One of my biggest unanswered questions is my options for getting the meat home. Not wanting to hang out in Anchorage any longer than needed.
It doesn't seem like even two days delay would be enough to get it flash frozen and boxed up for the trip home.
Those of you that have hunted Alaska, I could really use your insight. This affects flight plans and I want to get booked ASAP. Thanks in advance.
The airline baggage restrictions were different the last time I Bou hunted in Ak, but we took a bunch in our luggage and carry-ons. They were pretty lax about charging you extra for overweight so we would bring an extra duffle.
They may still be that way...especially in the small airports. You can get 50# in a small backpack to carryon...I do that all the time. Its best to warn the TSA xray tech as they freak out sometimes as all they see is a big black blob on their machine. Bag it so that you can open it for them if they ask.
Where do you get the meat frozen in Anchorage?
Jim,
I take it to 10th and M Fish Market and have them put it in a freezer box and into the Freezer.
Both John and I have "known shipper" status with Alaska Air and ship it home that way.
Another option would be to go to one of the meat processors and have it done up and shipped to you when finished. Be warned however that they charge a lot more for processing in AK then here in TX.
BTW don't forget to figure out the antler shipping also.
Mike
Jim, I have a rep in Anchorage who is a big hunter. I've asked him. Will let you know what he says.
I ship my gear home USPS and take the meat home as luggage in wax fish boxes.
Thanks guys!
You might try this guy.
http://www.alaskameatexpress.com
I did about the same thing. Packed in waxed fish boxes. I purchased them at the airport (Juno). Previously I had the meat in boxes from a forcery store. The lady at the airport told me they would not make the trip and would probably break open. Think she charged me about $10. per box. I dumped out the meat right in the airport and repacked in the wax boxes. Some duct tape and we were ready to go. Since I didn't have that much luggage or my wife either, they let us claim the meat as luggage and no additional costs. However we had to tape cardboard over the points of the antlers to they did not poke holes in other peoples luggage. I had to pay extra for the antlers. Can't remember how much but think it was around $100. That was for 2 racks taped together and the points covered. Check with your airlines - I used Alaska Air back to Portland then to Denver. They are used to hunters and fisherman bring back meat and antlers.
I've shipped fish home by packing it in wax boxes or ice chests with dry ice and just checking it as luggage - keep it under 50 pounds per box. It's cold in the cargo bay once you're in the air.
Jim, here is my reps reply. Hope this helps.
Hello Tom. The following links are for three reputable processing companies in Anchorage that I am familiar with. I am not sure how long it would take to process the order. I recommend he contact them directly and coordinate things. Glenn's Wild Game is a smaller company and may be more willing/able to accommodate any special requirements/timing.
http://www.alaskasausage.com
http://www.indianvalleymeats.com
http://www.glennswildgame.com/
Just one of the reasons I love Tradgang. Awesome Networking here.
I see you are on ak outdoor forum.
what time of year are you going?
what unit?
are you using a guide?
how many tags do you have?
the reason I ask is you might be able to just put them in a freezer over night and check them. ak airlines will allow a bag up to 99lbs with the extra bag charge It ended up at 70 bucks for a wetlock box. If the meat is cool and dry it will do well. that all depends on how warm it is in Oklahoma and how far you have to drive. Depending on the size of the bou you might get a whole animal in one box.
or you could stick 2 or 3 :goldtooth:
Bringing this one back up. Curious about your progress!
I guess I missed checking back on this. We should be going into the field on the 4th of Aug. out of Kavik. Getting things packed and prepped. Luckily I have a friend who is stationed in Anchorage so that will help with the logistics once back in civilization. Thanks TJ for the three processor suggestions! Need to nail this part down.
No guide. Flying to Kavik on 70 North, then out of there with Jeff Kruse (Bushwacker Air). We each have two Caribou tags. I have one wolf tag and buddy has two.