Author Jake Jacobson shares some positive experiences as both a hunter and guide in Alaska during the challenging year of 2020.
2020 began cold; -1 Fahrenheit in Kodiak. Snow had come in early December 2019 and accumulated to a non-drifted depth of 46 inches in my yard. Finally, in April, the ground began to clear, but reportedly 80 percent of the deer had starved. I predicted spontaneous abortion would lead to a record low fawn crop. I saw no fawns in 2020.
The Wuhan virus quickly panicked the world population. Potential hunting guests were spooked that they might be quarantined en route. Most opted to stay home. I viewed it as overreaction, but in April I decided not to book any guests for the fall. I would go to the lodge to do chores and shoot some meat. I haven’t missed autumn in the Arctic for 52 years. It’s in my blood and soul.
My long time associate, Ron Phillips, said he planned to come and would like to bring Robin, an old Marine Corps pilot buddy. I said fine.
The Anchorage terminal was crowded. I wore a camouflage MAGA cap which, as always, drew some approving compliments. Carrying proof of negative covid tests within three days, we had no problems with officials.
We arrived at the lodge on August 30 and departed on September 10. Every day we saw not hundreds as I’m used to, but dozens of caribou within a mile or less of the lodge. Most were mature bulls. Before we departed, Ron’s buddy took a nice one.
With no booked hunters in camp, as a landowner I could take a bull moose, normally reserved for the locals, on my private 80 acres.
On September 3, I called a moose with antlers 62 inches wide onto the property. We packed it less than 600 yards, but I noticed the quarters have gotten heavier since the first moose I harvested in 1968.
Ron and Robin with the “meat” moose.
Soapberries, the grizzly’s favorite, plus blueberries, cranberries and crowberries were in average abundance. We saw at least one large grizzly feeding near the lodge every day.
A mature bear. Photo taken from the lodge window.
We kept busy staining the outside of the buildings and enjoying the silent, pristine wilderness. On the morning before we were to depart, I noticed two large wolves on the hill east of the lodge. We set Ron up with his “sniperized” 7mm and a pillow rest in the windowsill. Shortly, he had two wolves down, with two shots of 570 yards.
Ron with his wolves. It was a highlight of the year for both Ron and me.
The weather remained in the 40s and 50s throughout our time at the lodge. We did have one night of ice on the dip water creek.
We departed on schedule with close to 1,000 pounds of prime meat to share. The trip had been a dandy.
The Alaska Airlines flights were nearly filled with passengers wearing masks.
So, in spite of Wuhan virus fears and restrictions, we had an enjoyable time at Trail Creek. When I returned to my computer, I had two bookings for the 2021 fall season. I have two booking periods still open: August 19-30 and September 10-21.
– Jake Jacobson, Alaska Master Guide #54
Jake Jacobson has served as dentist, biologist, fishing guide, hunting guide, boat skipper and fossil hunter during his 50 years in Alaska. He’s also been a commercial pilot for 46 years, with over 10,000 hours in Alaska, Bolivia, Rhodesia and Namibia. Along the way, he’s chronicled his adventures and misadventures in five books – Alaska Tales, Alaska Flying, Alaska Bears, Kodiak Alaska Deer, and Alaska Hunting. Each book has over 200 pages, including photos, and all are available at the Sporting Classics Store. Buy Now
