Dukats Journal of Hunting

This list is based on a salmon fishing and goose or duck hunting trip combination trip in Alaska.  Numerous outfitters offer these hunts in mid to late September trying to stretch the fishing season as long as possible.  They are great trips, but can be chilly with a good chance of rain.  The following is the list of gear you'll need to make it a success.

Must Haves:

Wading Boots

Fly fishing vest

Fly Rod

Flies

Spinning Rod and Reel

Lures

Camouflage Raingear – Frogg Toggs or Equal

Shotgun

Waterproof Gloves

Fleece Gloves

Fleece Stocking Hat

Camouflage Fleece Coat

Long Johns

Fleece Pants (to wear under waders)

Sleeping Bag

Baseball Cap – Waxed type to shed rain

Binoculars

Camera

Film

Toiletries

2 boxes goose loads (2)

1 boxes duck loads (4’s)

Cooler (pack shells and gear  - with soft sided duffel bag for gear for trip home)

One Outfit for Trip in and Out

Two pairs pants preferably quick dry material camp/hunting

Three T-shirts (one short sleeve, two long sleeve) preferably moisture wicking such as Under Armor camp/hunting

Three Socks – Not cotton – wool or synthetic for camp/hunting

Three underwear – preferably moisture wicking for camp/hunting

Camp shoes (flip flops or tennis shoes)

Wet Bag

Multiplier – very important for removing hooks

Backpack (use as carry on) 

Nice But Not Essential:

Polarized Sunglasses

Video Camera

Hiking Boots (Waterproof Leather or Rubber)

Bug Spray

Soft Gun Case

To expand on a few of these items, because of the constant chance of showers, avoid cotton if at all possible.  All of your clothes other than traveling clothes should be synthetics.  Your raingear should be truly waterproof and the best is light, quick drying material.  Often, heat won't be available and once your gear is wet, you'll be miserable the rest of the week.

The soft gun case is nice for rough boat rides or in small planes, but not a necessity.  Just make sure you dry the guns out each night and put on a little oil to stop the rust. 

You will normally spend 90% of your time in chest waders whether your fishing or hunting and the light Gore-tex pairs with separate shoes work the best and are the lightest for luggage.

I always carry binoculars except when fishing on the river and then they are in my bag.  You never know when you'll see a brown bear or a moose, and when hunting geese and ducks they're extremely useful to spot them before they spot you.

I really enjoy fishing for salmon with my fly rod, but there are days when the salmon just aren't impressed.  I like to take both a spinning set up and a fly rod which usually assures I catch some fish.  I'll catch a few on the spinning reel then invest some time with the fly rod and really have a good time. 

As far as weight of the fly rod, I use a 6 wt. for most salmon.  The only time it's really stretched is with the big kings, but there is nothing like catching 15-25# fish on a six weight fly rod.  Just make sure you buy a quality reel with a good drag system and don't try to horse them in.

These are some of the cheapest hunts available anymore in Alaska, so get up there and try it.