Alaska kayak hunting in Prince William Sound 2.22.13

Kayak fishing is very popular all around the world. The use of kayaks for harvesting fish and game has been a native tradition for thousands of years. That tradition has mostly fallen to the way side in most Alaskan native communities. Power boats have taken the place of kayaks and badarkas. But in Prince William Sound I have transported several Alaskan hunters who prefer using kayaks. Hunting in Prince William Sound with a boat, raft or kayak definitely improves your chance of success. You can spot for game better from the water and you can cover more area. Kayaks are the stealthiest of watercraft for hunting and you can traverse in to shallow sloughs or portage into nearby lakes. Most hunters that use kayaks prefer kayaks between 12 and 17 feet long so which makes them easy to pick up single handedly and easy to conceal on the shore. Plastic kayaks are the best as they are durable since there are very few sandy beaches in Prince William Sound. I like the Wilderness Systems Pungo 140: http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product/index/products/recreational/recreational_pungo/pungo_140_recreational/
 It is a sit inside fishing kayak weighing only 58 pounds and tracks very well with no rudder needed. These kayaks are extra wide which gives you greater stability plus a large cockpit opening making it easier to get in and out of. The Pungo has an extra large hatch opening on the back deck and is one of the few kayaks that comes in camouflage. Kayak hunting requires the skills of old hunting traditions where you must be more self sufficient and bush savvy. To transport your game back to camp you’ll have to skin and butcher your game on the spot, then pack it back in the kayak. I carry a set of Knives of Alaska, the set called the triple combo: http://www.knivesofalaska.com/item.asp?id=120
They all have sure grip handles and include a skinner with gut hook, a cleaver and small knife they call the bear cub. With this knife set I have made short work of field processing black bear and Sitka black-tailed deer. These knives are made of D2 tool steel. I’ve found they hold an edge better than stainless steel. You do have to keep them oiled to prevent rusting and snow seal the leather sheath regularly to prevent water absorption. A water proof gun boot with a dummy cord attached to the kayak will ensure you don’t lose your rifle in the event of a mishap on the water. You don’t have to rough it like the old days of kayaking. With all the new light weight gear like Jet Boil, LED head lamps, and the new high tech clothing that is lighter, warmer and water proof, you’ll be pretty comfortable out there. Heidi has a fleet of camouflage Pungo 140 fishing/hunting kayaks available for the spring black bear season in the North West Prince William Sound area or late fall deer hunting in the Montague Island and Green Island area. The kayak rental is $45 a day and comes with paddle, spray skirt, life vest, pump, sponge, and each group gets a paddle float. For kayak rental call Heidi (907) 362 1290 or email ak_explorer@hotmail.com For info on all the services that Aquetec LLC offers, check out or web sites www.princewilliamsoundhunting.com , www.whittierwatertaxi.com  and www.princewilliamsoundlodging.com