Jimbeaux82
Handloader
- Jan 6, 2011
- 407
- 174
Guys, although I did not post alot about getting ready for this trip I did have a few posts asking about outfitters and load/caliber suggestions over the past 2 years. I just came back from my long awaited hunt so decided to post a report for those who might be interested.
I hunted with H&H Alaskan Outfitters out of Soldatna, Justin Horton and guide James Eicher. We flew to the Ursus Bay area near Augustine Island and Lake Illiamna via float plane for a 10 day tented camp hunt. This is the first time I have done this type of hunt and as a 63 year old I was a little concerned. I walked daily with a 25 lb pack for 5 miles to get in shape and considered myself in fairly good shape. However, in Louisiana we dont have any mountains to climb and very few hills. We were hunting in valleys between mountains and had to do some steep (in my mind) climbing to get to our daily observation point. I was able to get there daily but really had to take my time getting there to ensure my footing and not taking a tumble. I was able to do that.
The rifle I brought was an Interarms Whitworth Mauser in 375 H&H with a 20" barrel, synthetic stock and Cera coated. Good choice on the rifle. We had a considerable amount of rain and I had minimal rusting not so much on the rifle but on things like the mounts but kept on top of it with a little oil and was manageable. The load I settled on was a 270 gr Barnes LRX with H4350 at 2630 fps. Load performed excellently when I needed it.
We stayed in tented camps the entire time. Had 4 days of rain during the 10 day hunt where we could not leave the tent, rain as well as 50 mph winds. Saw bears every day but mostly sows with cubs. Saw 3 boars total. One was a 9 ft plus bear going over a mountain to the next valley but never saw him again. Next saw a 7 ft young boar on the beach 100 yds from camp but opted to pass. Finally on the 7th day I got a chance at an 8 ft plus boar, made a stalk to within 220 yards and sealed the deal. First shot spined him and it was academic after that. Shot a little higher than I intended but after all shooting off sticks is not like shooting off the bench even though I spent a lot of time practicing off sticks.
Anyway, killed a nice 8ft 2in bear which I am very happy with. Guides and outfitter did a great job and everything unfolded almost exactly as described. However, I will say the hunt and conditions were about as rough as I ever want to do. I am glad I did it while I could. never went 10 days without a shower and shave before this. But I was told that ahead of time so I was good with it.
Ill be happy to answer any questions from anyone interested and contemplating a hunt such as this one.
Regards, Jimbeaux
I hunted with H&H Alaskan Outfitters out of Soldatna, Justin Horton and guide James Eicher. We flew to the Ursus Bay area near Augustine Island and Lake Illiamna via float plane for a 10 day tented camp hunt. This is the first time I have done this type of hunt and as a 63 year old I was a little concerned. I walked daily with a 25 lb pack for 5 miles to get in shape and considered myself in fairly good shape. However, in Louisiana we dont have any mountains to climb and very few hills. We were hunting in valleys between mountains and had to do some steep (in my mind) climbing to get to our daily observation point. I was able to get there daily but really had to take my time getting there to ensure my footing and not taking a tumble. I was able to do that.
The rifle I brought was an Interarms Whitworth Mauser in 375 H&H with a 20" barrel, synthetic stock and Cera coated. Good choice on the rifle. We had a considerable amount of rain and I had minimal rusting not so much on the rifle but on things like the mounts but kept on top of it with a little oil and was manageable. The load I settled on was a 270 gr Barnes LRX with H4350 at 2630 fps. Load performed excellently when I needed it.
We stayed in tented camps the entire time. Had 4 days of rain during the 10 day hunt where we could not leave the tent, rain as well as 50 mph winds. Saw bears every day but mostly sows with cubs. Saw 3 boars total. One was a 9 ft plus bear going over a mountain to the next valley but never saw him again. Next saw a 7 ft young boar on the beach 100 yds from camp but opted to pass. Finally on the 7th day I got a chance at an 8 ft plus boar, made a stalk to within 220 yards and sealed the deal. First shot spined him and it was academic after that. Shot a little higher than I intended but after all shooting off sticks is not like shooting off the bench even though I spent a lot of time practicing off sticks.
Anyway, killed a nice 8ft 2in bear which I am very happy with. Guides and outfitter did a great job and everything unfolded almost exactly as described. However, I will say the hunt and conditions were about as rough as I ever want to do. I am glad I did it while I could. never went 10 days without a shower and shave before this. But I was told that ahead of time so I was good with it.
Ill be happy to answer any questions from anyone interested and contemplating a hunt such as this one.
Regards, Jimbeaux
