Friday, June 17, 2011

2011 Spring Black Bear Season


Whittier Water Taxi would like to thank everyone that went out on a spring black bear hunt with us this year. We enjoyed seeing so many local Alaskans that have used our services over the years return for another season as well as our new found friends that we met at the sportsman shows! It was an honor to transport our members of the United States Army and Air Force, many of whom are deploying overseas or have recently returned. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories from the soldiers and of how they dreamed of hunting in Alaska and now got the opportunity as a result of getting a duty station here. Over the years we have had several soldiers who have transferred out of Alaska and still fly back every season to go on their traditional hunt with us. Most hunters were successful and harvested the Alaskan black bear of their dreams this year.  All got the opportunity to enjoy the great beauty of the Alaska wilderness and honed their hunting skills. One hunting tradition that we have seen an increase in over the last few years is the father - son hunting trips. With many troops having to deploy to combat, fathers have taken their sons out to the wilderness for several days of bonding. Then there are those fathers that have brought their young sons on their first hunting trip, exposing them to one of the greatest American traditions. We were so busy this bear season that we didn’t get to harvest any bears of our own but it was very rewarding to be able to provide a service that fulfilled so many hunters’ dreams. For those who didn’t get a bear this spring like us, there is always a fall black bear hunt! We like to wait till the salmon are gone and the blueberries are falling off the bushes. Berry bear is my personal favorite and I’ve always believed: if it eats good, it’s good eating! Whittier now has a taxidermy shop located at the boat harbor. They not only process the hide but also handle the meat for you. Deer season starts August 1 and it’s never too soon to plan your next hunt. We have already had soldiers book trips for the coming deer season calling from Iraq and Afghanistan. We look forward to seeing all our friends who have chosen our services over the years as well as our new clients. See you soon!
Captain Matt Cline
Whittier Water Taxi
Quality not Quantity