Essential Gear List for an Unguided Moose Float Hunt
To ensure you have a safe and successful unguided moose float hunting adventure with us, we’ve compiled a recommended equipment list. Keeping your comfort and preparedness in mind, these items will help you make the most of your time in the Alaskan wilderness.
Hunting & Field Gear:
● Rifle & Small Cleaning Kit: Essential for a successful hunt and proper maintenance.
● Ammunition: One box is typically sufficient for your hunt.
● Binoculars (10×40 or better recommended): High-quality optics are crucial for spotting game.
● Camera with Waterproof Bag & Film/Memory Cards: Capture the breathtaking scenery and your memorable moments.
● Skinning Knife with Sharpener (Stone or Steel): A sharp knife is vital for field processing.
● Fishing Pole & Tackle: For downtime and the chance to catch some Alaskan sport fish.
● Compass or GPS: For navigation in the backcountry.
● First Aid Kits: A comprehensive kit for the group and a smaller personal kit for each hunter are highly recommended for safety.
● Emergency Signal Device: A strobe light and reflective mirror can be crucial in emergencies.
● Personal Water Filter or Purifier: Access to clean drinking water is essential.
● Parachute Cord (Small Rope) – 300 ft. minimum per person: Versatile for various misc. camp and field uses.
● Lighters (3) or Waterproof Matches: Reliable fire starting is critical.
● Surveyors Fluorescent Tape: For marking trails or kill sites.
● Insect Repellent (with 70% or more DEET): Essential protection against Alaskan insects.
● Water Canteen/Jug: Stay hydrated during your adventure.
● Sleeping Bag (15-degree rating, fiber fill suggested): For comfortable and warm nights.
● Sleeping Pad: Insulations under the sleeping bag and adds comfort for sleeping.
● Personal Hygiene Kit: For maintaining personal cleanliness.
● Camo Clothes (3 sets): Blend into the environment for successful hunting.
● Long Handle: thermal fleece base under armor for layering and warmth.
● Heavy Coat & Light Coat: Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
● Rain Pants & Coat: Essential for staying dry in unpredictable weather.
● Ski Cap or Mask: For warmth in cooler temperatures.
● Day Pack: For carrying your personal gear during daily hunts.
● Gloves (2 pair): Protect your hands in various conditions.
● Hip Boots: Insulated recommended for the river float trip
● Hunting Boots: Water-resistant high-top midcalf boots recommended
● Moleskin for Blisters: For foot care and preventing discomfort.
● Waterproof Bags for Gear: Pack your gear into several smaller waterproof bag, then put into one larger bag that zips on the side.
● Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the Alaskan sun.
● Leatherman Tool: A handy & versatile multi-tool is important to have.
● Small Flashlight & Headlamp with Spare Batteries: Essential for navigating in low light.
● Baby Wipes (small package): Useful for quick clean-ups.
● Bone Saw: For quartering game.
● Fire Starter: An additional aid for starting fires. The Airlines prohibit fire starter material in baggage, purchase in Anchorage.
● Game Bags:
○ Moose: 4 large bags for quarters & 4 medium bags for boned meat & cape.
○ Brown & Black Bear: 1 game bag for the cape & 1 for the meat.
○ Important: Do not bring lightweight mesh game bags. They need to be durable and breathable.
We recommend: Sportsman’s Warehouse: 4-Alaska Game 36”x48” & 4-30”x24” Transport Bags
Caribou Gear Outdoor Equipment Companies: “Moose Magnum Pack Large” for meat on the bone (Item #6537)
Viam Outdoors: https://viamoutdoors.com/product/game-bags-sets PLUS 3 or 4 more medium-sized for boned meat.
● I.D. Tags: Durable, laminated or waterproof tags for marking meat bags and antlers. Important Bush Plane Information:
Note:
Please remember that space and weight are limited on the bush planes. Your personal gear allowance is 70 lbs, including your daypack and rifle. All gear will be weighed before your flight. Excess weight cannot be accommodated and may need to be left behind without secure storage.
Pack efficiently into several small bags first, then place these into a larger, water-resistant duffel bag with the zipper on the side. The air charter service may ask you to remove the smaller bags from the larger duffel for loading purposes.
Hard gun and bow cases are not permitted on the bush plane. Please leave them at your hotel or with the air charter service.
Travel Arrangements:
We recommend the Alex Hotel (907-243-3131) in Anchorage. They offer airport pick-up and transportation to the air charter service the following morning. Ask for the hunter & fisherman rates for a better price.
Please inform them that you are hunting with Alaska Bush Adventures so they can assist with any inquiries regarding your arrival and freezer arrangements for your game.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as you prepare for your incredible Alaskan moose hunt!
Warmly, Hugh & Ryan Krank – Alaska Bush Adventures