cold zero - Barney's is a good shop and the folks are friendly with good knowledge. Another shop that has quality gear and knowledgeable staff is Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking on Spenard just north of Northen Lights - they are directed toward mountaineering, hiking, climbing and most likely you won't find any hunters working there (my guess) but you may want to check them out if you need / want gear. Also, I was told the store (Sportman's) is going to open next week but was told last night that the grand opening is February 28. KMule - oh yeah, my suv has rust also

Bill G, maybe I should have said mellow out instead. We Alaskans are a touchy bunch. We not only think we live in the best state in the union, we know it too. And if we could get away with it, we would probably secede. Wouldn't have to put up with a bunch of people in Washngton DC telling us how to manage our game for one thing. Athough I do have to admit that uncle Ted does bring home a lot of pork for us.

That's not a threat. I choose to do what it takes to make a bad situation correct. You choose to do what it takes to screw another non-resident hunter. Don't flatter yourself pal, I couldn't care less how you or anyone elses feels about me. You folks just keep posting the contempt for the non-resident hunters because there are lot's of them viewing. In fact that's how the number of hunter's choosing alternate hunting locations keeps rising. Keep up the good work!!!!

Bill,
I am neither illiterate nor uninformed. I just don't happen to agree with you or your method of dealing with your problem. As I see it you have a very legitimate complaint with a particular business which happens to be in the State of Alaska. There may or may not be problems with the state laws, but your problem was not caused by them, it was caused by an unacceptable business practice.
I would like to agree to disagree on this issue except you seem bent on making this a personal issue with all who disagree with you and a persecution complex about being a non-resident hunter. My issue is not that you are a non-resident hunter, my issue is that youare a whiner.
Have a nice day.
Ken

Bill,

You'll probably be suprised to know that I agree with the crux of your argument and issue! I don't think it is right for guides to have the policy of always placing followup shots into a clients bear. To me it is a sign of laziness and impatience on the part of the guides. It certainly makes things easier on them, but takes away a vital element of the adventure of the hunt, ie not knowing what the results might be.

What has upset me is your approach, and in the process broad based complaints against all of Alaska/Alaskans. Perhaps that is not your intent, but it is how you come accross. And unlike some other on-line hunting forums, you will always be free to express your opinions here without them being edited or deleted. However, don't be suprised if not everyone agrees with them

Laws are an interesting thing, and in the process of trying to make them very clear cut, there are often unintended consequences that are much worse then the ill they try to clear up. I would much prefer laws that allow some room for reasonable interpretation, then concise laws that screw you every time! Unlike game farms, where the owner would have the option of allowing you to take another animal, Alaskan animals are wild, with a limited number of tags and hence opportunity. Not necessarily fair, just the way it is.

If you want to be behind the controls of the dozer trying to shove fed control down our throats, then don't be suprised at recieving a we bit of resistance Unfortunately those from the lower 48 that want to take control of our resources aren't out to do so with the intent of developing them. Rather they would prefer that they be locked up so that nobody can use them. Are you willing to sign up with PETA just to spite Alaskans?

Bill G.,
I feel that you don't have a proper perspective on how Alaskans feel about non -resident hunters. From what I have seen around the state, many people recognize that there are many decent people not fortunate enough to live in our state and we welcome them to share it with us and of course to contribute to our economy just as New Yorkers benefit from the tourism dollars that come in there. However, we don't appreciate jerks and busybodies that come in and tell us how it is done "outside" and we damn well better cater to their whims and wishes. That doesn't fly in Alaska. So if that is the kind of attitude that you would like to share with us then, by all means, stay out and enjoy your alternate(alternative) hunts and take your easily influenced whinie friends with you. Leave Alaska to those that want to enjoy it as it is, not how you would want it to be. You(collectively) have done a pretty good job of screwing up the hunting in a good part of the Lower 48, don't try and dictate terms to us. You might be worse than the Feds, you should know better, they're just bureaucrats. The contempt isn't for non-resident hunters, the contempt is reserved for those that won't respect the Alaskan culture. Have a good next hunt as long as it isn't here. Try Kalifornia or France.
350mag

I agree with you. In '92 I went to a (The) Cabelas in Sydney, Nebraska. It was the only Cabelas at the time! I have bought thousands and thousands of dollars worth of stuff out of their catalogs, but I think Nebraska is as far as they have ever ventured West. From what I can tell they're heading East.The "Sportsman's Warehouse" sign was put up today in Anchorage. I saw it happen. A slow drive-by, revealed a fully stocked store, even the shopping baskets were by the front door. It will probably open next week. I've been to the one in Boise, A great store. Just in time for tax refunds! Good timing.

K-Mule, I left an S out of WSM. It should have read WSSM. I'm not even a big fan of the Super-Shorts, I don't hunt prarie dogs. Just an example of their inventory. You knew what I meant. I'l tri not tu mispell anemore. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hunter

I got by the store twice this week. It's going to be GREAT. Competition is always good for the consumer. Left a few of my dollars with them today too.

Bearhunt'r,

They got quite a good selection of powders, both 1lb and 5lb kegs. Can't remebember if RL 15/19 were among them though.

Akhunter - I knew that you knew that I knew what you were talking about - me being an old guy, I too don't really shine on the new short fat mags - and I always believed they were prarie dog shooters, not hunters - take care and safe hunting / shooting - KMule

I just returned from Anchorage/Sportsmans Warehouse
Verry nice store!! Great selection and good prices I had been paying $26.99 a pound
for IMR4831 & Varget in Kenai!! It is $19.99@ Sportsmans warehouse
And what is with all the tit whining about the mounts?? there are species from all over the
world here

K-Mule, It's all good. Because I knew,that you knew, that I knew, that you knew that I was just messing with you, and you were messing with me. I hope that you hope that Hopefully we'll meet each other again... In Hope? Talk to later brother...

Do they sell boats too?I hope so they will be half as much as other places.Everything should be cheaper.How about shot for shotshells almost impossible to find in Fairbanks.