Safe, happy hunting requires proper preparation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Alaska has a lot to offer individuals who enjoy the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

For nature lovers or those interested in losing themselves in outdoor activities, the first step should be seeking out more experienced outdoorsmen for advice.

The 354th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources office is here to make sure Airmen know the state's laws and regulations before they experience the great outdoors. The natural resources office can help get Airmen prepared for a successful hunt - which requires planning weeks, sometimes even months in advance - to ensure Airmen have everything needed to safely enjoy a first hunt.

In the last frontier, small-game hunting season begins in early August with moose season taking place Sept. 1 to 20. The natural resources office offers anything from topographical maps to insight on what types of hunts to take on as a beginner hunter.

According to Ron Gunderson, 354th CES natural resources office chief of natural and cultural resources, the first step to a successful hunt is careful planning and preparation, a vital step in which most advanced hunters often spend countless hours on as hunting season approaches. This includes bringing the proper gear and supplies to ensure personal safety is always the top priority.

"Bringing a cell phone isn't a bad idea," said Tom Slater, 354th CES natural resources office planner. "You may need to walk around to get a good signal as some places do carry cell phone service."

"Some places may not have service but it's better than nothing," added Mr. Gunderson.
When planning hunts it is a good idea to write up an itinerary detailed with times and projected locations of the hunting party. By doing this, stranded hunters can make a rescue more feasible; especially in Alaska where getting lost in the wilderness can be a matter of life and death.

The 354th Fighter Wing safety office has personal locator beacons, which can aide rescue personnel in locating those in need of assistance, available to Eielson personnel for checkout. Those interested in checking out a beacon must turn in an itinerary including the what, where and when of planned activities, as well as a list of medical conditions of any participants.

Before hunting, try to find someone for advice who is a little more seasoned in the sport and knowledgeable of the wildlife in Alaska.

Compared to the first-time hunter, an advanced hunter scouts the area months in advance, learning and understanding both the area and the animal to be hunted, said Mr. Gunderson. Inexperienced hunters should find someone who can help them develop into capable hunters.

Venturing out with an experienced hunter who follows the rules and regulations as well as hunter's etiquette - practiced by ethical hunters who enjoy all aspects of the hunt and not just the kill - can make time spent in Alaska worthwhile. An ethical hunter harvests the game after it is killed, not wasting the meat, the fur, or any part of the animal.

"I like being in nature, looking for tracks," said Mr. Gunderson. "You are matching your wits with that animal; by doing that you come to respect it. The reason you're harvesting this animal is for sustainment."

The harvesting of the animal is not the important thing, said Mr. Gunderson. By being captivated by the thrill of everything that leads up to the kill, a deep appreciation for the experience is achieved because of all the hard work that was put into the hunt.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game enforces hunting and shooting regulations, considering them to be an integral piece to enjoying the hunt. To further emphasize its importance, the natural resources staff offers hunting and fishing briefings Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Fridays at 3 p.m. to better inform individuals on the state regulations.
"In short, the briefing talks about what people need to know to ensure they stay out of trouble while hunting or fishing on military lands," said Mr. Slater. "It emphasizes all of the rules and regulations enforced here and on Fort Wainwright regarding hunting and fishing while in Alaska."

Pre-planning starts early, so check the area with the local authorities as changes in the regulations can occur as result of hunting boundaries or interpretation of the law. From hunting to berry-picking and hiking, everyone can utilize the natural resources office to ensure they have the tools needed to safely experience outdoor recreation here.

Mr. Gunderson and Mr. Slater are here to help Airmen and families discover and enjoy what Alaska has to offer. For more information, call 377-5182.

For more information on checking out a personal locator beacon, call the safety office at 377-4260.