Prince of Wales (POW) info needed

[Texashogman]

so I got an offer i can't refuse--a friend of mine offered to pick up the tab for sitka black deer hunting on POW---only catch is that it may be as early as next week--so gotta figure out all the details fast

I'm trying to find out as much info as possible about hunting in Alaska (unit #2 POW), rules/regs/etc

also need insider info on checking rifle/handgun with TSA/Alaska airlines--flying from Denver to Seattle, to Ketchikan

seems like weather is H/L 55/45 with rain every day

they have black bear and wolves on the island, but no browns

sounds like he is probably booking a "full guide deal" with transportation/food/lodging etc

was probably going to take the RIA 10mm as a sidearm, and either a bolt 270w,30-06, 7mag, or ar AR chassis 6.8spc---seems like in the woods, ranges are 30-100 yards, but up in the hills you can have 300yard shots possible

anyone know if there are restrictions on handguns for hunting there? what about mag limits? suppressors? hunter orange? what else am I forgetting?

need to pick up some good rain gear, and a decent TSA approved locking case and non-TSA  pad locks for the trip

does anyone know if CO hunters safety qualifies for AK? I found their website "hunt ak.gov"and I'm still reading and trying to decipher all the rules and regs --- any info from someone who has done it before would be of great help

[Sneed]

I lived in Ketchikan for 15 summers and have hunted AK several times but not in that unit. I've also spent quite a bit of time on POW fishing and camping so the area is known to me. You're correct about no brownies but the odd one may show up anywhere. The island Ktn is on also has no browns except when one shows up. The ocean separating the islands can be quite narrow and the odd one may swim to someplace it isn't supposed to be.

You probably realize the deer are tiny so anything you take other than a .22 LR should suffice. The larger calibers you mention would certainly be massive overkill but if you don't mind carrying them go for it. I'd sure use lighter bullets if you take any of them. The AR could be problematic because of the rain. The blacks are numerous but will usually avoid human contact or just ignore you unless startled. I've literally been near hundreds while fishing the rivers in the fall. Never had a problem or heard of anyone having one. Of course, you could be the one.

Checking firearms with AK airline has never been an issue. You need a hard case and a TSA lock. If you're bringing a handgun you should be allowed to place your case within a larger bag so it isn't obvious you're checking a gun.

The rain is likely to surprise you. Ktn itself gets about 160 inches/year and POW is similar. It may well rain hard every day you are there and that is a lot more likely than none at all. You will also be fighting your way through willows and alders that are drenched and will drop lots of water on you as you struggle through. That ain't fun but it is exhausting. Your blued steel gun will not like it at all. If you must take one plan on servicing it daily. You should also forget about goose down and only bring synthetics or wool. Down will become worthless quickly even if you protect it from rain. The humidity will just cause it to collapse into a soggy mass.

When I hunted AK I don't recall hunter safety being an issue at all. My certificate would have come from another state from about 1962 and I lost it long ago. I think it probable that you will only have to show you have a Colorado hunting license.

You will need to check the gun requirement specifics as things may have changed since I hunted there. As I recall orange was not required back then but maybe is now. When I was hunting brownies I carried a handgun, a .454 Casull, but only as backup. FYI I remember a camp cook who had a .45ACP for protection. I asked him if he really expected that to stop (or annoy) a brown and he said his plan was to stick it in his mouth and pull the trigger if one was chewing on him. That would have worked. Good luck.

[Texashogman]

Thanks 4 the info--- don't really have anything smaller than 270win in anything but an AR chassis. I figured the 7 mag was way overkill, the 30-06 is a light weight stainless steel rem 700, the 270 is their newer "matte blue" which is rust prone. The 6.8 spc and 223 Ar's are either anodized or dura-coat

I hunt pronghorn here in Colorado (at 85-400 yards) with my 270win and I'm thinking they are about the same size as blackies  as they run 85-130 lbs...the I have a nice 130grain load for the 270, a 95 and 110grain for the 6.8, and a 63gr fusion load for the 223-- and a 150 monolithic and 178 grain load for the -06

[Sneed]

An interesting coincidence as I too live in Colorado and have since 1971. Your 700 seems like the one to bring. When I hunted pronghorn I used a .25/06, which would probably be a perfect caliber for your trip. That said, I doubt an animal hit with that or hit with a bullet from a 270 would know the difference.

Depending on when you're going you might try and get some coho fishing in as it is typically at its peak in September.

[Texashogman]

What about optimal scope power? Seems like there are 3 areas to hunt deer-- beaches, heavy dense forrest, and mountain alpine areas

Until I find out more from whoever may guide us I'm not sure which gun or scope to use....

Dense forest hunting ranges are from 25-100 yard range (my 1-8 On my ar may be best for this) ...

alpine and beach hunting are often much further ranges from 100 out to 3-400 yard possibilities...my bolt guns with 3.5-14 power scopes would better suit this area better.

I'm just kinda hanging on and waiting for more info at this time, while still collecting info and ideas of what specialty gear I may need

[my_old_glock]

I thought you were looking for information about a Prisoner of War (POW).


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[Texashogman]

Knew some one would bring that up, that's why I put the whole name "prince of wales" in the title ...locals in AK just usually refer to it as POW