It has been some time since I have written about one of my hunting trips and its long overdue.
This story started about ten years ago when I met a young and extremely ambitious Social media developer from Alaska and we hit it off immediately! He and I have been on a number of hunts together and even though he wanted to sit with me in stand many times to film, I forbade it. I wasn't about to have him mess up any chance I might have taking an animal.
Austin has filmed and guided hunts for many years but never has had his "own" license. I had made many suggestions that he follow through with such since he enjoyed it so much and his budding family could certainly use the extra money! A couple years ago he decided to go after his license to find out that he had already met over half the criteria.
During this time, Austin had been telling me that when he obtained his license, I was to come up for a FREE brown bear hunt!
Skip forward to the beginning of this year.. The time had come. Austin was finally a licensed outfitter and he was pushing me to come on the bear hunt this year. I was reluctant as I am overwhelmed with work and underwhelmed with help. I was hoping to put this off until next year. Undenounced to me, my wife and Austin had different plans.

When I found out that I was to be going to Alaska, I asked Austin if he had room for other hunters.. at the time, it was suggested that that it just be me. Brown bear hunts require a guide to sit with the hunter and it was currently only him.
Fast forward to last week... Hey Jim, I have room and guides for no more than 3 more hunters... and the bears?... they are everywhere!
It took all of 48 hours to confirm flights for three friends who are benefitting from a short notice discounted brown/black bear combo hunt. This has exponentially increased the excitement for me as we can now harass each other for years to come over this experience! 

We leave on the 26th of this month and it couldn't come any sooner.. but I know on the day before I leave, I will wish for 2 more days to get work done. 

Austin (Mission Alaska Outfitters) has been sending us some pictures of bears. They are impressive! and have my name on them..I don't know about the whimps that are going with me, but I for one will be fearless! 

In Austins area, he can legally bait browns and there is a two brown bear limit per person. He also has many black bears in the area. Combine all of this with some halibut and salmon fishing and it is going to be an experience for the ages!

Austin Manlick and I have been working together and he has helped me to build the company I have today.. its time for me to repay the favor for a well deserving friend!

More to come!
BigJim

Good luck Jim !!

OH YEAH!



Nice brownie....

Get a big one!

Shoot straight, Shinken

Good Luck 

Oh man, Jim, can't wait for the rest of the story. 

WOW!  Good luck.

Good luck Jim and kill one at least as big as you.

I can't wait to see the pictures and "hear" the story. It should be good!  Good luck and safe travels sir!

This is gonna be good! Two bears, salmon and halibut, wow.

I'm in for the tale.

This ought to be epic!

Exciting!!! Good luck!

Woooweee that sounds like should be a good time no matter what! Look forward to more, good luck to yall

Am certainly wishing you the safest and best experience.

Also, will be looking forward to reading your account of this wonderful experience.

Alaska is a special place. Have a great trip and look forward to the stories.
Mike

Good luck Jim, I know you will do well and can't wait to hear the stories live.
Pappy

Boy that looks like a blast, Jim!  Good luck to y'all!

Thank Ya'll for the responses.. Luck is what you make of it.. and we are already lucky just for the opportunity to partake. However I accept the well wishes and vow to do my best with them.

BigJim

 

     Coffee's ready.