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Frequently
Asked Questions
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What
kind of physical condition should I be in to come on one of
your hunting safaris?
It is not necessary to be in top athletic condition, especially
if you are hunting on our custom hunting yacht… However,
if you book a special hunt for Sheep or want to do a hunt
for Mountain Goat you need to be in very good physical condition.
You should start by walking or running 2 or 3 times a week
and doing some normal exercising, such as deep knee bends,
and stair climbing. Then lengthen your walks or runs, increase
your exercises, and start carrying a little weight in a backpack.
Even better start taking some hikes in the mountains if you
can. The guides are professionals and will go at your pace
and assist you in every way they can to help you in the field.
However, your hunt will be much more enjoyable if you come
in good physical condition so that you can make a quick stalk,
if necessary, on your game once it is sighted. Nothing is
more frustrating than to lose an opportunity for an outstanding
trophy because you were not in good enough condition to get
into position in time to take the animal. |
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What
caliber rifle do you recommend?
In general, the ideal rifle for Alaska is the .300 magnum.
With lighter bullet weights it is good for goat & sheep
at long ranges and by using heavier bullet weights it can
handle the big bears. If you are only hunting grizzly or
brown bear the .375 magnum is recommended. In Alaska you
will encounter a lot of moisture so a fiberglass stock is
ideal. Plan to bring a minimum of two boxes of ammunition.
If you are shooting a .300 magnum think about sighting it
in to be dead on at 100 yards for bear and dead on at 300
yards for all other species. |
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On
the equipment list you have included the ACU-SIGHT Lazer
Bore Sighter. What is it and why do I need it?
ACU-SIGHT is the ultimate accuracy maintenance system for
any firearm. The accuracy of the ACU-SIGHT provides quick
sight-picture verification anywhere. Whether at the range
or in the field, this unit (cartridge-sized) is perfect
for carrying in a pocket until needed. The replaceable batteries
make this unit a very easily maintained accessory. In practice,
as well as design and process, the ACU-SIGHT is the best
laser bore sight system available.
You will not have the time during your hunt to sight in
your rifle. The ACU-SIGHT system allows you to sight in
your rifle before your hunt begins and allows you the capability
to test your rifle after you have arrived for your hunt
to make sure it is accurate when you are in the field. It
is very frustrating to come all of this way and find out
that your gun is not shooting accurately and you have just
missed the shot of a lifetime. |
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Am
I apt to get motion sickness on the boat?
We are hunting from a new 60-foot boat that is stable and
cuts through the swells to give a fairly smooth ride. However,
if you are prone to motion sickness while traveling in cars
or airplanes, you should consider bringing some motion sickness
tablets or one of the wrist bands that are marketed to alleviate
the symptoms. During much of the hunt we will be anchored
in protected waters while we glass the shoreline and mountainsides
for animals. When an animal is spotted, that deserves a
closer look, a smaller Zodiac or skiff will be used to take
you to shore. |
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Do
I need to bring a pack?
Generally, you will only need to bring a comfortable daypack
that will hold your personal effects. It should have a large
enough bag to handle your spotting scope and camera, lunch
and water bottle, and any personal items that you need.
Remember, it is best to dress in layers and your pack will
hold the clothes that you are not wearing. If you are on
a drop hunt for Sheep or an overnight spike camp hunt for
Mountain Goat a good backpack is required. It should have
a sturdy bag that is large enough to carry 35 pounds. |
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What
type of rain gear do you recommend?
For all of the luxury cruise hunts you should have the best
quality rain suit that is 100% waterproof. For special hunts
for Sheep and Mountain goats. You can normally get by with
a good quality rubberized type, such as Helly Hanson. You
will want to bring both a jacket and rain pants. Gor-tex
garments in Alaska are not recommended because they are
bulky and hard to dry out. |
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Where
should I buy my hunting license and big game tags?
Your licenses and big game tags can be purchased in advance
at: www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license/
We recommend that you purchase your tags at least one month
in advance to allow processing time. It is your reasonability
to show up at the boat with your licenses and tags. |
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Do
you guarantee that I will be successful in taking the animal
I am hunting?
Your guarantee is that you will be placed in a traditionally
good hunting area with a professional guide who will be
dedicated to help you be successful. It would serve no purpose
to have you camped in an area that is void of game, and
that will not be done. In short, if there are no game animals
in the area you will not be there either. In addition to
being unethical, in the State of Alaska it is illegal to
guarantee that the client will be successful in taking his
trophy. Success or lack of success can be determined by
many factors such as weather, physical condition, patience,
determination and being in the right place at the right
time. Although success is high, and it does not happen often,
it is possible to return home without your trophy. |
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What
is the boat like?
The 60-foot hunting yacht is one of the most comfortable
and clean boats you will find. There are two private staterooms
on board one with 3 bunks the other with 6 bunks. Each have
a queen bed. There is a nice kitchen/ dining area with beautiful
Corrigan counter tops. It has a large living room with Italian
leather couches a 35” TV with DVD and PS2 for gaming.
We have 2 marine heads and a custom granite shower aboard.
There is also a covered area on the deck to get out of the
weather when it rains. It is a pleasure to be on a quality
hunt with great meals and warm showers at the end of the
day. |
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What
kind of weather can I expect during my hunt?
Depending upon the time of your hunt, you can experience
a variety of weather from bright hot sunny days to rain
and wind and even some scattered snow showers falling at
the higher elevations. During a 6-day hunt one generally
can expect some rain and fog and a few days that are cloudy
with the sun shining through. The ideal weather is an overcast
sky with a few scattered fog banks and an occasional rain
shower. The animals prefer cooler weather and move about
better with these conditions. The temperatures will range
between 20 degree F lows and 60 degree F highs.
During the late Fall Sitka Black Tail Deer on Kodiak Island,
expect the worst kind of weather. Be prepared for blowing
wind and rain and even some hail and snow showers. The wind
can blow from 15 to 45 miles an hour but don't be surprised
if you experience winds that are much stronger. Be prepared
and dress appropriately.
Should I bring a spotting scope and binoculars?
One of the most important pieces of equipment that you can
take on a hunting trip is a good pair of quality binoculars.
The guides prefer Zeiss or Leica. If your binoculars are
10 power that is generally sufficient and a spotting scope
is not a necessity. Each of the guides will have a spotting
scope. If you prefer to have your own by all means bring
one. |
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Should
I bring a spotting scope and binoculars?
One of the most important pieces of equipment that you can
take on a hunting trip is a good pair of quality binoculars.
The guides prefer Zeiss or Leica. If your binoculars are
10 power that is generally sufficient and a spotting scope
is not a necessity. Each of the guides will have a spotting
scope. If you prefer to have your own by all means bring
one. |
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What
safety procedures do you provide on the boat?
All of our professional licensed guides have received instructions
in first aide and are certified to provide CPR and advanced
first aide care. A first aide kit is available on board
the boat. The boat carries a satellite phone to use in case
of emergencies and a hand held radio that is used to communicate
with the boat. There are medical facilities within a two-hour
flight in case of serious accidents.
The hunting vessel is equipped with the most current state
of the art safety and navigation equipment, including communication
system, fixed firefighting equipment, locator beacon, and
life jackets for all people on board. |
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Do
I need any permits to carry my rifle into the United States?
If you are not a citizen or legal resident of the United
States you will be required to have a permit to import firearms
or ammunition into the United States. ATF Form 6 is available
on this website or at www.atf.treas.gov.com along with instructions
and information for completing the form. You are also required
to have a current Alaska Hunting License when you apply
for this permit. For assistance in filling out this form
or obtaining a current Alaska State Hunting License please
contact us at our e-mail address. |
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Will
you book my hotel room for me?
We can recommend the names and locations of several hotels
that we have found to provide good service and that cater
to hunters. But we do not book the rooms for you. |
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What
is the procedure when I arrive in Anchorage, Homer, or Kodiak?
You should almost always be able to get a connecting flight
from Anchorage into Homer or Kodiak. If not you may need
to stay the night in Anchorage. We can recommend some nice
hotels that will pick you up at the airport and take you
back for your connecting flight the next day. It is also
possible to drive to Homer from Anchorage and if you have
some extra time (approximately 5 hours) it is one of the
most beautiful drives you will experience.
When you arrive in Homer or Kodiak you will generally spend
the night at a local hotel. The next day you will need to
take a taxi to the marina. You will want to be at the marina
by 6:30 am. The Boat departs at 7am. When you arrive your
guide will show you around, answer questions, and help you
get situated and prepared for the hunt. At this point all
of the necessary paperwork will be completed and your hunting
licenses and tags issued. |
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What
happens if I cancel my hunt?
When you send a deposit you are giving a guarantee that
you will come to hunt with Alaska Safari Unlimited. When
I accept your deposit I am giving a guarantee that I will
hold a space for you. As a result, if you must cancel your
hunt your deposit will be forfeited. In some cases an exception
will be made if you find an acceptable hunter to replace
yourself. In this case, your deposit will be refunded immediately
upon receipt of a deposit from the substitute hunter. |
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What
is a normal tip to give to my guide?
Tipping is a very personal subject and it is difficult to
give a good clear answer. However, the guide's tip is generally
dependant upon the quality of service he renders and upon
any special efforts he made to help with the success of
your hunt. Success is not necessarily dependent upon the
number of animals taken but more on how enjoyable your hunt
was and what efforts your guide made to provide a good quality
hunting experience. Tips generally range between $200 and
$600 with an occasional tip being over $1000. Again, tipping
is very personal and it is left completely up to your discretion. |
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Who
takes care of my trophies and how do I get them to my hometown?
The guide is trained to field care for your trophy. This
includes skinning, turning the lips and ears, and salting
the hide to seal the hair. In this condition they are green
and are generally wet as the salt draws the moisture from
the hide. If you provide a waterproof bag your trophy can
be taken back with you on the airplane. However, if they
are lost or delayed for any period of time they will spoil
in this condition. Clients have experienced this before.
It's a shame to lose your trophy after all the expense and
effort of taking it. Also, if a bear or wolf is going international
it will need to have a CITES permit which will take several
days to rush through. Another alternative is to send the
trophy to an expeditor who will completely flesh and dry
the hide, take care of all the necessary Veterinary Documents
and CITES Permits, and send the trophy to your taxidermist.
This is a more expensive alternative but the best one to
insure that your trophy arrives in good condition at its
final destination. |
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How
do I book a hunt with Alaska Safari Unlimited?
Once you decide you would like to hunt with Alaska Safari
Unlimited, send us e-mail or give us a call so that any
additional questions you have can be answered. The different
hunt dates and availability can be discussed. A 50% deposit
is needed to confirm your hunt. You can mail a check to
us in Alaska. Or direct deposit or wire your deposit to
one of our accounts. Once the deposit has been received
a letter and contract will be sent to confirm your booking
with our organization. Bank account information will be
sent to you when you request it. |
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