First Trip to the Cabin Winter 2024

The changing of the season is what keeps me going and gives me the feel of being an Alaskan. No matter what season is ahead of me, I look forward to it. One of main reasons that I was excited about moving out to Shageluk with Sonta was the open space, good snow conditions, and long spring season this area of Alaska offers. Getting out on a “snowmachine” as us Alaskans call them is what I enjoy.

Nowadays, trapping and hunting wolves just pays for the experience of being on the land that consistently educates you if you let it. Each year is a bit different and the knowledge you gain can only be obtained by being there. So, with little snow and rough conditions, I have to get out and see what’s out there, and see the land I’ve seen so many times before knowing that this time it will be just a little different, because it always is.

Cutting trail and working through low snow conditions isn’t my favorite, but I do enjoy it. I tend to do the 1st trip solo with no kids to test the waters and see what I’m up against. Snow and fresh tracks tell the story of what has been going on right in our front yard. This is the beauty of living in remote Alaska - you are truly living in the wild, the untouched by infrastructure. I enjoy seeing the tracks again filling the slight sting as the sub-zero wind hits my cheeks. The sun does not give off any heat at this time of year, but its beauty and low glow keeps you moving chasing it because as soon as it is up it is heading back down.

As I look at wolf tracks, I figure how many there are and determine if they are pups or older wolves. Have they been eating recently or are they hungry? I am seeing their pattern and the direction they are going. I wonder what color they are if they are male or female, and where they are now.

Memories come back of previous trapping stories or more recent events with BBC camera crew, and I smile as I’m alone in my thoughts. I let my arms think for me without using my head to think real hard I find my arms steering towards the area Roger and I killed my moose last fall. What we would call just checking it out. I’m hoping that the horns are still there and not chewed up by something. I’m pleasantly surprised to see the moose head hasn’t moved from where I set it. Off come the antlers with a chainsaw and over to the cabin I head. It’s always good to see the cabin. When you build something whether big or small, especially with so many logistics involved you grow protective of it. I notice this more and more as I get older. I don’t want to rebuild something or do extra work if not necessary. Time is valuable and I want to work on projects that are planned and will help our way of life. Everything is good here the wolves and I are happy to be back at the cabin.

Gear Used:

Husqvarna 562 xp recoil amazon https://amzn.to/4fYGAGr

Sorel Caribou boots amazon https://amzn.to/4fVZGgp

Oregon Chain saw chain amazon https://amzn.to/3ZBDmD9

Gordini Glove amazon https://amzn.to/4im7b20

Pull Sled 8ft crossfox Alaska Gear Company https://alaskagearcompany.com/products/custom-freight-sled-builder?variant=41227698667577