Conference '12: Chena Hot Springs Resort Archives - Outdoor Writers Association of America

What gear to bring?

OWAA staff — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:14:52 +0000

And other words of wisdom to help you get to Alaska without losing your sanity
BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
With the big items such as pre- and postconference tours addressed in previous columns, here are the answers to a few basic travel and destination questions.
What types of clothing I should pack for late August and early September?Will it be cold?
Interior weather can be unpredictable this time of year, ranging from the upper 70s to snow or rain. On most of my Interior moose hunts in early September, I hunt in a T-shirt during the day. But there are times when a cold front has me pulling on a fleece jacket.
What you’ll be wearing during conference depends on your tolerance to cold: remember, most of our public gatherings will be in tents and outdoor structures. Space heaters are available if needed, but expect cold spots, especially while seated during evening meals. Based on historical weather data, plan on it being in the 50s to 60s during the day and 40s in the evening. Wear what you would wear on an October deer stand or early spring turkey hunt in the northern states (not southern states), where you’d be expected to sit without moving for an hour or two.
Thermal jeans from Wrangler are great for this time of year. Forget the flats shirts and Bermuda shorts; bring ‘em if you want, but remember, while mosquitoes are winding down, the biting gnats might find you walking the trails. Pack lightweight clothing for Breakout Day or if we get a bout of Indian Summer and the weather reaches the 70s. Do bring your swim wear for the hot springs, as it would be a shame to not take a dip. During the evening or on cloudy day outings, packable down or fleece jackets are good along with a fleece hat, lightweight gloves and insulated socks. Fashion wise, fleece clothing works really well, looks great, is colorful and is warmer than thin nylon fabrics. Also, if you are going to be taking photos of the northern lights at 1 a.m., it is often windy on the ridges overlooking Chena. You’ll want to bring warm gloves, a headlamp, fleece hat, and buy some handwarmers in Fairbanks. I’ve had TSA confiscate hand warmers from my bags, so don’t pack them ahead of time.
If you feel the need to dress up, a blazer jacket may keep you warm, but if it’s cold, the smart writer will be wearing long underwear underneath. I suggest casual formal, which is sweater over a shirt and tie. The secret here is simple: If it turns cold, wear what you want for outer wear, as no one will know that you are wearing thermal socks, long underwear, or have a hand warmer in your pocket.
I’ll be arriving in late August in time for pre-conference trips. Do I need to book a room ahead of time?
Early booking of hotels for pre- and post-conference activities is critical for this conference. If not, you can count on sleeping in your rental car. Immediately prior to conference is Labor Day weekend, and it is still the peak of autumn tourism season. Visitors will be out viewing the fall colors, plus the locals will be indulging in activities ranging from moose hunting to berry picking. Many hotels will be booked Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Don’t chance it; make reservations now for any pre-conference travel. Consider cabins and campgrounds or rent an RV. You can always find somewhere to camp if you’re geared up to do such a thing, but even state campgrounds can fill up during the Labor Day weekend in places like the Kenai Peninsula.
How should I transport my bear spray for my post-conference trip, and what is the best way to transport firearms and fishing rods?
No liquids or gels can be transported in hand-carried luggage unless they are 3 ounces or less and they must all fit in a quart Ziploc bag. Save the headache and pack as many items as you can in checked baggage. Pocket knives belong in checked baggage. Don’t carry bullet charms on your key rings. Bear spray or any type of defense spray is illegal to transport in any luggage. Log on to your airline’s website and read the details.
Be prepared for baggage fees if you are not a frequent flier. Carry a lightweight duffel bag as a spare for items you might win in the auction or photo scavenger hunt. If you plan on taking fish back home, fish boxes are about $20 each, or a cooler is $28 at Wal-Mart. Ship the fish as an extra bag, otherwise FedEx costs will be around $200 to $300 for next-day delivery of a 50-pound box to the East Coast.
Speaking of luggage costs, each airline has its own baggage fees. If you plan to pack waders, other outdoor gear and your clothes for conference, this will take one 50-pound bag. Take multi-piece rods that fit in your main bag. You need to pack firearms in a lockable guncase, which counts as a separate bag. A second duffel will cost the second-bag rate, but the third or fourth bag really is costly, jumping up to $100 or more for some airlines. Don’t be surprised. Fees add up fast to the uninformed. An option is to mail items to or from Fairbanks via post office.
Will there be elevation or any health concerns?
You’ll not suffer any elevations concerns in Fairbanks, but because of the four-hour time difference you might suffer from jet lag if flying from the East Coast. Ask your physician for a sleeping aid or hit the local health food store for some melatonin.
What about things I forget to pack?
Fairbanks has several major shopping centers, including Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Fred Meyer, plus a Sportsman’s Warehouse for those outdoor items. Just buy your items before you head to the hot springs, as it is a 60-mile journey, one way, with no major stores or shops along the way.
Is there anything I should pack instead of buying in Fairbanks, because of the expense?
If you are fishing, you will NEED chest waders unless you are saltwater fishing from a boat.
Bring rain gear. If you are planning a pre or post trip, and are confused about clothing, contact me directly for advice on a specific activity.
The Interior has some good tourism and adventure, but if you are planning to catch salmon and trout, realize that Fairbanks doesn’t have good fresh salmon or wild rainbow trout fisheries. You’ll find the best big fisheries in the Talkeetna and southcentral Alaska area, about four to eight hours south of Fairbanks. Which means you’ll need to drive south if you want to enjoy some of the state’s coastal kayaking, fishing or glacial experiences. Many members are renting a car in Anchorage and driving to Fairbanks, and then driving to the top areas for the activities they want to do either before or after the conference. It may also be cheaper to fly into Anchorage than Fairbanks and the money you save can be used for a rental car. The drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks is about 6-7 hours, one way, via the Parks Highway.
Can you recommend some places to eat in Fairbanks?
Restaurants in town are abundant. My favorite is Siam Square on College Road, which offers the best steak and Thai food in Alaska. Fast food places include Carl’s Jr. to McDonalds to Subway. Brewsters on Airport Way has some great, affordable food. You can’t beat The Cookie Jar for great breakfasts and the Alaska Salmon Bake offers grilled salmon and halibut in an outdoor setting. ◊
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is my last column in OU as the 2012 conference local chair. If you have any last-minute questions about pre- or post-conference trips, contact me directly via email at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com. I’ll also be available on-site throughout the conference to assist with your trip plans. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many of you; make the most of it with the resources you have through OWAA headquarters, Fairbanks CVB or through the conference catalog.
Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.

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Alaska FAQs

OWAA staff — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:44:41 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
During the past few months, I’ve been inundated with questions about Alaska trip planning. My suggestions below might also be of help to other members thinking along these lines.
How do I ship home any fish I caught?
The best way if you are flying commercially is to pack it in a fish box or cooler. I use coolers several times a year to transport fish to and from the lower 48. You’ll need to place the vacuum-packed fish in a large, plastic bag (I use a heavy-duty contractor trash bag). The fish will stay frozen for most trips to the East Coast if you use a quality Coleman or other cooler.
Check the cooler as one of your checked bags. If you have too many bags, rather than paying $125 in excess baggage fees, it is often cheaper to instead ship home the clothes and items you won’t need during your return trip. Shipping fish Federal Express from Alaska costs a minimum of $4 per pound, with a typical 50-pound box going for $200 to $300, depending on where you live.
Will I need fishing waders or will hip boots be enough? Do I even need waders?
Waders are required to effectively fish most of Alaska. If you are a fishing professional, forget old-fashioned neoprene waders that are bulky and heavy. Go with the new lightweight models that compress well for travel. Add Polarfleece undergarments to your fishing wardrobe and you’ll stay warm in the water. Keep in mind that any type of wading boot with felt or absorbent soles is illegal in Alaska. Not all camps or guides will have waders though many have hip boots. On most ocean charters, only deck shoes are required.
But to truly capture great Alaska photography, you’ll need to get out into the water and that requires wading gear. Waders help keep you dry should you be fishing in one of our September typhoons.
Some other items of you might consider packing include polarized sunglasses for pinpointing salmon in the water, a collapsible walking stick or trekking pole, and a small backpack to carry gear. Ensure you have a smaller waterproof bag inside the backpack to safeguard your mobile phone, camera gear and other electronics.
I’ll be bird hunting. What do you recommend?
Lightweight hiking or hunting boots and a GPS. It is easy to get turned around in the Alaska North Woods, even in the high country, where there are no distinguishing features
or landmarks.
Also, a small backpack is a necessity. In Alaska, you don’t carry birds hanging from your belt like they do in the lower 48, unless you wish to become a grouse and writer burrito for a hungry brown bear.
In thick vegetation, flagging tape helps mark your stand so that after locating downed birds, you can again find your stand. Just be sure to remove the tape when you are finished.
And bring lots of shells. Early September offers a lot of grouse for the hunter — from spruce, to ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse. If you’re shipping up firearms, contact the airline you’ll be flying to confirm the type of gun case you will be using meets current regulations. I recall once trying to use a gun case with only one lock and I had to buy a $98 case from the airline because it had two locks, which was the requirement at the time. Also, if you are planning to drive the Alcan Highway, or travel through Canada, check their entry requirements before you depart. Pay close attention to the detailed firearm regulations so, if necessary, you can ship firearms in plenty of time to receive them upon your arrive in Alaska.
—Chris Batin is editor and publisher of The Alaska Angler/Alaska Hunter and is the 2012 OWAA conference local committee chair. For fishing and hunting assistance, contact him at chrisbatin@alaskaangler.com.
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Major sensory upload while riding the Alaska Railroad

owaa — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:58 +0000

[box.] Photos, photos, photos! Check out a slideshow of photos by Bill Graham at the end of this article.[/box]
By Bill Graham
A ride on the Alaska Railroad reveals the state’s wild side in glorious detail and creates lifetime memories.

OWAA Executive Director Robin Giner leans out the side of a train car to snap photos of the scenery. Photo by Bill Graham.

Vibrant boreal forest greens rolled past the windows as the 2012 conference planning team rode the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage in mid-August of last year. The first golds and reds of autumn tinged shrubs and berry bushes in the wetlands. Gray water in glacial-fed rivers rolled toward the sea while small streams and lakes were crystal clear.
Here and there a moose browsed. The train climbed upward and downward in mountains, with a rock cut out the window on one side and vast valleys visible out the other.
I highly recommend OWAA members make the Alaska Railroad part of their conference travel plans. From Sept. 1-16, OWAA members and up to two guests will receive a 50 percent discount on regularly scheduled passenger trains, adventure class only. Details: https://owaa.org/2012conference/2012/01/12/discounted-travel-fare-alaska-railroad/.
Traveling by train between Fairbanks, Anchorage, Denali National Park and other Alaska destinations may be slower than zipping up the highways in a car,but the viewing opportunities are excellent. Seats in even the least expensive cars are roomy and comfortable and passengers can walk between cars. The viewing cars with panoramic glass windows in the upper level are outstanding. I expected to get my pocketbook gouged by high prices for bad food in the dining car. Instead, the food was first rate with reasonable prices. Alcoholic beverages are available.
Part of the trip’s fun is riding on a real passenger railroad, a novelty for many of us. But, also, the scenery outside the windows ranges from pretty to totally spectacular. I loved standing in the open-air platforms between the rail cars and looking at landscapes whizzing past, and that also made for the best photography with no window glass interfering with the image.
The train stops at stations in towns and at Denali National Park. So that’s what slows travel time compared to the highway.

View from the train. Photo by Bill Graham.

But the tradeoff is seeing unspoiled backcountry vistas that you don’t see from the highway.
Our group rode the train after the conference site visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort and Fairbanks. Robin Giner, Jessica Pollett and myself used the train to reach Anchorage to connect with return flights.
I consider this train ride one of the highlights of my travels as a journalist. However, there would be a few things I’d do different if not on a tight schedule.
For one, our ride was about 12 hours. Most of us got on the train tired from long days. I wasn’t able to nap during the train ride because the scenery was just so entrancing. By the end of the day, I’d rocked back and forth more than I’d like.
The better way to fully enjoy an Alaskan Railroad ride is to break the trip up. Get off at Denali or Talkeetna or another town and see some scenery, get some rest and get your land legs back. You can finish the train ride another day or switch to a vehicle.
But that’s my only caution. The Alaska Railroad offers one of the most unique travel trips in America, and I highly recommend you do some rockin’ on the rails. ◊
Bill Graham is media specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He is also a freelance writer and photographer covering outdoor sports and natural science, bluegrass music and acoustic instruments. A member since 1985, Graham can be reached at plattefalls[at]centurylink.net.

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Photos from a ride on the Alaska Railroad

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Alaska state parks offer a variety of ‘can’t miss’ outdoor adventures

owaa — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:39 +0000

By Chris Batin
Members should consider taking in one of the more popular day trips in the Interior, located near Chena Hot Springs.
According to Alaska State Parks Northern Region superintendent Brooks Ludwig, there will be a free Angel Creek Trail tour for six members, each operating an ATV provided by state parks.
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Shots from an ATV trip along Angel Creek trail:
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“The 11-mile state-of-the-art, multiple-use trail accesses two public-use cabins along Angel Creek,” he said. “The trail follows hillside contours, providing awesome views of Angel Creek Valley as well as Angel Rocks at the mouth of the valley.”
He said riders should experience a lot of activity.

Yearling moose. Courtesy photo.

“Moose season will be open so we may come across successful hunters while riding,” he said. “This valley has lots of moose. Hunters normally harvest a half-dozen bulls and cows during the season. The valley also contains plenty of spruce and ruffed grouse. We should also see plenty of sign of bear and possibly wolf. Grayling swim the creek and blueberries line the valley.
“Riding an ATV into this country is a fabulous way to spend time exploring the Chena River State Recreation Area, plus the fall colors will be in full bloom, and there will be a lunch provided.”
He also said a 15-passenger van will be available for a tour of the Chena Recreation Area, going to view the area’s campgrounds and stopping at select areas to possibly view some wildlife, and get a ranger’s perspective on the boreal forest in the area.
Cabins near the conference site are also available, free of charge. “I’ve blocked out the cabins from Sept. 3-9, for members attending conference,” he said.
He’ll also be offering several other tours, free of charge to members, including: the Angel Rock hike, which is perhaps the most popular day hike in the interior; a guided canoe tour down the upper Chena River; a ranger-led tour of Big Delta State Historical Area; and a van tour of the Chena River State Recreation Area.
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Other trips:
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The good thing about all but one of these tours is that they explore all the highlights of the Chena River Recreation Area, all within easy travel distance of Chena Hot Springs. They are first-come, first-serve, so make your reservations early.
Trip Details
For all tours and cabin reservations, contact Alaska State Parks Superintendent Brooks Ludwig at 907-451-2698. When the tours/cabins fill, he’ll leave a voice message giving that information.
Cabins in the Chena River Recreation Area are available for free during conference on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/north.htm for more information, and contact Brooks Ludwig direct for reservations. Also, www.alaskastateparks.org
ATV trail ride. Sept. 7 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Open to the first six reservations. Participants to meet at the Upper Chena Dome Trailhead, mile 50.5 on Chena Hot Springs Road.
Van Tour of Chena River State Recreation Area along Chena Hot Springs Road is Sept. 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Participants will be picked up at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
The ranger-led guided hike of Angel Rocks Trail is Sept. 7, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Group size is limited to 20 people. Meet at Angel Rocks Trailhead, mile 48.9 on Chena Hot Springs Road.
The Chena River Canoe Float Tour will allow for a maximum of eight people and is Sept. 7, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Meet at mile 43 on Chena Hot Springs Road, pending river conditions, rain and/or high water.
A day tour down the Richardson Highway via van to the Big Delta State Historical Park at mile 274.5 on Richardson Highway is scheduled for Sept. 7. Pick-up will be at Chena Hot Springs at 10:30 a.m., lunch at participant’s expense, then return to Chena Hot Springs at approximately 4:30 pm.
A sign-up sheet will be posted at conference for any tours that have not filled up. ◊
Chris Batin is editor and publisher of The Alaska Angler/Alaska Hunter and is the 2012 OWAA local conference chair. For fishing and hunting assistance, contact him at chrisbatin[at]alaskaangler.com.

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Kayaking and whitewater adventures

OWAA staff — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:14:16 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
For most of us, boating is a means of transportation to fulfill the requirements of the job, whether it is scuba diving, fishing, hunting, or canoeing remote streams or rivers.
In Alaska, boating at its basic level means kayaking and that’s the best way to enjoy the secret hideaways Alaska has to offer this coming September. But don’t expect to paddle aimlessly around a lake or saltwater bay.
Kayaking among the icebergs is one of those experiences. The terminus of a tidewater glacier is where tons of ice breaks off and drifts with the current before getting temporarily stranded on an outgoing tide. This is as challenging as it gets, kayaking on an incoming tide through a maze of ice that can stretch for several miles. Attentiveness and safety are the first two prerequisites here, as chunks can melt off the iceberg and the subsequent waves capsize a kayak, while others drift with the current, posing a danger should they unexpectedly roll. There is the hiss of escaping air, like the air hose at a service station, as the melting ice releases air bubbles. Just multiply the sound by 20 to imagine the decibel level. In essence, you are breathing air that can be hundreds if not thousands of years old. In my opinion, there is no finer boating adventure in Alaska than kayaking among icebergs.
There are many areas to do this, from Glacier Bay out of Gustavus, to Whittier, Seward, and Valdez in south-central Alaska. Numerous services provide all the kayaks, foul-weather gear, guides and transportation to and from these areas. Weather plays a big part in how much ice is available. Nevertheless, the kayaking trips, usually enjoyed in either single or tandem kayaks, allow for wildlife viewing and close-up examinations of marine tide pools.
The tandem kayak is the best choice for a member and spouse, as one can paddle while the other rests. It’s important that one of the occupants be strong enough to paddle for both people, even though many of the adventures don’t take much physical strength. There are no heavy currents to fight in most waters, and the rudders help you easily steer around ice obstacles. If a husband and wife are looking for a memorable day trip that symbolizes the uniqueness of Alaska, this is one of my top recommendations. I have taken my family and friends kayaking numerous times and it has always been a highlight of their Alaska trip.
If you’re looking for the best whitewater rafting trip in Alaska, Six Mile Creek, just south of Anchorage, offers Class IV and V adventure in narrow canyons, while the Lion’s Head run on the Matanuska River north of Anchorage offers a more panoramic and scenic adventure that isn’t to be missed in late August and early September. These are two of my favorite guided whitewater adventures. For something tamer, the rafting trips out of Denali are a good choice. If there has been a period of rain and high water, the rapids become formidable, but you always can choose how much whitewater fun you can handle before you go. Again, look to the pre- and post-conference trip selections at www.owaa.org/2012conference/pre-and-post-conference-trips.
Either way, your Alaska adventure will be complete with at least one of these kayaking or rafting adventures under your belt. You won’t be disappointed.
—Chris Batin is the 2012 OWAA conference local chair. He is available to answer member questions about scheduled fishing and hunting trips, tours or to help members with custom trips. Contact him at chrisbatin@alaskaangler.com.
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Alaska’s Fishing Ferry Lands

OWAA staff — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:43:33 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
If you fish, hunt, scuba dive, kayak or enjoy any and all outdoor sports, you should know and appreciate the Alaska state ferry system.
Today’s ferry system has metamorphosed into the way travel used to be: something to look forward to, not only for the destination involved, but to savor the simple joy of travel. For instance, the MV Chenega is adorned with Alaska decor, fully equipped snack bar, comfortable tables, seats, and even plush work areas with computer desks. You’ll not only be at your destination faster than you can drive (some destinations you can’t drive to), but also refreshed once you arrive, with your car and fishing tackle in tow. Unlike the airlines, I wasn’t crammed into a middle seat and my luggage wasn’t lost. I could get up and walk around, and I had a window seat for the entire journey. I had my choice of good food and drink, and was able to take a walk on deck, get some fresh ocean air, and watch for whales and seabirds. When I arrived, I climbed into my own truck, turned on my own music, had my own gear and equipment and enjoyed the familiarity of my own possessions.
This is the only way to travel to and fish Alaska’s coastal areas. How far you travel and what you do depends on your budget and the time you have allocated for your trip.
A ferry-fishing excursion can be virtually instantaneous as long as there is room aboard the ferry. I often drive to Valdez for some saltwater salmon fishing; the drive from Fairbanks or Anchorage takes about six to seven hours with stops. While the drive from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway and down Thompson Pass is always spectacular, sometimes I just want to forego the stress of driving. The ferry allows me to arrive in Valdez, fully rested and ready to go.
For trips farther a field, consider Cordova, the Alaska Peninsula or Kodiak. You can trailer a boat to these locations and have some spectacular action.
Janet Buckingham, executive director with the Kodiak Convention and Visitors Bureau, never misses a chance to remind me what great salmon fishing they have on Kodiak. The water is clear, no glacial influences, and the chances for halibut and other bottom fish are excellent. Take your motorhome, choose from plenty of places to camp, or choose the hotel and charter route. The Kodiak CVB is one of the friendliest you’ll find anywhere and best of all, it’s served by the ferry system.
The MV Kennicott will operate full time running from Bellingham, Wa., across the Gulf of Alaska to Whittier and Kodiak, providing a convenient, direct route for passengers and vehicles bound for the southcentral or southwest regions of the state. Why opt for an expensive cruise when you can drive your own vehicle onto the ferry, take in the sights of the Inside Passage along the way, and dock in Whittier on the fourth day. If time is not an issue, it’s possible to disembark at select cities along the Inside Passage and fish on the way north.
Changing your schedule is not the headache it often is with the airlines. I had to change my ticket a few times and the cost was only $10 each. Make the change and you’re rebooked.
There are more marine highway angling destinations than you can experience in a decade of angling summers, and the ferry folks who work for the state will help you with most any of your trip planning. I don’t have the space here to provide you with the details of ferry operation, schedules and routes, but you can find all the details at www.ferryalaska.com.
Check out the ferry discount for members at www.owaa.org/2012conference/2012/01/12/complimentary-passage-on-the-alaska-marine-highway-system.
I’m sure that once you’ve sampled the benefits of the Alaska Marine Highway system, the state’s ferry lands takes on a whole new meaning.
—Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com
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Photography opportunities abound at OWAA Alaska conference

OWAA staff — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:02:47 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
Photographers as well as feature story writers will delight in the pre- and post-conference photography opportunities available throughout Alaska in late August and early September.
Here are my recommendations:
While there are ample autumn colors in mid-to late August, how long the leaves remain on the trees depends on autumn storms. In my opinion, the best time for photos, in all areas except the Far North, is immediately after the conference until mid-September, when autumn windstorms strip the trees of their leaves.
After conference, I strongly recommend a drive south along the Alaska road system. One route I recommend is to drive the Richardson Highway from Fairbanks down to Valdez. My favorite fall scenery is along the Glenn Highway, from Glennallen to Palmer. And of course, there is the magnificent stretch along the Parks Highway, between Wasilla and Fairbanks, with occasional views of Denali in all its splendor. My favorite autumn photography with Denali in all its glory is on the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north, unless, of course, you are able to travel to Wonder Lake within Denali National Park.
For wildlife photography, there will be a Denali National Park wildlife photography trip and details are now available at www.owaa.org/2012conference/pre-and-post-conference-trips. Brooks Camp is on the fringe of 5 million acres of what is known as Katmai Country. This area is home to some of the best brown bear viewing and photography in the world.
At mid-day, head out to one of three bear-viewing platforms and photograph brown bears. The best time to photograph numbers of bears at Brooks Falls is July and September, where one can see as many as 50 bears at a time. Fewer bears are present in June and August. Other superb bear photography locations exist, especially on salmon streams statewide.

AURORA PHOTOGRAPHY

Chena Hot Springs is a great place for northern lights photography, but some members might want to consider a trip farther north, to position themselves under the aurora band.
“We have been told by photographers that Bettles is the best place worldwide they have found for aurora photography,” says Jamie Klaes with Bettles Lodge. “The intensity of the lights here needs to be seen to be believed.”
Bettles is located about an hour’s flight via bush plane north of Fairbanks and is centered directly under the aurora band, which is an oval area of high aurora activity that spans the top of the world. Because of the near equal amount of day and night hours in September, photographers should plan an aurora photo shoot in addition to other activities to maximize the time afield.
For those who want an expedition-type of photo safari, Artic Treks is offering two spots on their 2012 trips. One is a caribou migration camp, which is a spectacle unlike anything on earth. The polar bear photo safari to the Kaktovik-Barter Island area includes some unique photo backdrops. Spend up to two hours with a licensed boat captain to photograph bears relaxing on the Barrier Islands and swimming in the intertidal lagoons. One person per trip. A substantial OWAA discount applies.
Whether you drive the road system, or partake in a photo safari, bring plenty of memory cards and be prepared for inclement weather.
For information about booking pre- and post-conference trips, visit www.owaa.org/2012conference/pre-and-post-conference-trips.
—Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.
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Alaska fishing is off the hook in September

OWAA staff — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:21:31 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
One of the greatest rewards of having the 2012 Alaska conference in September is the abundance of sport-fishing opportunities available statewide. Each year, I personally block out the last week of August through the first week of September for coho salmon fishing because it doesn’t get any better than this, anywhere. Rainbow trout and char fishing is superb, and pike and grayling are feeding aggressively to fatten up for the long winter.
If you fly-fish small streams, on an average day expect to catch and release 10 to 40 or more coho salmon weighing 8 to 20 pounds each. Action is good on the road system, via saltwater trolling or on fly-outs to remote streams. For the brightest fish, you’ll want to focus on Alaska’s coastal areas such as Valdez, Kenai or Seward, where fresh fish are coming in on the tide. The marine fishing begins in mid-August, and continues until well after conference when the fish are in local streams and rivers.
There will be a sponsored multi-day fishing and sightseeing trip to Valdez, plus a special three-day salmon and grayling fishing adventure with Arctic Grayling Outfitters for up to four writers on assignment. Application details for these and other FAM trips will be posted on the conference website, www.owaa.org/2011conference, before year’s end.
Other trips can be custom planned to meet the needs of members arriving and departing Alaska at different times. Oftentimes, this is the best way to enjoy fishing opportunities available in the fall.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Starting out close to the conference site, the upper Chena River offers world-class, catch-and-release grayling fishing. The nearby Chatanika River and the Delta Clearwater River near Delta Junction also offer some of the Interior’s finest grayling fishing accessible via the road system. Expect fair to good fishing before and after conference.
From Fairbanks, fly-out fishing opportunities for northern pike run about $180 per person per day, or $300 for a three-day, two-night trip. You supply all the fishing gear and food, and receive transportation to and from a cabin, plus use of a stove, boat and motor. Consider this trip before conference, as air charter operators get busy once September moose season rolls around.
If you are driving an RV, consider a custom fishing adventure along the road system. The Kenai Peninsula, as well as the many streams and rivers throughout Prince William Sound, offer excellent silver salmon opportunities. Big rainbows on the Kenai, as well as char, are available via do-it-yourself or guided trips. You’ll also find good action on streams along the Parks Highway that heads north to Fairbanks. Stop at Montana Creek, the Talkeetna River tributaries, Willow Creek or the Little Susitna River for the best action.
Do-it-yourselfers with several weeks to spend may want to consider remote travel trips to the Brooks Range or western Alaska, but contact me for details if you are planning this type of adventure.
Halibut and bottom-fishing day charter trips will be available in late August through early September. Most of the charter fleet shuts down soon after Labor Day, so book your saltwater excursions early.
If you prefer a fishing FAM tour, choose one when they become available at year’s end. If you are planning to fish on your own at your own pace and need help customizing your adventure, drop me an email telling me what you want to do, and I’ll point you in the right direction to make the most of your time in Alaska.
—Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.
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Big game hunting in Alaska

OWAA staff — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:27:15 +0000

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BY CHRISTOPHER BATIN
Two bull moose ambled in, side by side, stopping occasionally to tear up brush with their 50-inch antlers. I thrashed nearby brush with a scapula and bellowed out my very best cow call. The largest bull walked to within 20 yards and would have come closer, but my friend, Mike Citrone, took the shot. The next day, another bull walked within 12 yards of us.
While in Alaska for the 2012 OWAA conference, you will have access to hunting moose and a variety of other big game, including caribou, brown bear and deer.

MOOSE

Alaska do-it-yourself big game hunts are not cheap. Our hunt in September cost $1,900 per person for the fly-out, plus another $900 each to fly out about 560 pounds of boned-out quarters per moose. Other hunts go for about $3,900 per person, and you provide all the gear. A guided hunt for moose will run you $10,000 or more, including tip and license fees.
Moose hunting can be done via the road system, but the success rate is around 20 percent. Many areas are open to hunting, yet pressure is high, especially on weekends.
Your best bet for success is to arrange a fly-out hunt with an air-charter operator. Moose hunting success is best the last five days of the season, which usually runs anywhere from Sept. 15 to 25. However, success can be had at any time. Last year, we bagged a bull on Sept. 7, yet this year because of warmer-than-normal temperatures, they didn’t respond to calls until Sept. 16. Plan for a 7- to 10-day moose hunt, with 10 days being ideal.

CARIBOU

A caribou hunt usually has a greater success rate, although the price isn’t much cheaper. There is limited caribou hunting along the road system. But I’d advise against it if you are new to Alaska hunting; it’s too unpredictable and tough going.
For best success, choose a fly-out caribou hunt. Try a fly-out to the Mulchatna region or to the Central Arctic herd east of the Dalton Highway. Or you can spend a little more and try the largest herd in the state, the Western Arctic herd, out of Kotzebue. Caribou are often still in velvet in late August, so plan to hunt right after conference. Don’t wait to hunt caribou in late September. When the bulls go into rut, the meat becomes inedible.

BEARS, SHEEP, GOATS AND DEER

To hunt brown bear, Dall sheep or mountain goat, you are required to hire a registered guide. These hunts range from $9,000 to $15,000. Find a guide and negotiate a price. No discounts have been offered at the time of this writing and many bear guides are booked years in advance.
Enjoy black bear hunting along the road system, or via boat or air drop-off. Hunting is also good in the Chugach and Tongass national forests using U.S. Forest Service cabins that rent for about $35 a night. Bears can be found on the salmon streams, but most are in the high country feeding on berries. They are approachable if your stalking skills are good. You might also have a chance at a wolf.
The best blacktail deer hunting is located on Kodiak Island, with fair to good hunting on the islands of Prince William Sound or Southeast Alaska. You’ll have to climb high for the big bucks, but the effort is worth it.
A do-it-yourself fly-in hunt requires knowledge of wilderness hunting skills. On a recent hunt, the air charter operation restricted us to 50 pounds of gear per person for our 10-day hunt. That’s basic gear and not much more.
Air charter services are available out of Fairbanks and other larger cities in Alaska, but it is often cheaper to fly Alaska Airlines to a hunting area and then hire a charter from there.

ADVICE FOR ALL HUNTERS

Be in shape for hunting. I have packed out three of four moose hindquarters for a mile, at about 120 pounds each. Each moose requires about 10 separate trips. So, if you shoot a moose one mile from camp, expect to walk 20 miles just packing. I once bagged a moose three miles from camp. It took me four days, from sunup to sundown, to pack it all out.
Many hunts offer fair to good fishing and bird hunting, so remember to inquire about those opportunities.
Because of the limited number of big-game hunting preferences listed in our conference survey of members, and due to the complexity of big game hunting and personal fitness, areas, logistics and costs, Fairbanks CVB and I decided to work one-on-one with anyone wishing to plan a big-game hunt. Send me an email stating what you want to pursue, and we’ll correspond on what I feel is the best possible area and transportation option for your trip. If discounts become available, and they match your criteria, I’ll contact you. All hunts should be booked before early February or sooner, as the air-charter and boat operators quickly book the slots at national sports shows.
Author’s note: Alaska Hunter Publications (www.alaskahunter.com) offers several books and DVDs about float hunting and Alaska big and small-game hunting available to OWAA members at 50 percent off.
—Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.
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North to Alaska! Bird Hunting

OWAA staff — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:42:18 +0000

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BY CHRIS BATIN
This is part of a series of overviews that will help OWAAers prepare for the September 2012 Alaska conference. Expect a variety of tips, recommendations and ideas on Alaska fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities. Descriptions and reservation info for guided and unguided trips will be provided as I receive them, but all will be posted by February 2012.
Bird Hunting
Alaska waterfowl hunting season will be in full swing in early September, but I’ll address that activity in one of the future monthly updates. This month, I am going to focus on the many species of grouse in Alaska’s Interior that are easy to hunt.
Alaska’s grouse and ptarmigan season is at its peak during September. Leaves start to fall off the birch and aspens. Young birds are fully fledged out and focused on eating ground-level berries. I’ve hunted for grouse in the hills and flatlands of Alaska’s Interior for more than 30 years, and action is usually good to excellent.
Throughout Alaska’s Interior, hunters will find spruce, ruffed and sharptail grouse, with large flocks of willow ptarmigan in the upper elevations of the White Mountains, starting about 10 to 20 miles from city center. The baglimit is generous, and it is possible to hunt areas that offer several species of birds in a morning of hunting. I have frequently taken grouse in the lower elevations near Livengood, while heading to the high country of Manley and taking ptarmigan and sharptails on the windblown ridges overlooking Minto Flats.
Most of the good grouse hunting can be had on state and federal land off the main highway system.
Recommendations include the forested sections east and south of Delta Junction, as well as the White Mountains to the north and east of Fairbanks. Many hunters have good luck in the Tanana Flats and hills just south of Fairbanks. I have always enjoyed chasing birds on a drive out to Circle Hot Springs, spending the night, and hunting again on the return trip to Fairbanks. Tok has some great sharptail hunting in early season in the fire-burned timber areas. Maps of these areas are available at local Bureau of Land Management offices in Fairbanks.
For more information on Alaska grouse hunting, refer to the chapters on upland bird hunting in my book, “Hunting in Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide.”
Most bird hunting I have done in Alaska has been without the use of a dog, but if you care to bring your own dog, be sure it is well trained and that it quickly obeys verbal commands. Bears are plentiful in Alaska berry patches where birds like to congregate.
Shipping firearms to Alaska on the airlines is no different than transporting them to any other state. If you plan to drive through Canada, you’ll need to adhere to Canadian customs and regulations regarding transport of firearms. Some might consider shipping firearms to a local gun dealer in Fairbanks. Check online for the most current information on firearm regulations and passport requirements for driving through Canada.
Coming up next month: Alaska travel considerations and tips.
-Chris Batin has been a member since 1979. He is the 2012 conference local chair. He is also editor and publisher of Alaska Angler, and Alaska Hunter Productions and Video Productions. Contact him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.
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