were exhausted and sore getting back to spike camp around midnight. The next morning August 14th, they woke up early, and made their way back to the drainage where Joey assured Nick the ram would still be. They hiked 4.5 miles back to the last known location of the sheep and began discussing possible scenarios and game plans for the next shot opportunity. Joey sent their packer Brennan across the main drainage to glass up an adjacent drainage to Joey and Nick. While glassing, suddenly, the packer starts waving his hands to Nick and Joey,
indicating that he spotted the ram up the drainage. The ram was bedded down uphill facing up a smaller finger leading to the top of the mountain. Over the next hour, they slowly make their way uphill losing sight of the ram due to topography. They knew the shot would be quick due to circumstances of stalking below the sheep as opposed to getting above it as that would be a more preferred approach. The ram stands up and cuts across the drainage and up the next finger ridge as soon as he realizes the threat was coming from below. Joey called out a range of “250”. Nick dialed to 250 yards and got the sheep in his scope. The ram starts running uphill and back across the drainage he just left. Joey gave a new range “270, he’s running”. Get on him and take your shot”. Nick made his adjustments resting on Joey’s pack on what he describes as “a slope so steep, I was laying down and standing up at the same time”. Nick got on his moving target and fired one shot. Within a second, he already had another bullet loaded and was looking for a second shot on what he thought was a still running sheep. Joey started slapping him on the back and said, “You smoked him!” Nick was in total disbelief. To make the moment even more exciting Brennan received an InReach message from Daniel’s guide Jared Taylor, that they too had harvested a nice 10-year-old ram 20 miles to the east just moments before Nick shot his ram. It took another hour for Nick, Joey, and Brennan to get to the downed ram. They were at about 6,500 feet in elevation. The ram had fallen less than 30 feet down the drainage and was nicely perched on a ledge perfect for processing the animal. The ram was a beautiful 13-year-old beast that was heavily broomed on his right side but held great mass throughout his horns. Upon first sight Nick approached the sheep,
put his face in the hide and took a huge whiff. He said he was surprised to find the sheep smelled clean (expecting some sort of barnyard smell). After 30-45 minutes of pictures and with a snowstorm rolling in over the mountains they began to skin and butcher the sheep into manageable portions because leaving it up on the mountain for the night was not an option anyone was going to entertain.
In Nick’s words “Alaska is breathtaking and so huge and vast, it’s beautiful, and it was a trip of a lifetime. Joey Klutsch was an amazing guide and pushed me to get the ram of my dreams. A huge thanks to Joey Klutsch, Brennan Bogardus, and a BIG thanks to Daniel Jones, Russel Cunningham, Christiaan Davis, and Chris Jamerson.”
When Nick, Joey and Brennan arrived back at spike camp just before 10 pm, they had a huge feast of fried sheep fat and heart. Nick says it is the best tasting game meat he has ever had. They spent the next few days hiking back towards base camp, caring for the meat, eating the meat, and tending to the head and hide. Nick estimated they probably walked about 70 miles in 11 days! They arrived back at base camp on August 17th. August 18th Danny and Jared had made their way back into camp where Nick greeted his friend with a big smile and high five and said “We did it. We worked real hard leading up to this and all of that hard work paid off”.
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The Alaska Professional Hunter
Wildlife Report
WOLVERINE BY ALASKA FISH AND GAME PREPARED BY SAM FEJES
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Wolverines have long dense fur that is generally dark brown to black with a creamy white to gold stripe running from each shoulder along the flanks to the base of the tail. A white hair patch on the neck and chest is common. It has a thick body, short legs, short ears, and a broad flat head. Like humans and bears, wolverines walk on the soles of their feet, called semiplantigrade posture. They have curved, semi-retractile claws and can climb trees readily. They are well suited to travel through deep, soft snow. The Wolverines are found throughout Alaska but there are areas that wolverines tend to avoid or exist at lower densities because the habitat is not suitable for denning or are highly developed or used by people. They are primarily solitary creatures throughout most of the year. Wolverine spatial patterns include: intersexual overlap, with home ranges of resident males overlapping those of 2-6 resident females; familial overlap, with offspring sharing their mother’s home range; and temporal exclusive intraspecific home ranges, with resident males defending their territories during February through July which coincides with the denning and breeding periods. Wolverines are active at any time of day, year-round. They have tremendous physical endurance. Movements of 40 miles in a day have been documented. Because of their great endurance, strength, and foraging behavior, wolverines have become a center of folklore. However, its fierce reputation has often been exaggerated. They are known to steal furbearers from traps and to damage cabins but contrary to stories will not attack a larger predator, like a wolf or a bear. Instead, they avoid these animals as encounters with either of these predators may be fatal to the wolverine. Wolverines will defend a food source or its territory against other wolverines or smaller predators.
Wolverines travel extensively in search of food. In general, males have larger home ranges that females, females not accompanied by kits have larger ranges compared to females with kits, and home range size and use changes with season of the year. In Alaska, resident male home range sizes are large ranging between 200260 square miles. Resident females have home ranges as large as 115 square miles. Home range size and use patterns are thought to be a response to the availability of resources being food or for adult females the presence of persistent snow cover for denning. Studies in Southcentral Alaska found that wolverines preferred higher elevations during the summer and lower elevations during the winter due to varying food availability. Data indicate that wolverines will move long distances in short periods of time to take advantage of these resource sites. It appears that few wolverines live longer than 5 to 7 years in the wild. Some, however, do survive to 12 or 13 years of age. The primary natural mortality factors are starvation, being killed by larger predators, primarily wolves, and by other wolverines. Wolverines are vulnerable to harvest and because of their limited reproductive capability can be sensitive to overharvest. Sustainable harvests in heavily trapped areas of Alaska depend on the presence of refugia as the source population of wolverines. Wolverines are opportunistic; eating about anything they can find or kill. They are well adapted for scavenging. The wolverine has a powerful jaw and large neck muscles allowing it to crush and utilize bones and frozen flesh. Also, wolverines can survive for long periods on little food. Their diet reflects annual and seasonal changes in food availability. In the winter wolverines primarily rely on carrion, remains of moose and caribou killed by wolves and hunters or animals that have died of natural causes. Throughout the year, wolverines feed on small and medium-sized animals such as voles, squirrels, snowshoe hares, and birds. In the right situations, wolverines can kill moose, Dall sheep or caribou, but these occurrences are rare. They have been known to take the young Dall sheep in the spring when they are most vulnerable.
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The Wolverine, a relative of the mink and weasel, is the largest terrestrial member of the family Mustelidae. Its scientific name is Gulo gulo, meaning “glutton.”
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Wolverine litters are born between February and April. Data on wolverine denning habits in Alaska are limited but indicate that in Interior and northern Alaska most young are born in snow caves. These caves usually consist of one or two tunnels that can be up to 60 yards long. No litters larger than four have been reported in the wild and average 2-3 kits. Wolverine kits are born blind and weigh less than 1 pound (0.4 kg). They develop rapidly and are weaned at about 9-10 weeks of age. Adult size is reached by early to mid-winter. Kits become independent from their mother in the fall at approximately 5 or 6 months of age but mostly remain within their natal home range until they become at least 1-year-old. Most males leave their natal home range at about 1-years of age and can range over an area of thousands of square miles over the next 1-2 years before securing residency of an area. Females can stay in the area they were born up to 3 years old and may settle there if the resident female dies. Both male and female wolverines become sexually mature in their second year but < 10% of the 2-year-old females produce litters. The breeding season extends from May through August. After mating, the fertilized eggs remain in the blastocyst stage until implantation occurs during until late fall or early winter. This type of reproduction is known as delayed implantation and allows a female wolverine to become pregnant when food supplies are best and when she is in good physical condition. Adult females may fail to produce young in some years even when they successfully breed. Data indicate that the abundance of food determines whether a pregnancy will be maintained and the number of young that will be born. The
wolverine is valued as a fur resource and as a symbol of wilderness. Its fur is commonly used for parka trim and hoods because of its beauty and durability and because the guard hairs of wolverine fur resist frost accumulation Hunters and trappers in Alaska harvest about 550 wolverines each year. Because wolverine reproductive potential and survivorship is low it’s important to understand where and when animals are harvested to be sure the population is not overharvested. Wolverines disperse depending on availability of food and habitat resources, and animals dispersing from areas where they are not trapped replenish the population in areas where they are hunted and trapped.
NOTES FROM SAM FEJES Many of my clients have ask me over the years, what’s the chance of taking a Wolverine on my hunt. My reply is always, you have 50% chance or less seeing them in the wild, and once you see them, you have another 50% or less in getting a shot. Hunters do take wolverine’s while hunting each year, but of the 550 taken each year average, majority are taken by the trapper. I have caught Wolverine by leg hold traps, snares and the 330 conibear. I prefer the 330 conibear because of the more humane…quick kill. Have often told my clients that I believe the wolverine is the strongest animal that I have ever encountered for its size and weight. If the wolverine weighed as much as 1200-to-1400-pound Brown Bear, it would be predator to be reckoned with.
v BROWN BEAR v SITKA BLACKTAIL DEER v MOUNTAIN GOAT v SPORT FISHING v WILDLIFE VIEWING
Dick Rohrer PO Box 1388, Kodiak, AK 99615 Ph: 907-539-5800 rrohrer@ak.net Sam Rohrer PO Box 1388, Kodiak, AK 99615 Ph: 907-486-4074 sam@kodiakbearcamp.com
#1
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Essay Contest Winners
PAUL SMOOT – 1ST PLACE ESSAY CONTEST WINNER
When I was 10 years old, my dad, brother, and I were driving to the village of Circle during caribou season when we saw a herd of caribou. The only gun we had with us was a 300 Win Mag bolt action rifle. My brother, who was 17 years old, got first shot. He shot one and handed the rifle to me. May I remind you that I was 10 years old, and I could barely hold the gun. While my brother stood behind me and I shot at a caribou. The gun threw me back into my brother’s arms and I completely missed the caribou. About a year later, I drew a youth caribou tag. My dad and I packed up and headed to the village of Chicken. On our first day we went up the road and found a good camp site. From there we used our four-wheeler to start up the mountain. There were a lot of caribou tracks, but there were no caribou. On the second day we headed back up the mountain where we sat at the top and waited and watched, with the wind howling around us. With the wind so strong it kept the caribou in and among the trees, and that day’s hunting was without success. Discouraged, we headed back, and on our way, we saw three caribou; two females and one bull. This time I had a .223 rifle, and I was ready! As a result, when the bull turned broadside, I took my shot, and the bullet went right through the heart. From hunting, I have learned patience, and how to shoot guns safely. That same winter I was trying to trap marten, but I got skunked. The next year I made friends with some trappers who gave me some beaver meat for bait. I put my traps up and started baiting them with the beaver meat, and a week later I caught my first marten. Then I caught another one a week later. Sub-
sequently, my trapper friends showed me how to skin them. Then they asked me if I would like to go out on their trap line, which is 25 miles long. I rode on one of the trapper’s snow-machines, and on our first trip we got five marten and saw wolf tracks. On our second trip we got a wolverine, mink, two martens, and we saw 16 moose. That trip was very exciting! We started out on the snow-machine. I was riding on the back, and I didn’t have much to hold on to. We had to go up a steep hill and had to race up the hill to make it all the way up. As a result, we hit a bump and I shot off the back like a rocket and plunged into the snow which was about four feet deep. I was okay, and thankful for the opportunity to have this great learning experience. Through trapping and spending time in the woods, I have learned how to track, and how to identify animals. Wildlife conservation is very important for animals that we hunt, as well as for the hunters. That is why I would like to become a hunting guide, practicing and teaching wildlife conservation. Our twenty-sixth president, Theodore Roosevelt, enjoyed hunting as well as other outdoor activities. He established national forests, federal bird reserves, national game preserves, and national parks. I would like to follow his example of promoting the preservation of hunting to future generations. For example, over-population of caribou can cause a shortage in food, and the animals will starve. Whereas, hunting them, culling the herd, and keeping the numbers down Paul Smoot-1st Place Winner will save the habitat and the caribou. Supporting wildlife conservation, and my great enjoyment of being in the outdoors, are the reasons why I want to become a hunting guide. In closing, I would like to say that I appreciate having the opportunity to grow up in the wilderness of Alaska and experience what most kids can only read about. I hope that one day I will be able to get apprenticed by a guide, and will then be able to become a hunting guide. I look forward to being able to trap, hunt, and teach others to manage wildlife conservation and protect the animals, and their habitat.
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My name is Paul Smoot, and I live in the White Mountains with hundreds of acres of state land where I can hunt, and trap. I am fourteen years old and one day I would like to put wildlife conservation in to practice as a hunting guide, a hunter, and a trapper. The main reason why I entered this contest is so I might have a chance to go to Ultima Thule lodge and talk with Mr. Paul Clause and other guides there about possible apprenticeship.
#2
LEIF SWALLING – 2ND PLACE WINNER
The Thrill of the Outdoors and the Need for Its Conservation As I drop off what I hope is the last of the lumber necessary for the expansion to our shack, I look back to see my brother wipe his sweat away and grin. That smile quickly faded, as the roar of a Cessna 206 echoed through the trees. Disgruntled, we turned to trudge through the miles of marsh back to the lake for another load. However, a few long hours later we would be happily seated on top of our bunks, listening to old men tell stories we had heard about a million times. We wake before sunrise the next day, grumbling about the
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lack of sleep. A quick bowl of oatmeal is consumed, I grimace as my brother adds hot chocolate to his. I down the last of my coffee and pull my waders on, damp from some hidden leak. Once everyone is prepared I grab my shotgun, a well-worn Remington 870 handed down from my Grandfather. We begin to follow a bear trail down to the flats. As we push through the tall grass, I slip two twelve-gauge shells into the magazine. The distinctive rack of my Uncle’s semi-auto can be heard as we step out onto the flats. Fog can be seen hanging over the slough we commonly hunt. The Whooping call of the Sandhill Crane carries across the flats.
Our small group spreads out. The first-morning hunt is always the best. I halt as my Father lets out a low, two-note whistle, signaling an incoming bird. I see it, a single, about to pass directly over me. We crouch as I chamber a shell in anticipation. The excitement quickly fades as I realize it’s a Spoonbill or “Spoony”. Spoonbills, like all birds that consume fish, are hard to make taste good, you want a grain bird such as a Mallard. I stand up and unload the gun, causing the Spoony to veer off. It had been a dry season, perfect for carrying lumber, but bad for hunting. The receding wetlands have affected all species of waterfowl, reducing breeding grounds and forcing some to relocate in urban areas. However, recently the tides have been turning as non-profit organizations such as Ducks Unlimited have been working to preserve wetlands. This is accomplished by working with landowners and partners to recreate land that is more hospitable to waterfowl. I have long loved the outdoors and all it has to offer, whether it be hunting, camping, biking or skiing. The need to be outside can be met, but never satisfied. A job in the outdoors would allow me to meet that need, and protect what I love. Furthermore, I could encourage people to get outside, something that our society severely needs. They would be taught to “leave no trace,” a shortened way of saying “pick up any and all trash that you see, and leave the wilderness undamaged.” Now in the words of John Muir, father of the National Parks, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
ANDREA BERG-3RD PLACE WINNER
I am at a point in my life where I have to make choices that will have a huge impact on my future; should I go to college, and if so what degree do I want, where do I want to live? The one thing that I am certain about is that I need to shape my life around nature. The feel of the ground against my feet, the smells of the seasons, these are things that have been a constant in my life in a world where very few things are steady. I love to ride my bike and look at all the different types of birds, especially now that it is fall there are so many different types starting to migrate. Many of the geese, ducks, and swans have left by now but there are clouds of White Crowned Sparrows that have arrived just in time to eat the cranberries. I know that they will leave soon and I will hate to see them go but when the snow comes I will be able to see all the different tracks; where a grouse burrowed into the snow, how a fox jumped after a vole. My first choice of careers would be a veterinarian, I would love to work at wildlife rehab centers around the world. When I was 11 I visited a raptor rehab center in Sitka and it changed my life. At first my family and I were just shown all the different types of birds that lived there permanently due to injuries that would never heal. At the end we were shown a golden eagle that still had a chance to be released into the wild. The eagle was in a huge warehouse type building with wooden pillars all around the sides. It was standing on one of the pillars desperately flapping its wings. Finally it took off and flew unsteadily to a pillar across the room where a woman awarded it with a piece of meat. As I stared into the building I remember thinking, “I would love to do that”
and that moment has been much of the motivation behind my career choice ever since. I know that at first it doesn’t make much sense that I want to become a veterinarian considering how much I love to hunt. However in my head there is a huge difference between killing animals quickly and for a purpose rather than having them needlessly suffer. When I am out hunting it makes perfect sense, yes I am killing an animal but I am killing it as quickly and painlessly as possible. Even though I might feel bad after they are killed, at that moment everything makes sense. I am not killing so many that hurts the population, I am killing to eat just like so many other animals.
how much it benefits us to leave things the way that they are. Not only do we need trees to breathe but the mental side of everything as well. Right now our world is starting to fall apart and more than ever there needs to be people that prioritize natural resources over getting rich and having a big house. There are many ways to do this, from buying less things to choosing a hybrid vehicle. I want to do my part to change the direction that our world is going.
It is so important to me to keep this land the way it is. I know that there are so many resources in nature that can benefit people but I think that people discount
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#3
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Willem Van Rooyen from Jupiter, FL took this huge bear at 11 yards! Willem hunted with Munsey’s Bear Camp in Nov. 2021, guided by Mike Munsey, packer was Broghan Cullen.
HUNTER GALLERY
Larry Neugebauer from Ethan South Dakota, hunted with Wayne Kubat’s Alaska Remote Guide Service in early September, 2021. He was guided by Barak Sternberg.
Donnie Fix from Pennsylvania was guided by Big Wild’s own Clay Roberts
Mark Tinsley of Allendale, SC, took this 40” ram just a week after finishing cancer treatment! Mark was guided by Jay Stanford of Ultima Thule Outfitters.
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HUNTER GALLERY
Shawn Holste of Stansbury Park, UT harvested this ram on August 12, 2021 with Shane Nelson of Tim’s Alaskan Guide Service. The photo was taken by Shawn’s brother Steve, who was also along for the adventure.
Jake and Bev Hawkins from Hailey ID hunted a 14-day sheep grizzly combo with Litzen Guide Service in Sept 2021. Their guide Brad Patterson was in his 21st season guiding for Litzen Guide Service and retired at the end of the season. We will miss Brad!
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Father Daniel Cavender and Son Nathan Cavender were guided by Gary Gray of Alsek River Guide Service, taking both bears on the same day, only a couple days into their hunt!
Gage K of Muscatine, IA hunted with Glacier Guides, Inc. in May 2021 and killed this exceptional Coastal Black Bear that squared well over 8’ and topped 21” on the skull…a true giant with immaculate hair quality!
Mike B. from Michigan was guided by Mike Zweng and Danny Wright of Alaska Adventure Safaris
On left, Randy Sain of Quitman Texas, on right, Spencer Shroyer, packer. Guided by Arctic Rivers Guide and Booking Service
Bruce Dore from Colorado Springs, CO took this bear on May 11, 2021. Bruce was guided by Zach Richardson of Lonesome Dove Outfitters
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HUNTER GALLERY Gary Nelson of Evanston Wyoming taken August 14 2017. Gary was guided by Will Koehler of Wrangell Outfitters
Herb Janhsen shot this big 20 2/16” Prince of Wales Island Coastal Black Bear at very close range in May of 2021 with his buddy Mike Broadwell. Kurt Whitehead of Treasure Hunter Lodge was his guide.
Duane Glasgow from Williamsville, Illinois, hunted with Wayne Kubat’s Alaska Remote Guide Service in late September, 2021. He was guided by Matt Zeleney.
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First day bear! Guide Brae Vrem (left) with Nick Hansen. 10’ with 28 2/16 B&C skull. May 2021. Tracy Vrem’s Blue Mountain Lodge.
Brad Miller from Wisconsin and Jonas Helm from Texas were guided by Clay Roberts and Skylar Scheid of Big Wild Outfitters
In late May 2021 Richard S of Yuma, AZ hunted Southeast Alaska with Glacier Guides, Inc. He had the opportunity to harvest this incredible, giant Shiras-colored Coastal Brown Bear with Zach Decker. This old boar had a giant skull and squared 9’9” Dale Huntsman Ohio made a great shot at 39 yds at this big Back Bear. Dale was guided by Dustin McLeod of Alaska Raven Guides
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Guest Michael Bloom, of Boston, Mass, right is guided by Ron Phillips of Arctic Rivers Guide and Booking Service
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Gary P. of Yuma, AZ joined Glacier Guides, Inc. in May 2021 and took this ancient Coastal Brown bear boar at last light with Mutts Decker. This bear was immaculately haired, and had exceptionally long claws, suggesting he had not long been out of hibernation.
HUNTER GALLERY Kevin Pritchett was guided by Sue Entsminger of Alaska Hunting Adventures
The Mountain Goat was taken by Jason Hondros of Stevensville, MD on September 16, 2021. Jason was guided by Jimmy Paley and the packer was Cole Weaver, of Lonesome Dove Outfitters. The Goat had a green score of 53 P&Y points and will most likely make the Top 10 in the record book.
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In late May 2021 Richard S of Yuma, AZ hunted Southeast Alaska with Glacier Guides, Inc. He had the opportunity to harvest this incredible, giant Shiras-colored Coastal Brown Bear with Zach Decker. This old boar had a giant skull and squared 9’9”.
Michael Bloom of Boston, Mass with his caribou taken on Sept.5, 2021. Guided by Arctic Rivers Guide & Booking Service
In May 2021 Joe F. of Yuma, AZ joined Glacier Guides, Inc. and harvested this tank of a Coastal Black Bear with Josh Ellis on the last day of the hunt. This gorgeous boar was courting a sow when he was taken, so good genes are flowing in Southeast Alaska!
Shawn Wood of Clovis, CA got this 40” ram in August of 2021. Shawn was guided by Donald C Martin of Ultima Thule Outfitters; these two have been friends for a long time and were lucky enough to have their good friend Johnny Pestroich along for the hunt
Pat C. of Yuma, AZ took this magnificent 9 1/2’ Coastal Brown Bear with Alisha “Mutts” Rosenbruch-Decker of Glacier Guides, Inc. in May 2021. This gorgeous boar had a giant skull and beautiful ivory-colored claws
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HUNTER GALLERY Mike Broadwell smoked this big Prince of Wales Island Coastal Black Bear in his usual fashion: Extremely close range on the last day during the last hour:) Kurt Whitehead of Treasure Hunter Lodge was his guide. It scored 19 14/16” Jim Suchan with guide Jered Braaten. After three bear hunts with Tracy, Jim finally bagged this 10’ 4” monster with a 28 7/16 B&C skull. Jim was guided by Tracy Vrem’s Blue Mountain Lodge
Brian Martin of Eagle River Alaska, took this moose in September 2020. Brian was guided by Will Koehler of Wrangell Outfitters
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Jake and Bev Hawkins from Hailey ID hunted a 14-day sheep grizzly combo with Litzen Guide Service in Sept 2021. Their guide Brad Patterson was in his 21st season guiding for Litzen Guide Service and retired at the end of the season. We will miss Brad!
Skip Chadwell from Wasilla, AK hunted with Munsey’s Bear Camp in Oct. 2021 and was guided by Christian Woodard and Broghan Cullen.
Bryan Dickess of Ohio with Archery Brown Bear at 29 yds! Bryan was guided by Dustin McLeod of Alaska Raven Guides
Kyle Praster from Visalia, CA hunted the Alaska Peninsula with Litzen Guide Service on a boat hunt. Anyone who was on the Peninsula this past October knows about the extremely bad weather. In spite of the weather, Kyle was fortunate enough to get this great bear with Don Hunley as his guide. It was a great fall to live on the boat! Brian Reinhart was guided by Peter Barela of Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters
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Celebrating Outdoor Adventure Since 1887 Sports Afield invites you to join us in experiencing big game hunts in the world’s wildest and most magnificent destinations, from Alaska to the African savanna to the mountains of Central Asia. The greatest hunting adventures on the planet— find them in the pages of America’s premier big-game hunting magazine.
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Spor ts Afield Congratulates APHA on 50 Great Years!
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Newsworthy For his dedication to Alaska’s wildlife conservation, Senator Josh Revak is awarded APHA’s Legislator of the Year Award, presented by Wayne Kubat
COMING SOON, NEW WEBSITE FOR APHA My name is Andrew Atcheson and I’ll be working with APHA on a redesign of their primary website. If I had to describe myself in 2 words, “nerdy guide” would be a good fit. I was fortunate to be asked to join the outstanding APHA team last fall in creating the AlaskaHuntingExpo.com website as a test bed for a virtual banquet. It was the first of its kind and generated very positive results. Hunting has been an integral part of my entire life, and I’ve been guiding professionally for 9 years. My father Keith Atcheson started taking me on outdoor adventures 3 decades ago. Along with my grandfather Jack Atcheson Sr., they have instilled a deep respect for wildlife, conservation efforts, and a drive to succeed both in and out of the field. Montana has been my home for all 37 years of my life, but it’s fair to say Alaska is my second home. I stopped counting the number of times I’ve been to Alaska to hunt and fish years ago, with more than half of my time here being spent working at hunting and fishing operations. After graduating in 2008 with a BS in Petroleum Engineering and working for a few years in
the oil and gas industry, I decided to get into the family business (Jack Atcheson and Sons, Inc.) that my grandfather started almost 70 years ago. My keen interest in technology, photography, and a desire for artistic expression led me to doing increasing amounts of graphic design and hunting-industry advertising at our hunting consultancy. The ever-increasing importance of the internet naturally led to a desire to expand a website development skillset focused on my love for the outdoors and, more specifically, the hunting tradition and lifestyle we all as hunters and conservationists feel at the core of our being. APHA’s director of government affairs Thor Stacey paid me a great compliment once by describing me as “high output and low maintenance” to a lodge owner in Southeast Alaska. Thor recommended me to that outfitter after I’d volunteered as a packer on an epic Dall sheep hunt in 2015 in the Brooks Range because I “never complained once.” That’s high praise from one of the hardest working individuals on the planet! I’m privileged to be working with the APHA again, and I look forward to being part of their mission to preserve our heritage while connecting hunters from all over the world with Alaska’s best guides and outfitters.
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Let me introduce Andrew Atcheson, our new web master:
ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTER ASSOCIATION:
OUR MISSION:
“Organized for the purpose of preserving and enhancing hunting opportunities promoting outdoor education and the conservation of wildlife and wildlands in Alaska.”
WHAT DOES APHA DO FOR YOU? • Provides full time representation in Washington D.C. and Juneau for the guiding industry • Provides a sounding board for industry related issues and concerns • Provides a respected voice for your concerns with State and Federal agencies • Creates and maintains “Conservation Partnership” with numerous other likeminded organizations • Works full-time to promote, preserve and enhance wildlife and wildland conservation in Alaska
• Works full-time to preserve and enhance future hunting and access opportunities in Alaska • Provides a representative for several annual meetings of national guide and outfitter associations who work together on issues relating to the professional guiding industry • Provides full-time representation at Alaska Board of Game meetings • Works continuously to stem unneeded regulations and to help develop better state and federal rules pertaining to the guiding industry.
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APHA’S CODE OF ETHICS:
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• Works full-time to provide stewardship for the guiding industry in Alaska
• Provides full-time representation at State of Alaska Big Game Commercial Services Board
• To institute and secure the general adoption of a high and sportsmanlike conception of wildlife and hunting of game; • To promote hunting by fair chase: the pursuit of trophy in a legal and sportsmanlike manner, without herding, driving or chasing trophies with the use of mechanically powered equipment; • Consistent with the practice of hunting, fishing, and photography, to promote and assist in the conservation of fauna and flora and to cooperate with government officials concerned with the conservation of flora and fauna;
• To assist in the prevention of illegal or unsportsmanlike practice by anyone in the practice of professional hunting or by anyone engaged in the sports of hunting, fishing or photography; • To promote and safeguard the interests of all members of this corporation; • To endorse and foster a code of business ethics in accord with ethical standards and the laws and regulations of the state of Alaska.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APHA GO TO WWW.ALASKAPROHUNTER.ORG OR CALL 907.929.0619
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Feature #2
COMMUNITY BY ELIAS ZANE HOLT
The meaning behind the word “Community” goes something like this: “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.”
I am very proud of this community. I appreciate the need to reflect and celebrate on what we have created. What we have created as people who share the passion for the Alaskan wilderness and resources goes way beyond this magazine and way before its creation. I hope it will last long after.
57 My first chance of being introduced to this community was forced; my father, the late Rob Holt was once President of APHA. I was too young to know what that meant or the responsibilities. I accompanied him and often we would be in the old office in Anchorage on King Street, my father buried into the phone, made me think “for an avid master hunting guide” he sure was on the phone a lot. Those trips to town happened after the hunting seasons were over and he returned to our home in Talkeetna. Winter would sink in, darkness will make its visit. Next was the APHA annual meeting and banquet. Being from Talkeetna and being young it was a treat to go to the big city of Anchorage and meet people.
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I have a theory that APHA magazines are mostly read by hunting guides when they cannot be in the field. I find myself flipping through the pages of past APHA magazines …. I see a community. A large, strong, trusting community. While stuck in camp due to weather – A Southwest 40, is when I usually get caught up on my APHA magazine reading. I have a specific way of going through the magazine, starting out with what Thor has to say and how things are going in the Capital. While reading his article, I always give thanks and appreciate Thor, so the rest of us don’t have to deal with the politicians. Then I turn to the President’s letter, looking for inspiration and connection to our community.
In the basement of an older hotel some of the Greats of Alaska would gather, days of talking and planning, followed by celebration. I was young and hardly the height that I am now. Walking among legends; men that have traveled more miles across Alaska than most would even dream. Bolo ties and big belt buckles was the attire. At the time I didn’t know what I was experiencing, witnessing a community being built and preserved. People networking and family gathering. Sometimes these same people were at differences while in the field, however once the seasons had come to an end, they gathered in the basement, in the winter and they showed respect. I have followed in my father’s steps into his beloved hunting guiding industry, expanding my passion for guiding to also include other outdoor experience pursuits. My experiences have taken me to many countries and venues and these travels always lead me back to appreciate my Alaska hunting community, it is uniquely above any other community I have experienced.
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In 2004 my father had a massive stroke. I was 14 at the time, very confused as to what was happening. Many of the faces and moments I still remember are those that came to the aid of my father and family. Guides came from all over the state to help my family, to support and show respect. Witnessing that at 14 was overwhelming and not fully grasped. In 2006 my father was back to guiding and presented by the APHA recognition for “Outstanding Accomplishment And Comeback Of The Year”. Sadly, my father had to eventually retire from guiding and sell his operation. It was taken over by another good friend and respected master guide in Alaska. Another act of kindness and community.
In 2013 my father passed away due to heart complications. Once again, the community came across Alaska and the entire globe to show their support and respect. In 2015 my father was posthumous presented the Simon-Waugh Award, the highest award one can receive in the APHA. It was for dedication to Alaska’s big game resources, the Alaska guiding industry and devotion to fair chase in the taking of game. I took the award on behalf of my father, it was humbling. In 2021 I suffered a major accident from an avalanche while ski guiding in Morocco. Other members, clients and guides were fortunately out of harms way or able to be warned. My injuries included multiple broken vertebrae, a femur fracture, and more. Once again, the hunting guide community came to my aid without hesitation. Supported by guides and families, some that only knew of me through my father. The communities support gave me more fire and drive to get back to what I loved doing. Being in the wilderness and guiding. I learned through my father, to appreciate the relationship with the clients, helping them travel farther than they thought they could, helping them find that last 10% of energy they didn’t know they had. He also taught me to never let your client out of sight – some humor we shared. It was six months from my accident I was able to be back on Kodiak, guiding goat hunters. Mike & Robin Munsey graciously gave me the opportunity to be back in the field – back doing what we all love. The APHA community has helped me and had my back countless times. For that I humbly thank you. As a person reading this article you are a part of this community. The harshness of the world just seems to grow, and I ask you to deeply take care for this community, don’t waste it. We owe it to the State and future generations to protect it, and let it grow.
Michael Litzen
Master Guide
Alaska
Litzen Guide Service Inc. Phone: 907.776.5868 Email: michael@litzenguideservice.com
www.litzenguideservice.com
WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG/CONVENTION
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Alaska Gourmet INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 cup peanut oil 1 1/4 cup flour 1 large bell pepper, minced 2 medium yellow onions, minced 4 celery stalks, minced 6 garlic gloves, minced 3-4 lbs game meat such as venison 1 tsp black pepper 2 tbls paprika 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbl dried thyme 1 tbl dried oregano 2 tbl garlic powder 1 tsp celery seed 3 quarts chicken stock 1 lb smoked andouille sausage, cut into rings Salt to taste Green onions and chopped parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
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VENISON GUMBO
1. Bring the stock to a gentle simmer. 2. In a large pot heat the oil on medium-high. Whisk in the flour and stir frequently until it turns the color of chocolate being careful not to let it burn, this could take up to 20 minutes, stir frequently. 3. When the roux is ready, add the peppers, onions, celery and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are soft. 4. Meanwhile, mix all the dry spices together. 5. When the veggies are soft, ladle in the stock with one hand while stirring with the other. Stir in each ladle of stock before adding another. Turn the heat to high to bring the gumbo to a simmer. 6. Add the spices, stir to combine, then add the meats except the sausage.. Taste and add more salt or spices if you want. Drop the heat to a simmer, cover and cook gently for at least 90 minutes, but probably more like 2 to 3 hours. Check the status of the meats every half-hour after 90 minutes. When the meats are very tender, remove them from the stock. Cut into chunks and return to the gumbo. Add the sausage. Cook for another 15 minutes or so. 7. Add the green onions and parsley. Cook for 3 minutes more. Serve over rice.
Thank You HPF Members Dale Adams Adams Alaskan Safaris Peter Barela Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters Lyle Becker Alaska Skookum Guides Aaron Bloomquist Alaska Outfitters Unlimited Jason Semler Alaska Expedition Lodge Jeff Burwell Alaska High Peak Adventures Paul Chervenak Kodiak Outdoor Adventures, Inc. Jay Claus Ultimate Thule Outfitters Paul Claus Ultimate Thule Outfitters Zachariah Decker Glacier Guides, Inc. Susan Entsminger Alaska Hunting Adventures Samuel Fejes Fejes Guide Service Ltd. Jacob Fletcher Fletchers Guide Service Cary Foster Full Scope Outfitters Gary Gray Alsek River Guide Service, Inc. Alsek River Lodge, Inc. Richard Guthrie Frosty View Lodge Justin Horton H & H Alaskan Outfitters James “Jake” Jacobson Arctic Rivers Guide & Booking Service Brent Jones AAA Alaskan Outfitters
Cash Joyce Vast Alaska Gary “Butch” King Wildman Lake Lodge Joe Klutsch Katmai Guide Service Joey Klutsch Aniakchak Guide Service Katmai Guide Service Cole Kramer Kramer’s Kodiak Guide Service Lance Kronberger Freelance Outdoor Adventures & Cinder River Lodge Alaska Wayne Kubat Alaska Remote Guide Service Gary LaRose LaRose Guide Service Tony Lee Alaska Big Game Hunting Joe Letarte Alaska Wilderness Enterprises Michael Litzen Litzen Guide Service Mont Mahoney Alaska Dall Sheep Guides, LLC. Dave Marsh Big Game Big Country Scott McLeod Alaska Raven Guides Dan Montgomery Alaska Trophy Adventures Mike Munsey Munsey’s Bear Camp Tim Nelson Tim’s Alaskan Guide Service Spencer Pape Alaska Premier Adventures Bruce Parker Parker Guide Service, Inc. Steve Perrins The Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge
Brian Peterson Brian Peterson Master Guide, LLC. Cabot Pitts Alaska Wild Wind Adventures Clay Roberts Big Wild Outfitters Richard Rohrer R. Rohrer, Inc. Sam Rohrer Rohrer Bear Camp, Inc. Jimmie C. Rosenbruch Glacier Guides, Inc. Alisha Rosenbruch-Decker Glacier Guides, Inc. James Smith Alaska HuntSmith Matt Snyder Alaska Hunting Adventures Thor Stacey Arctic Alaska Adventures Richard Stewart RWS Guide Service Ed Toribio Primo Expeditions Eric Umphenour Hunt Alaska Virgil Umphenour Hunt Alaska Tracy Vrem Blue Mountian Lodge Gary Wall G’s Greatland Guiding, LLC. Kurt Whitehead Treasure Hunter Lodge Dennis Zadra Lonesome Dove Outfitters Inc. Mike Zweng Alaska Adventure Safaris
HUNTER PRESERVATION FUND “This fund is the most important and effective contribution you can give to future hunting opportunities in Alaska. “ It represents the most direct contribution any non-resident can give to help preserve and enhance quality hunting opportunities. With your participation, we can substantially help control our own destiny. Without it, we will continue to see our hunting rights reduced and restricted.
HOW IT WORKS
Since 1973, the APHA has been a leading organization in Alaska guarding the continual flow of regulatory restrictions on hunting and public land access being attempted by antisport hunting groups or government agencies. The APHA provides full time representation in Washington DC and Juneau, is an active and respected participant in Alaska Board of Game process, initiates predator harvest fee programs, and continually is at the forefront of advocating for management of our wildlife for balance and abundance. The APHA role in this arena is vital to all hunting opportunity and access rights on public lands throughout the U.S. We can no longer have only a reactive position to the continual stream of challenges being presented to us. It is past time to become proactive. Our goal is to continue to create conservation partnerships, help with scientific needs, challenge policies that continue to take away our hunting and access rights and to preserve and enhance quality wilderness hunting opportunities in Alaska.
The HPF is a $150.00 fee per contracted client, which each APHA professional member is responsible to collect and pay to the APHA. HPF funds received by the contracting guide may be paid to the APHA at any time during each year but are due by December 1st of each year. To protect the privacy between clients and guides, personal information will be kept strictly confidential by the APHA. Additionally, anyone wishing to make a direct donation to this fund can do so by direct mailing to the APHA.
WHAT THE HUNTER RECEIVES Each client who contributes to the HPF will receive the following: • Two year sustaining membership in The Alaska Professional Hunters Association • Two year subscription to The Alaska Professional Hunter Magazine • APHA Lapel Pin and Decal • The knowledge that they have helped to give future generations the ability to hunt in Alaska
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WHAT IT IS
ALASKA HUNTING CONSERVATION FOUNDATION THERE IS NOTHING LIKE HUNTING ALASKA!!!! As Alaskan guides, we take great joy sharing wonderful experiences with people from all over the world. One of our greatest enjoyments is getting to meet successful people and share the experience of hunting Alaska with them. However, the wonderful memories you have of hunting Alaska, the future opportunity for your kids and grandkids to have the same experience, and your ability to come back to Alaska and create more memories are being threatened.
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Alaska Professional Hunters Association has developed the Alaska Hunting Conservation Foundation (AHCF) to help ensure that you and future generations will have the ability to continue to come to Alaska and experience hunting that is not available anywhere else in the world. AHCF was formed to educate, inform, and fight for our hunting heritage, so everyone can continue to enjoy the adventures and memories that come with every single Alaskan hunt. This opportunity is under tremendous assault, and it is coming from many different directions. APHA has been able to fight the battles and keep the “wolves at bay” for a long time, but now the battles are intensifying and the opposition is becoming more aggressive at trying to take away your ability to hunt Alaska. We need your help! These fights are expensive and take surveys, studies, lawyers, educating Legislators, and full-time employees. Without all these arrows in our quiver, we will eventually lose the ability to hunt Alaska the way we have in the past. The AHCF’s organizers and officers are all involved with the Alaska Professional Hunters Association, which since 1969 has actively worked to conserve wildlife and promote the guided hunting industry. AHCF is a 501(C)3 that needs your support to step up our fight to preserve hunting rights and the opportunity to provide great hunting experiences in Alaska. Please consider making a tax-exempt donation to the Alaska Hunting Conservation Foundation so we can continue to hunt Alaska and pass on our hunting heritage for generations to come.
THERE IS NO HUNTING IN THE WORLD LIKE HUNTING ALASKA! 65 WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
Donations can be made at https://akhuntingconservation.org/
MAKING A DIFFERENCE THE ALASKA HUNTING CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The Alaska Hunting Conservation Foundation really made a difference to 100 students and their families this year by donating moose meat to the Changepoint Church. Changepoint then got the moose meat to needy families at Northwood Elementary, Chinook Elementary, and Gladys Wood Elementary Schools on May 6th, 2021. Game donations are part of our ongoing effort to get wild game meat into the hands (and stomachs) of people in need. Thank you from Changepoint Church: “Thank you for making this wonderful Alaskan resource available to the community! The school nurses and administration as well as the students and families that benefited from the moose meat were SO incredibly grateful! I had to reiterate that one more time. We can’t thank you enough for providing the funding to process the moose meat and entrusting us with distributing the meat to our school business partners, which benefited 100 students and their families. We are thrilled to have partnered with you and we hope there are more opportunities to partner and serve our Alaskan communities together in the days ahead!”
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The Alaska Professional Hunter
Membership Application
ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS ASSOCIATION, INC. PO Box 240971, Anchorage, AK 99524 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone 907.929.0619 • Fax 907.868.1562 alaskaprohunter.org office@alaskaprohunter.org
DISCLAIMER
67 Professional Member l $250 Corporate l $1,000 Business l $100 Assistant Guide l $75 Assistant Guide-Sustaining $25 Sustaining l $25 Sustaining (International) l $100 Sustaining (Life) l $350 Sustaining Life (International) l $450
MEMBERSHIP FEES TO APHA ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES
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While the Alaska Professional Hunter strives to attract quality advertisers and donors, it cannot be responsible for the ultimate quality of the products which they may present to their members and buyers. Neither The Alaska Professional Hunters Association nor its officers or directors is a guarantor of your satisfaction with the products it makes available to you. Our dedication is to the Alaskan hunting and fishing industry and not to policing our advertisers or donors. We cannot, under the law, reject an advertiser or donation simply because of a prior complaint from a dissatisfied consumer. We will strive to make available quality merchandise and hunts, but without warranty or guarantee.
The Alaska Professional Hunter
Display Rates
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The Alaska Professional Hunter
Member Directory
EM ER IT US ME MB E RS Ray Atkins
Darrell Farmen
Dick Gunlogson
Roger Morris
Red Beeman
Albert Gilliam
Jim Harrower
Jimmie C. Rosenbruch
B U S IN E SS M E MB E RS Accurate Advantage Sarah Stallone 7350 White Hawk Dr. Anchorage, AK 99507 907-223-8617 akadvantage@gmail.com www.accurateadvantage.com
Alaskan Odysseys Hunt Booking & Planning Steve Opat PO Box 60242 Fairbanks, AK 99706 507-259-0697 opat1919@gmail.com www.alaskanodysseys.com
Northern Ocean Marine H. James LeBoeuf 200 Larch Row Wenham, MA 01984 978-283-0222 Normal 978-283-5577 Fax jim@northernoceanmarine.com
M AST E R GUIDE S / OUT FITTERS
Alaska Outdoor Adventures Brad Adams PO Box 994 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-398-1992 akoutdooradv@gci.net Adams Alaskan Safaris Dale Adams PO Box 6021 Sitka, AK 99835 907-747-6108 • 907-747-8227 Fax daleadams458@gmail.com www.adamsalaskansafaris.com Alaska Expeditions Charles E. Allen 3100 Airport Dr. Denison, TX 75020 903-786-7366 • 903-786-7371 Fax ca@alaskaexpedition.com www.alaskaexpedition.com
Kodiak Guides Jim Bailey PO Box 770695 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-696-2163 bbailey@mtaonline.net kodiakguides.com Working GMU’s: 8
Alaska Guide Service George Bock 199 Dexter Rd. Cambridge, ME 04923 207-270-1256 • 207-277-5056 Cell alaskaguideservice@gmail.com www.akguideservice.com Working GMUs: 5, 20
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Chet Benson PO Box 876962 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-240-4868 moreinfo@bearfootadventures.net www.bearfootadventures.net
Alaska Safari Unlimited, LLC Paul Charles Brand PO Box 1383 Homer, AK 99603 907-252-9091 alaskasafariunlimited@yahoo.com alaskasafarilimited.com
Alaska Wildlife Adventures Frank Bishop PO Box 2491 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-2716 • 907-942-7631 Cell frankabishopawa@yahoo.com
nnnnnn Jeff Burwell 3836 E Country Field Circle Wasilla, AK 99564 907-357-4939 • 907-715-1175 Cell burwelljeff@aol.com
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Adams Guiding Service Bob Adams PO Box 770941 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-688-1499 • 907-688-0369 Fax kipchuk1@mtaonline.net www.adamsguideservice.com
APHA MEMBER DIRECTORY | Master Guides / Outfitters (continued) Cavner and Julian, Inc. Preston Cavner 1 Dice Bay Port Alsworth, AK 99653 907-223-9386 cavneralaska@gmail.com huntingadventure.com GMUs 6, 8 Majestic Mountain Outfitters Jeff Chadd 204 Prairie Rose Lane Forsyth, MT 59327 406-347-5401 sheephunter@ majesticmountainoutfitters.com www.majesticmountainoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 9, 12
nnnnn Kodiak Outdoor Adventures, Inc. Paul Chervenak PO Box 1961 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-3008 • 907-486-3008 Fax paul@kodiakoutdoors.com www.kodiakoutdoors.com Working GMUs: 8
nnn Crosshairs Outfitters, LLC Michael Cowan 35555 Kenai Spur Hwy, Suite 300 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-394-2824 crosshairsofalaska@yahoo.com crosshairsoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 8,16,17,21
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Brad Dennison 505 First Street Sitka, AK 99835 907-747-8759 • 907-738-3933 Cell bradford.dennison@gmail.com Working GMUs: 3, 4
nn Alaska Hunting Adventures Susan L. Entsminger HC 72 Box 805 Tok, AK 99780 907-883-2833 wildsue@aptalaska.net www.tokmanagementarea.com Working GMUs: 11, 12, 13, 20
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Fejes Guide Service Ltd. Samuel T. Fejes, Jr. PO Box 111394 Anchorage, AK 99511 907-349-4040 fejesguideservice@gmail.com www.fejesguideservice.com Working GMUs: 5, 6, 8, 11, 13
nnnnnn Frosty View Lodge, LLC Richard Guthrie PO Box 220949 Anchorage, AK 99522 907-243-7766 • 907-632-0760 Cell 907-243-5136 Fax n8484q@hotmail.com www.akbrownbear.com Alaska Trophy Safaris Dennis Harms PO Box 670071 Chugiak, AK 99567 907-696-2484 alaskatrophy@yahoo.com www.kodiakbearhuntingsafaris.com www.alaskatrophysafaris.com Hodge’s Outfitters James Hodge 13836 Lake Otis Pkwy Anchorage, AK 99516 907-349-0520 cnjhodgesoutfitters@gci.net www.hodgesoutfitters.com GMU’s 8, 13, 21
nnnn nnnn Shawn Huffman PO Box 27 Huslia, AK 99746 907-829-2413 shawn.j.huffman@hotmail.com GMU’s 21, 23, 24
nnnnn Richard Hyce PO Box 876017 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-350-1475 rhyce@deltaconstructors.net www.bigwildoutfitters.com Working GMU’s 13, 14, 16
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Arctic Rivers Guide & Booking Service James (Jake) Jacobson PO Box 1313 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-5253 huntfish@ak.net www.huntfish.us Working GMUs: 23
nnnnn North Alaska Expeditions Justin Johns 2492 Northview St Bozeman, MT 59715 360-472-1234 fishingbear@rockisland.com info@huntwildalaska.com huntwildalaska.com GMUs 4, 17
nn AAA Alaskan Outfitters Brent Jones PO Box 1473 Emporia, KS 66801-1473 907-570-1493 brentjns@aol.com www.aaaalaskanoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 9, 17
nnnn Wildman Lake Lodge Gary “Butch” King, Jr. 2024 Stonegate Circle Anchorage, AK 99515 830-522-4947 hunt@wildmanlodge.com www.wildalaskahunting.com www.wildmanlodge.com Working GMUs: 9, 11, 12, 16, 20
nnnn Alaska Adventures Unlimited Tom Kirstein PO Box 83808 Fairbanks, AK 99708 907-455-6117 • 907-388-8667 Cell tomkirstein@ak.net www.kodiakbearhunting.com Katmai Guide Service Joe Klutsch PO Box 313 King Salmon, AK 99613 907-246-3030 • 907-439-2222 Cell joeklutsch@gmail.com www.katmaiguideservice.com Working GMUs: 8, 9C, 9E
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Litzen Guide Service Michael Litzen 50715 Maranatha Ln. Kenai, AK 99611 907-776-5868 • 907-398-0001 Cell 907-776-8707 Fax michael@litzenguideservice.com www.litzenguideservice.com GMUs: 9D, 19C
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Alaska Remote Guide Service Wayne Kubat PO Box 874867 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-355-8568 Cell wayne@alaskaremote.com www.alaskaremote.com Working GMUs: 13, 16, 17, 19
nnnnnnn John Latham PO Box 254 Yakutat, AK 99689 907-784-3287 • 907-784-3603 Fax fran@blueheroninnak.net www.johnlatham.com Westwind Guide Service & Alaska Big Game Hunting Tony Lee PO Box 298490 Wasilla, AK 99629 907-373-2047 • 907-354-1147 Cell westwindnayco@gci.net www.westwindguideservice.com www.alaskabiggamehunting.com Mountain Monarchs of Alaska Dave Leonard 35555 Kenai Spur Hwy. #300 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-252-4952 Cell 907-692-4868 Lodge mountainmonarchsofalaska@gmail. com www.mountainmonarchs.com
nnnnnn Alaska Wilderness Enterprises, LLC Joe Letarte Box 16075 Two Rivers, AK 99716 907-488-7517 • 907-322-1800 Cell wildernessenterprises@gmail.com Wildernessenterprises.com
Alaska Coastal Hunting, LLC Elias Lucas PO Box 1634 Petersburg, AK 99833 907-772-3405 alaskahunts@hotmail.com emydonhunting.com GMUs 1, 3, 4
nnnnn Big Game Big Country Dave Marsh PO Box 3701 Midway, KY 40347 859-338-4710 dave@biggamebigcountry.com biggamebigcountry.com GMUs 17,25
nnnnnn Coastal Alaska Adventures Keegan McCarthy PO Box 240034 Douglas, AK 99824 907-723-3006 info@coastalalaskaadventures.com www.coastalalaskaadventures.com
nnnn Alaska Raven Guides, LLC Scott McLeod 1946 Dodge Circle Sitka, AK 99835 907-747-6405 akrg@gci.net alaskaravenguides.com GMU’s: 3,4
nnn Alaska Trophy Adventures Dan Montgomery PO Box 874492 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-373-4898 akta@mtaonline.net GMUs: 9, 13, 14
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Arctic Alaska Guide Service Dave Morris 1103 Airline Dr North Pole, AK 99705 907-385-0809 akmg133@gmail.com www.alaskahuntguide.com GMUs: 20, 24, 25
nnnnn Munsey’s Bear Camp Mike Munsey PO Box AOS Kodiak, AK 99697 907-202-5619 info@munseysbearcamp.com hunt.munseysbearcamp.com GMUs: 8
nnn Mike Odin’s Alaskan Adventures, LLC Mike Odin PO Box 772682 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-644-4868 • 907-223-4415 Cell 907-644-1044 Fax mike@mikeodin.com www.mikeodin.com
nnn Parker Guide Service, Inc. Bruce Parker PO Box 6290 Sitka, AK 99835 907-747-6026 • 907-738-6766 Cell 907-747-8576 Fax parkerguideservice@gmail.com www.alaskaboathunts.com Working GMUs: 3, 4
nnnnn The Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge Steve Perrins PO Box 221267 Anchorage, AK 99522 907-770-6304 Lodge 907-230-6093 Cell theperrins@rainypasslodge.net www.theperrinsrainypasslodge.com Working GMUs: 8, 16, 19
nnnnn nnnn Brian Peterson Master Guide, LLC Brian Peterson 6604 Cutty Sark St. Anchorage, AK 99502 907-830-2802 brian.peterson4@att.net www.ugakbay.com Working GMUs: 8
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Freelance Outdoor Adventures & Cinder River Lodge Alaska Lance Kronberger 4005 Delores Dr. Eagle River, AK 99577 907-622-0630 • 907-854-2822 Cell freelanceoa@mac.com www.freelanceoutdooradventures. com
APHA MEMBER DIRECTORY | Master Guides / Outfitters (continued) R. Rohrer, Inc. Richard Rohrer PO Box 2219 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-5835 • 907-539-5800 Cell 907-486-5800 Fax rrohrer@ak.net www.kodiakbearcamp.com Working GMUs: 8
Alaskan Perimeter Expeditions, LLC Henry D. Tiffany, IV PO Box 329 Ester, AK 99725 907-456-4868 • 907-223-3226 Cell 907-474-8240 Fax henry@alaskanperimeter.com www.alaskanperimeterexpeditions. com
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Rohrer Bear Camp, Inc. Sam Rohrer PO Box 1388 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-4074 • 907-539-1828 Cell 907-486-8829 Fax sam@kodiakbearcamp.com www.kodiakbearcamp.com Working GMUs: 8, 9
Primo Expeditions Ed Toribio PO Box 6743 Ketchikan, AK 99901 907-254-8620 primo@kpunet.net www.primoexpeditions.com
nnn Southeast Alaskan Adventures Jimmie “Bud” L. Rosenbruch 8174 Keegan St Juneau, AK 99801 907-790-4687 • 907-790-4600 akhunter@live.com southeastalaskanadventures.com
nnnnn Glacier Guides, Inc. Alisha “Mutts” Rosenbruch-Decker 1630 Mendenhall Peninsula Road Juneau, AK 99801 907-321-2180 Cell decker@glacierguidesinc.com www.glacierguidesinc.com Working GMU’s 1, 3, 4
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Grizzly Skins of Alaska, Inc. Phil Shoemaker PO Box 876110 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-376-2234 grizskins@gmail.com www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
nn Alaska Hunting Adventures Matt Snyder HC72 Box 805 Tok, AK 99780 907-883-3083 • 907-632-1666 Cell akhunting@hotmail.com www.tokmanagementarea.com Working GMUs: 12, 13, 20
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nnnnn Hunt Alaska Eric Umphenour 2400 Davis Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-978-7344 • 907-456-3889 Fax wildakadventures@alaska.net www.huntalaskawithus.com
nnnnn Hunt Alaska Virgil L. Umphenour 2400 Davis Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-328-8857 • 907-456-3889 Fax akhunt@ak.net www.huntalaskawithus.com
nnnnn Rough & Ready Guide Service Kelly Vrem PO Box 54 Sutton, AK 99674 907-745-8736 • 907-863-3737 Cell kelly@vrem.com www.vrem.com Working GMUs: 16 Blue Mountain Lodge Tracy Vrem PO Box 771838 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-360-0541 tracy@bluemountainlodge.com www.bluemountainlodge.com
Midnight Sun Safaris Coke Wallace PO Box 435 Healy, AK 99743 907-683-4868 info@midnightsunsafaris.com www.midnightsunsafaris.com Working GMUs: 13, 20
nnnn nnnn Stoney River Lodge, Inc. M.J. “Curly” Warren PO Box 62 Sleetmute, AK 99668 907-526-5211 • 509-228-3290 Cell stoneyriverlodge22@gmail.com www.stoneyriverlodge.com Working GMUs: 17, 19
nnnn nnnn Willow Air Service Alaska Guide & Outfitting Service Steve H. White PO Box 231 Willow, AK 99688 907-232-9546 • 907-495-6370 Cell cubdriver55@yahoo.com www.willowair.com Working GMUs: 16, 19, 21
nnnnn Treasure Hunter Lodge Kurt Whitehead PO Box 388 Klawock, AK 99925 907-738-5000 Cell treasurehunterlodge@gmail.com www.alaskablackbearhunts.com Working GMUs: 2
nnn Xtreme Xpeditions Alaska Andy Willis 7362 West Parks Hwy Wasilla, AK 99624 907-223-1805 • 907-631-0605 Cell xtremexpeditons@hotmail.com www.xtremexpeditions.com Lonesome Dove Outfitters, Inc. Dennis Zadra PO Box 1389 Cordova, AK 99574 907-424-3718 • 888-388-3683 dennis@idohuntak.com www.idohuntak.com
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R EGIST ER E D GUIDE S
nn Southeast Alaska Guiding Hans Baertle PO Box 1372 Haines, AK 99827 907-209-2109 hans@seaguiding.com www.seaguiding.com
nnnn Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters Peter A. Barela PO Box 873512 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-775-3833 barelaoutfitting@me.com www.barelasalaskanoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 6, 17, 19
nnnnnnn Lucas Bastian Alaska Coastal Outfitters PO Box 6307 Sitka, AK 99835 907-738-0739 luke@alaskahunting.com www.alaskahunting.com Game Management Units: 3, 4
nnnn Alaska Skookum Guides Lyle A. Becker 6816 Colonial Ct. Ste. 1 Anchorage, AK 99502 907-250-0973 lyle.a.becker@gmail.com Working GMUs: 9E, 25A
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Alaska Outfitters Unlimited Aaron Bloomquist PO Box 871 Palmer, AK 99645 907-982-2471 alaskaoutfittersunlimited@hotmail.com www.alaskaoutfittersunlimited.com www.alaskahunt.net Working GMU’s 11, 13, 26
nnnnn nnnn Kodiak Backcountry Adventures, LLC Jason L. Bunch 556 Eli Waselie Circle Kodiak, AK 99615 907-654-4649 jkbunch@kodiakbackcountry.com www.kodiakbackcountry.com
nnn Jon Burrows 717 Cabin Road Port Alsworth, AK 99653 907-781-3242 joncooksfood@yahoo.com Alaska Waterfowl Safaris Arctic North Guides Alaska Angling Safaris Phil Byrd PO Box 34 King Salmon, AK 99613 907-246-2303 • 252-714-4329 Cell alaskahuntingguide@gmail.com Campbell’s High Caliber Guide Service Thomas Derrick Campbell 1721 Selief Ln Kodiak, AK 99615 662-224-4369 Country1115@gmail.com GMUs 8
nnnn Castle Guide Service Ryan Castle PO Box 1351 Marion, MT 59925 406-599-6792 ryanz.castle@gmail.com
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Ultimate Thule Outfitters, Inc. Jay Claus PO Box 770361 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-688-1200 www.ultimathulelodge.com Ultimate Thule Outfitters, Inc. Paul Claus PO Box 770361 Eagle River, AK 99577 907-688-1200 907-854-5061 cell 97-688-8805 fax Paulclaus.ak@gmail.com Ultimathulelodge.com GMU’s 11 Atlin Daugherty 9223 N Douglas Hwy. Juneau, AK 99801 907-723-1293 akhomefire@yahoo.com Davis Outfitters Gabe Davis PO Box 1422 Dillingham, AK 99576 907-843-2002 goodnewsfish@gmail.com davisoutfitters.com Glacier Guides, Inc. Zachariah B. Decker 1630 Mendenhall Peninsula Road Juneau, AK 99801 907-321-2180 decker@glacierguidesinc.com www.glacierguidesinc.com
nnnnn Kokanee Guide Service Justin Dubay PO Box 879547 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-632-7207 akjdubay@yahoo.com Kokaneeguideservice.com GMU’s 8, 16, 19
nnnnn Joseph Dwileski PO Box 7 Malden Bridge, NY 12115 518-755-6787 dwileskij@gmail.com GMU’s 8, 14
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Kodiak Wilderness Adventures Kevin Adkins PO Box 50 Port Lions, AK 99550 907-748-2419 kwa@gci.net www.kodiakwilderness.com Working GMU’s 8, 9, 10
APHA MEMBER DIRECTORY | Registered Guides (continued) Josh Ellis 431 W 87th Anchorage, AK 99515 jellisref@hotmail.com Destination Outdoors Mark Enyeart 6851 Shangri-La Cir Anchorage, AK 99516 907-349-8095 907-240-6161 Cell markenyeart@hotmail.com Hank Flatow PO Box 7795 Helena, MT 59604 907-521-8394 akmontana@msn.com Fletcher’s Guide Service Jacob Fletcher PO Box 245 Talkeetna, AK 99676 907-745-3918 • 907-982-7254 Cell fletchersguideservice@gmail.com www.fletcherskodiakbearhunts.com GMUs: 8, 14
nnnn Full Scope Outfitters Cary Foster 710 Harbor Circle Anchorage, AK 99515 907-230-0488 fullscopeoutfitters@gmail.com fullscopeoutfitters.com Alaska Trophy Hunting & Fishing Mel Gillis 8131 Evans Circle Anchorage, AK 99507 907-344-8589 • 907-349-2020 Fax melgillis2013@gmail.com
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Alsek River Guide Service, Inc. Alsek River Lodge, Inc. Gary Gray PO Box 304 Yakutat, AK 99689 907-784-3451 • 907-312-9307 Cell 907-784-3151 Fax alsekriverlodge@yahoo.com alsekriverguideservice@yahoo.com www.alsekriverlodge.us www.alsekriverlodge.com GMUs: 5
nnnnn Becharof Lodge Bruce Hallingstad PO Box 108 Egegik, AK 99579 907-439-3482 Summer 208-337-8211 Winter sea-tac@msn.com www.becharoflodge.net Working GMUs: 9E
Dennis Harms PO Box 670071 Chugiak, AK 99567 907-696-2484 alaskatrophy@yahoo.com alaskakodiakbearhuntingsafaris.com D&L Outfitters Jerry Hedrich 13630 Schroeder Rd St. Charles, MI 48655 989-233-6507 jerry@wolverineoutfitter.com GMUs 7, 13
nnnn Alaska’s Valhalla Guide Service Drew Hilterbrand PO Box 39865 Ninilchik, AK 99639 907-252-4090 Brownbear10ft@hotmail.com Alaskasvalhallaguideservice.com GMUs 8, 19
nnnnnn H & H Alaskan Outfitters Justin D. Horton 47333 Anna Leah Avenue Soldotna, AK 99669 907-244-2993 Cell hhalaskanoutfitters@gmail.com www.hhalaskanoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 8, 9, 22
nnnn Hunt Alaska Outfitters Rick Hoskins 513 Bonaparte Circle Kodiak, AK 99615 907-654-7487 Cell huntalaskaoutfitters@gmail.com www.huntalaskaoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 8
nnnn Gilbert Huntington PO Box 264 Galena, AK 99741 9097-656-1435 Koyukon99@hotmail.com Robert Jewett Top Gun Treks 2000 W Rivulet Ave Wasilla, Ak 99654 topguntreks@yahoo.com 907-355-4778 www.topguntreks.com Working GMUs: 13, 14, 16, 19, 20
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Chichagof Charters Paul Johnson Box 22 Elfin Cove, AK 99825 907-789-0944 gull.cove@hotmail.com www.gullcove.com Working GMUs: 6 R & R Hunting and Outdoor Adventures Robert Jones, Jr. PO Box 670610 Chugiak, AK 99567 907-350-8249 rrhuntingak@gmail.com www.randrhunting.com
nn Vast Alaska Cash Joyce 6200 E. Beechcraft Rd Wasilla, AK 9964 907-350-3982 cash@vastalaska.com www.vastalaska.com Working GMUs: 7, 9, 13, 14C
nnnnnn Afognak Wilderness lodge II Jordan Kamae PO Box SYB, Seal Bay Kodiak, AK 99697 360-799-3250 808-381-5266 jkamae@gmail.com www.huntafognak.com Working GMU’s: 8
nn Hunter Creek Guides Loren J. Karro 26239 E Buckshot Dr. Palmer, AK 99645 907-745-3712 lorenk@mtaonline.net Joseph Kazimirowicz PO Box 31 Ekwok, AK 99580 907-464-6121 joe@alaskarigidoutfitters.com
nn Aniakchak Guide Service Joey Klutsch PO Box 222 King Salmon, AK 99613 907-469-3033 Cell joeyklutsch@gmail.com www.joeyklutschhunting.com Working GMUs: 9E, 26C
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nnnnnn Kramer’s Kodiak Guide Service Cole Kramer PO Box 2748 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-539-6447 kodiakhunter19@hotmail.com
nnn Stony Mountain Lodge Arno Krumm 1120 Huffman Rd. Ste. 24-288 Anchorage, AK 99515 907-267-2629 stonymountainlodge@gmail.com Rod Krupicka 903 Rd. 22 Milligan, NE 68406 907-830-3321 rkrupicka@gmail.com Ron Lambert 1419 Second Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701 612-386-0742 lambertron50@gmail.com LaRose Guide Service Gary R. LaRose PO Box 172 Girdwood, AK 99587 907-350-6841 Cell garylarose30@gmail.com www.garylarose.com Working GMUs: 9E
nnn Magnuson Alaskan Outfitters Dwayne Magnusson 1517 W. 47th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99503 907-382-6717 dwayne@huntmao.com www.huntmao.com GMU’s 9, 19
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Alaska Dall Sheep Guides, LLC Mont Mahoney PO Box 190905 Anchorage, AK 99519 907-360-6190 akcubpilot@aol.com www.huntdallsheep.com
Gakona Guide Service Johnny McMahan PO Box 184 Gakona, AK 99586 907-822-5925 907-259-5925 jmanyabuddy@hotmail.com
nnnnnnn nnnnnn Hidden Alaska Guides & Outfitters Tony Marchini 6870 S Meyers Cir Wasilla, AK 99623 907-378-2676 hiddenakguides@gmail.com www.hiddenak.com GMU’s 9, 16, 19
nnnn nnnn Donald Martin 8913 White Star Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 martin@earthlink.net Clint Mayeur 9401 Skyview Dr. Wasilla, AK 99623 907-422-4207 mayeur@mtaonline.net Alaska Raven Guides, LLC Kenneth Dustin McLeod 1726 Halibut Point Rd. Sitka, AK 99835 907-738-0323 mcleod_dustin@yahoo.com alaskaravenguides.com GMU’s 3, 4
Clint Miller 2025 S Rollinghills St Wasilla, AK 99623 Bogg Outfitters McKenzie Mitchell PO Box 60111 Fairbanks, AK 99706 907-251-1727 boggoutfitters@gmail.com www.boggoutfitters.com Working GMUs: 20 High Country Guide Service, LLC Matt Moskiewicz 17750 E. Kathy Circle Palmer, AK 99645 907-250-0768 moskieakfish@gmail.com www.highcountryguideservicellc.com Working GMU’s 13, 14
nnnnnnn Tim’s Alaskan Guide Service Tim Nelson PO Box 110 Chitina, AK 99566 907-823-4076 tim@timsalaskanguideservice.com www.timsalaskanguideservice.com Working GMUs: 11, 24, 25
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Gakona Guide Service Bryan McMahan PO Box 209 Gakona, AK 99586 907-259-3553 N82491@gmail.com
Daniel Ondersma 2435 W. Marston Dr. Anchorage, AK 99517 907-942-5096 danulq@yahoo.com
Gakona Guide Service Chuck McMahan PO Box 110 Gakona, AK 99586 907-320-1064 907-822-3553 cmcmahan@cvinternet.net GMUs 11, 12, 13
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Rodney Pangborn 2594 Carrie Lynn Dr. North Pole, AK 99605 907-378-1851 rod@rodalaskanguideservice.com www.rodsalaskanguideservice.com Alaska Premier Adventures Spencer Pape 1875 S Paddock Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654 907-631-5999 • 979-820-9169 spencerpape@hotmail.com www.lakeclark.com Working GMUs: 19
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75 WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
Wrangell Outfitters William Koehler HC 62 Box 5219 Delta Junction, AK 99737 724-427-5350 wrangelloutfitters@gmail.com www.wrangelloutfitters.com GMUs 12
APHA MEMBER DIRECTORY | Registered Guides (continued) The Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge Steve Perrins II PO Box 220563 Anchorage, AK 99522 907-717-7556 Cell 907-770-6304 Lodge guide88@hotmail.com www.theperrinsrainypasslodge.com Working GMUs: 8, 16, 19
nnnnn nnnn Alaska Wild Wind Adventures Cabot J. Pitts 1240 W. Tammy Cir. Palmer, AK 99645 907-414-5434 Cell info@alaskawildwind.com www.alaskawildwind.com Working GMUs: 9, 12
nnnn nnnn Big Game Backcountry Guides Riley Pitts PO Box 172 Butte Falls, OR 97522 541-531-7211 biggamebackcountryguides@hotmail. com www.biggamebackcountryguides. com Working GMUs: 8, 9, 10
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Afognak Wilderness Lodge Joshua R Randall PO Box SYB Seal Bay Kodiak, AK 99697 360-799-3250 206-260-9390 Jrandall.lodge@gmail.com Huntafognak.com Tod A. Richards 14831 O’Malley Dr Palmer, AK 99645 907-354-7446 • 907-746-7825 signs@gci.net Are You Ready Adventures Johnny Richardson PO Box 59090 St. Michael, AK 99659 907-933-1339 areyouready.adv@gmail.com GMU’s 22A, 21E
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Big Wild Outfitters Clay Roberts PO Box 177 Cantwell, AK 99729 907-250-6754 info@bigwildoutfitters.com GMU’s 8, 13, 20
Big Alaska Outdoors, LLC Michael Sciotti PO Box 298561 Wasilla, AK 99629-8561 907-538-1368 mvsciotti@gmail.com Working GMU’s 13, 17
nnnnnnn nn Mark Rowenhorst 1148 Ridgepointe Dr Fairbanks, AK 99709 907-750-3407 m.rowenhorst@live.com GMUs 1, 20
nnnnn Rogue Expeditions Jeremy Ruesink 17911 Almdale Ave Eagle River, AK 99577 907-885-1099 jrruesink@rogueexpeditions.com rogueexpeditions.com GMUs 8, 9, 14, 16
Alaska Expedition Lodge Jason Semler 7362 W Parks Hwy #742 Wasilla, AK 99623 907-315-5891 jsemlerak@gmail.com Alaskaexpeditionhunting.com
nnnn Grizzly Skins of Alaska, Inc. Tia Shoemaker PO Box 273 King Salmon, AK 99613 907-599-0842 tia.shoemaker@gmail.com www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
nnnnnnn nn John Rydeen 1945 N. Belmont Ave. Palmer, AK 99645 907-299-1686 westby13@gmail.com Erik Salitan Bushwhack Alaska Guiding & Outfitting/Talarik Creek Lodge P.O. Box 149 • Iliamna, AK 99606 1(907)388-8766 cell 1(907)571-2041 lodge Bushwhackalaska.com Talarikcreeklodge.com
nnnnnnn Frank Sanders PO Box 4135 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-252-7413 outfitalaska@gmail.com alaskatrophyoutfitters.com GMU’s 7, 8, 9, 15
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Grizzly Skins of Alaska Taj Shoemaker PO Box 1523 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-385-7213 pacificnorthhunters@outlook.com grizzlyskinsofalaska.com GMU’s: 8,9,25
nnnnnn Alaska HuntSmith James Smith 1820 Wildberry Loop #7 Anchorage, AK 99502 907-388-6842 huntersmith54071@msn.com GMU’s 22
n AK Expeditions Mark Spencer 9440 Arlene Dr. Anchorage, AK 99502 907-903-2329 info@ak-x.com www.ak-x.com Working GMU’s 9, 21
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nnn Jay H. Stanford 1 Miller Creek Port Alsworth, AK 99653 907-764-4118 Cell jay.stanford18@gmail.com Bill Stevenson 30820 Glenn Highway Sutton, AK 99674 907-232-8115 • 907-745-8545 Fax blueice@gci.net Jonah’s Alaskan Outfitters, LLC Jonah Stewart PO Box 877896 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-841-4560 jonahsalaskanoutfitters@gmail.com jonahsalaskanoutfitters.com Working GMU’s 16, 24, 25
nnnnn RWS Guide Service Richard Stewart 35159 Kanak Ave Soldotna, AK 99669 907-953-7700 akstewart49@yahoo.com Working GMUs: 15, 26
nnnn Alaska’s Greatland Outfitter Shawn Stone PO Box 2333 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-252-5782 huntalaska@hotmail.com Working GMU’s: 13, 14, 17
nnnnnnn Baranof Expeditions Bert Stromquist Box 3107 Sitka, AK 99835 907-738-3541 bstromquist@hotmail.com www.baranofexpeditionsllc.com
Captain Summers Marine Services David Summers 2 Marine Way, Ste. 120 Juneau, AK 99801 907-957-1152 emailsummers@gmail.com alaskaknifeworks.com Working GMU’s: 3, 4
nnnn Deltana Outfitters, Inc. Robert Summers 91 Shipper Ct. Martinsburg, WV 25404 907-347-7204 hunts@deltana.com www.deltana.com Working GMU’s: 17, 19
nn Wilderness Forge Adventures Jeffery Tart 449 Gamblers Run Dillon, MT 59725 406-925-9995 Jefftrout35@hotmail.com GMU’s 9, 19
nnn Ovis Outfitters Emily Thoft PO Box 873364 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-676-0471 ovisoutfitters@hotmail.com www.ovisoutfitters.com GMU’s 9, 26
nnnn High Cache Alaskan Outfitters Gust Tunguing Jr. PO Box 5040 Koliganek, AK 99576 907-596-6051 g22T10@yahoo.com GMU’s 17
nn Turner’s Alaskan Adventures Nate Turner PO Box 646 Nenana, AK 99760 907-479-7535 • 907-746-1696 Cell alaskanate@gmail.com www.alaskan-adventures.net Working GMUs: 9, 20, 21, 24, 26
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Tyrrell’s Trails Luke L. Tyrrell PO Box 61228 Fairbanks, AK 99706 tyrrellstrails@gmail.com www.tyrrellstrails.com Working GMU’s 24, 25
nnnnn Alaska Elite Outfitters Michael Vanstrom PO Box 45, 3rd Ave Ekwok, AK 99580 907-464-6165 mike@alaskaeliteoutfitters.com alaskaeliteoutfitters.com GMU’s: 17-01, 17-02, 17-04
nn G’s Greatland Guiding, LLC Gary Wall 2450 Highgate Circle Anchorage, AK 99502 907-223-4640 Cell garywallak@gmail.com
n Wallace’s Guide Service Jordan Wallace 1700 N. Westmoreland Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654 907-308-9190 wallacesguideservice@gmail.com Working GMU’s 9, 24
nnnnn Alaska Pike Safaris & Wilderness Adventures Bruce Werba PO Box 102 Holy Cross, AK 99602 907-476-7121 • 907-476-7225 Fax conniem122@hotmail.com www.alaskapike.com Working GMUs: 9E
nnnn Buckey Winkley PO Box 221267 Anchorage, AK 99522 Alaska Adventure Safaris Michael Zweng 4555 Chartier Rd. Marine City, MI 48039 810-278-7379 810-278-7379 fax alaskaadventure@live.com www.alaskaadventuresafaris.com Working GMUs: 8
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77 WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
Arctic Alaska Adventures Thor Stacey PO Box 211231 Auke Bay, AK 99821 907-723-1494 thorstacey@gmail.com
APHA MEMBER DIRECTORY
ASS ISTAN T GUIDE S Zach Basmajian 390 Barnes Hill Rd Delancey, NY 13752 631-678-7743 Zachbass29@gmail.com Kyle Berg 77 Philips Lane Ketchikan, AK 99901 907-617-8020 kyleberg@hotmail.com
WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
James Hubbs 16812 Eleonora St Eagle River, AK 99577 907-830-8120 yhubbs@aol.com
Derek Blake 6021 Bristol Drive Anchorage, AK 99516 907-830-8528 akderek@gmail.com
Conner Johns 2492 Northview St Bozeman, MT 59715 208-920-3526 conner@huntwildalaska.com fishingbearlodge.com
Louis Cusack 23630 Fallow Circle Chugiak, AK 99567 907-790-8329 louis.cusack@outlook.com
Richard McAtee PO Box 182 West Glacier, MT 59936 406-249-6501 Richard.mcatee@gmail.com
Kelly Daniels PO Box 112089 Anchorage, AK 99511 907-632-8132 kjdalaska@gmail.com
Griffin McCullar 9940 William Jones Circle, Unit 2 Anchorage, AK 99515 661-333-0410 griffin.mccullar@yahoo.com
Mitchell Davis PO Box 1193 Girdwood, AK 99587 307-880-1990 mitchdavis848@gmail.com
Treasure Hunter Lodge Trina Nation PO Box 388 Klawock, AK 99925 907-738-5700 Cell treasurehunterlodge@gmail.com www.alaskablackbearhunts.com
David Dressel 9605 Dinaaka Dr Eagle River, AK 99577 518-951-9191 adkalaska@gmail.com
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Elias Holt 10248 Jamestown Dr Anchorage, AK 99507 eliaszaneholt@gmail.com
David M. Fischer 2430 E Davison Lake Rd Oxford, MI 48371 248-224-2020 • 248-628-2770 Fax davidmfischer2430@gmail.com Andrew George 2240 Determination Dr Fairbanks, AK 99712 907-378-0130 bravingak@protonmail.com Mike Gray 48291 229th Clearbrook, MN 56634 218-533-0373 mvg8095@icloud.com Andreas Gruson 2525 Tarpon Road Naples, FL 34102 914-525-4565 agruson@ia-svcs.com Fred Harbison 2805 Monteverde Road Fairbanks, AK 99709
Alaskan Odysseys Steve Opat PO Box 60242 Fairbanks, AK 99706 507-259-0697 opat1919@gmail.com www.alaskanodysseys.com Stephen Ostrander 236 Cox Road Sharts Chapel, TN 37866 907-315-9687 ostrander1967@icloud.com Travis Peden 2143 N. 21st St. Grand Junction, CO 81503 970-712-8292 wsom.peden@gmail.com Alexander Perez PO Box 1456 Palmer, AK 99645 954-243-3500 alex1988p@gmail.com Ernest Pierce PO Box 556 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 907-797-4143
Aaron Pingree PO Box UGI Kodiak, AK 99697 907-942-0793 kodiaktrapper@gmail.com Shane Reynolds 2040 Ripon Ave. Lewiston, ID 83501 208-880-2994 nwfishingexp@gmail.com Nicole Ruesink 17911 Almdale Ave Eagle River, AK 99577 907-854-5796 nicnhorses@hotmail.com www.rogueexpeditions.com Mark Saladin 4955 Deer Run Loop Carthage, MO 64836 417-850-6009 marksaladin@ cornerstonefamilydental.com John Sherwood 413 Shane Creek Rd. Columbus, MT 59019 406-780-0043 Sherwood451@gmail.com Hunter Taylor 9113 Lees Ridge Rd Warrenton, VA 20186 301-520-6613 hunterptaylor@gmail.com Kile Thimsen PO Box 873172 Wasilla, AK 99687 907-414-2772 kilethimsen@gmail.com akmountainhunter.com Steve Thomas 2408 Ansley Path The Villages, FL 32162 309-333-8860 setthomas46@gmail.com Jonathan White PO Box 3632 Soldotna, AK 99669 adventurequestalaska@gmail.com Dan Wright 2367-A US Hwy 34 Drake, CO 80515 858-603-0900 danni_w2000@yahoo.com Matthew Zeleney 235 E. Kalli Ciricle, Apt 239-2 Wasilla, AK 99654 907-521-0521 M_zeleney@yahoo.com
L IF E M EMB E RS • Richard M. Cudlipp • Deb Cunningham • Ralph Cunningham • Ralph Dampman • Frank Derr, MD • Harve Dethlefs • John Dickerson • Skipper Dickson • Raymond Diederich • Ola Donnem • Fred Drasner • Rado Drum • Dennis Dunn • Robert Dunnigan • William Durning • James Edmondson • Gary English • Ed Erickson • John Estes • Steven Fassbender • Ron Fedder • Louis Fierens • Larry Fiser • Jim Fitzgerald • Brian Folkman • Daniel Folkman • Steve Folkman • Fred Fortier • Terry Freeman • Lee Friend • Mike Frings • John D. Frost • Major Steven Futch • James Gabrick • Jeff Garrett • Dale Gaugler • Rudy Gawlitta • Steve Gentry • John (Jack) Gibb • Mark Gibbar • Bill Gillespie • Alden Glidden • Gholam Reza Golsorkhi • Gary Grant Sales • Mark Gulbrandson • John Gunlogson • Thomas Hackler • Jackie Hames • Eric Hanson • Trent Harris • William Haslett • Joe Hectus • Scott J. Hed • Mark Herfort • Laurence Hespel • Bob R. Hess • Bill Hicks • Tom Hinders • Byron Hodge • Bill Homan • Scott Homrich • George Houser • Milt Hummer
• Guy Iaquinta • Jeff Jackson • John J. Jackson, III • Patricia Jacobson • John Janitz • Cecil Jarvis • Marcus Jensen • Stan Jensen • Johnny Johnson • Ken Johnston • Kris Kallina • Gerald Kane • Kevin Kehoe • Allen Keller • Larry Kelly • Keith Key • Don Kirn • Larry Klang • Keith T. Knight • Dan Kopshinsky • William R. Krager • Blake Kramer • Ted Kruzan • Gary Kuess • Tim Kumbier • Tim Kumbier • Carlos Lagomasino • Robert Laiho • Bill Leech • Dick Leedy • Ethel Leedy • G. Randolph Legg • Michael Letourneau • Sandy Limpert • James Lines • Jay E. Link • Mark Little • Joe LoMonaco • Scott Maddox • Dan Marshall • Donald C. Martin • Russell Martin • Mort Mason • Michael Matthews • Dr. David McCormack • William L. McCormick • George McCoy • Richard McCue • J.R. McCulley • William McDow • Richard McDrew • Harley McMahan • Ron McMillen • Erik Meis • Robert J. Merkle • Gator Meyer • Tony Meyer • W. R. Michael • Wil Milam • Frank Miles • Mitchell Miller • Steve Minore • Burt Montague
• Leroy Mooney • Blaine Morgan • Robert Moyer • Bob Mumford • Gerard A. Mumfrey, II • Wade Musick • Richard Muslow • Craig Nakamoto • Charles Nation, Jr. • David Neighbor • Stanley Ness • Lucky Nightingale • David Oakes • Larry F. O’Brian • Richard H. Olewiler • Scott Olivier • Bill O’Loughlin • Clifford Olson • Tim Page • Frank D. Paino • Frank A. Paino, Jr. • Dean Palmer • Larry Pancake • Sam Pancotto • Jim Pankow • Warren Parker • Dave Parten • Eugene Parzych • John Patterson, Jr. • Joseph Peachey • Si Pellow • Jerry Peterman • William Pfifer • John Phillips • Robert Plummer • Cory Poser • Donald Pradon • Andrew Pratt • John Pribbenow • Dean Quade • George D. Rankin • Tom Rea • Harvey W. Reisinger, Jr. • Bruce Rhein • Tom Richmond • Kevin Rinke Mike Robbins • Alan Robertson • David Roche • John Rohrer • Tony Russ • Jesse Ryder • Frank Sadlon • Robert Saint-Louis • Lloyd Samsal • Thomas Schank • Rebecca Scherich • Doug Schippers • Don Schwandt • Gregory Schweiss Albert Schweizer • John S. Sech • William Semon
• William Sharrow • F. Barry Shaw • Sean Shea • George Shilling • Roxane Shinabarger • John Sholtiss • Buck Siler • Gary Simpson • Kip Slaugh • Robert Slocum • Harold Smith • Mike Snider • Norman Solberg • Dave Sperbeck • Lee Stafford • James Stager • Tim Stoltz • Stan Suchecki • Bob Taylor • Scott Teerlick • Arnie Thibault • Craig Tinkham • Rhea Tinkham • Mark Tinsley • Dr. Gordon Townsend, Jr. • Ryan Turek • Ed Turowski • William Tuttle • Jerry Tyrrell • Richard Wacker • Phil Wagner • James E. Walden • Lee Walker • Greg Wambold • Al Ward • Robert Webster • John Weiland • Dieter Weinhold • Michael Werner, MD • Maurice Wessel, Jr. • Steve Whisler • Jay White • Mark Whitmire • Byron Whitney • R. L. Wilhour • Gerald William • Jeff Williams • Arthur Wilson, Jr., MD • Fred Winter • David Witmer • Royce Wold • Alexander Wong • Marvin Wood • Royce Wood • Darrin Woods • Brian Yahner • R. Douglas Yajko, MD • Edward Yates • William Young • Andy Zaulsman • John Zehler
79 WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
• Col. A.D. Ackels • Dominick Adornato, MD • Trevor Ahlberg • Clay Altenbern • Desi Alvarez • Peter Andersson-Ulseth • Ron Andrews • David Armstrong • Tony Arpaia • Gustavo Arvelo • Stephen Athman • John Axness • Fred D. Ayers • Rex Baker • Robert Baldock • Cooper Baldwin • Dr. D. Kyle Ball • Jeff Bankey • Charlie Barnes • John Barneson • Don Barnett • Barry Barton • Joe Bazan • William Bell • J. Martin Benchoff • Gerald Bennett • James J. Biel • Jim Birge • Edward Blair • Glenn Bliss, II • Herbert Bobchin • Gary Bogner • Roy Bonham • Bo Bonnier • Ronald Boodman • Frank A. Bove • John H. Boyd • Kenneth Boyd • Tim Brammer • Louise Breland • Carl Brent • Ralph Brozzo Kevin Budney • Peter Burchfield • Jim Bush • Daniel Yturria Butler • Bob Caldwell, III • James Canady • Angelo Caputo • Roger Card • Michael Casacci • Mark Cavanaugh • Jerry Chase • Gerald Chontos • Todd Claiborne • Joe Cocozzo Col Kevin A Conry • Charles Cook • Robert Cowell • Donald Crenshaw • Jeff Crippen • Gregory Crites