Help For Matt from Sourdoughs

[Daveinthebush]

I think it was George Massey that I remember saying: "Mother nature has her own stern code, either we live by it or die."

Lesson One: Never buy something to take to a village with you, like a snow machine, 4-wheeler or boat. Go there first and see what everyone else is using. Reason One: Someone there has probably broken it before you and knows how to fix it. Two: If it doesn't work in the first place, no one there is going to have one. Three: Someone probably has the parts already left over from the last one someone broke.

Lesson Two: If a native says lets go hunting for a few hours - that means possibly a day or two. If a native says were going for a day - it might mean 3-5. If a native says a couple of days - means were not comming back until we kill something.  :-)

Lesson Three: If you are going on a trip for three days, take food for a week.  If for a week, take food for ten-twelve days. And so forth.

Ok guys.....lets help Matt out.

[Dand]

If you are still planning a Feb 9 hunt?  Were you planning to go to the Mulchatna area?  Stay in touch with Natron.  I heard today the Nushagak River is open up around the village of New Stuyahok and most of the lakes have realllllly funky ice.  I don't know where you could land a plane safely.  All the sand blows are probably mucky and too dangerous for wheels.  Its a bummer because otherwise hunting could be pretty nice with the warm weather.  I hear there were some caribou around the confluence of the Mulchatna and Nushagak. Good luck where ever you go and stay dry.

[Matt in AK]

I spoke with the pilot at Natron last night and it's all but cancelled.  We may try a little later next week if the temps really drop and there's some snow.  Hope the bears come out early this year...

Good news is I leave for Hawaii later this month and after the work's done will stay a couple days and bowhunt for wild pigs.

[Dand]

I talked to our local biologist and he's been in contact with Natron's pilot too - conditions are pretty poor and likely to stay that way. Weather most likely to make getting through L. Clark Pass a problem too these days.  But be comforted you're working with a responsible outfit that doesn't want to endanger you. Saftey first as always.

Where are you hunting in Hawaii?  A few years ago I met an guy named Evans who had a bow hunting outfit on Kaui - very nice guy and good outdoorsman. I have no experience with his hunts but I'd seriously consider booking with him if I were an archer.  His dad worked here in Dillingham as school superintendent and he too was a very good man.  Sounds like you'll have a good time.

Sorry we can't dial up better weather over here. We're all cooped up with little outlets.  Its bad for the fuel sales and snogo dealers/repairmen. Good for the animals.  Sure wish I could get out,  my kids are on an eating binge an my freezer is thinning out fast!

[Matt in AK]

Caribou is a lost cause.  This Sunday was "the day" and it's cancelled for lack of interest on 'ol Jack Frost's part.  Tuesday is the only back-up day we can make...and it's not likely to work out either.  Time to start planning Spring black bear hunting.

Not sure where we're hunting pigs -- not far from Ft Shafter I think.  An Army buddy there has been doing the scouting and found some places they've been rootin' around.

[Daveinthebush]

Matt:  Sorry for the way old Mom Nature is treating you but it happens.  Just think bears now.  I am heading out trout fishing over near Chitna tomorrow for something to do.  Maybe the bears will come out early with spring being here already.  Those bear dens have to be full of water over here in the past week.  

Just think thought.  Imagine if you had made the trip and couldn't get out!  Now there would be a story for the rest.

Good luck, Dave

[Matt in AK]

Thanks for the sympathy Dave.  Every day above ground is a pretty good day....  I just erased any sorrow about the caribou trip by ordering a barrel for the Thompson Center Encore pistol frame I bought some time back (15", 30-06).  

I actually got selected for early promotion Tuesday so all is not lost...and my 'ol lady paid for the barrel.  Now ain't that sweet?