What kind of boots should I wear? - Neoprene boots that are specifically designed for hiking and hunting. (Taller than average height 18" suggested for river crossings and wet grass). A pair of Muck boots or something similar is highly recommended. You can wear a pair of leather boots if you're tough, but they are going to get wet and never dry, and limit your options for fording rivers, stepping in the bay, and getting covered with fish slime on the boat. Breathable tennis shoes are great for wearing around the boat at night.

Should I bring waders? - Highly recommended for waterfowl hunting but can also be worn throughout the hunt to keep you warm and dry.

What rifle cartridge to bring? - 338 is great for bear hunting. Any classic deer cartridge from 243 on up is plenty of gun for harvesting a buck.

Should I bring a handgun? - Not necessary. You will be actively hunting when on land and have your hunting rifle with you at all time.

What distances are the shots ar these Sitka Blacktails? - Most of the terrain features vegetation with means shots in Southeast Alaska are close. Shots average will be under 100 yards.

Is Sitka gear or KUIU worth the money? - If you can afford it, you should buy the best clothing you can afford. But the hunt is what you make of it no matter the price of your gear.

Is there a place to dry wet clothes? - The aluminum shack on the back of the Serenity is outfitted with fans and tower heaters and can dry your rain gear each night. The Serenity is equipped with a drying locker on the outside of the cabin and Ken can show you how to use it.

Are alcohol and soft drinks included? - Alcohol isn't included, but you can bring your own. There is a cooler on the boat that is full of soft drinks, water, and Gatorade that is included.

How much do licenses cost? (non-resident)

Federal Duck Stamp - $25

Alaska Duck Stamp - $10

Non-Resident 1,3, or 7-day King Salmon Stamp - $5 (only if trolling for winter kinds is a priority)

Alaska Non-Resident Hunting and 7-Day Fishing License - $205

Deer Tags - $300/tag

Black Bear Tags - $550

Should I buy a black bear or wolf license? - It is wise to discuss your options with Ken prior to purchasing your licenses as some can be transferred to other animals.

How is meat stored/processed on the boat? - The Serenity is outfitted with an aluminum shack on the back that stays cool and is a great place for hanging meat. A couple of fans plugged in can dry quarters overnight ready to be placed in one of the three available freezers.

Can I carry, ship home, or donate my meat? - Donations are always appreciated. Frozen meat can be offloaded from to boat freezers and hauled home as carry-on or checked luggage. Ken is also happy to assist you in shipping meat home.

What is the food like? - Dinners every night are booked by Steven and include halibut. moose steads. shepherd's pie, and king crab. Breakfasts are all you can eat scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, etc. Steven will pack sack lunches everyday with a big sandwich, and a bunch of granola/chocolate bars, and chips. There is always fresh coffee available on the boat and cold drinks in the cooler.

What are sleeping quarters like? - The Serenity has four bunks up front in the hull that are big enough for anybody. It's a fishing boat, which means you have a warm dry place to sleep but room is at a premium. The stateroom is two beds stacked on each other that are comfortable. Each bunk is outfitted with outlets for charging electrical devices.

Recommended Packing List (open to interpretation)

Bags

-Personal item- Backpack for a personal item on the plane (5.11 Rush 72)

-Carry On- 40L Duffel for carry-on

-Gun case (Pelican Vault) checked under plane

-105 Liter Duffel (Backcountry.com) checked under plane

Hunting Gear

-338 Rifle (Ruger Hawkeye)

-30 rounds of ammo (Barnes 210 TTSX)

-Pocketknife

-3 lightweight skinning knives (one for each buck and one for fish)

-Rangefinder

-Scope covers

-Rifle sling

-Electrical tape (to go over the muzzle and keep the rain out)

-Benelli SBII 12 Gauge

-Shotgun shells (I’d take four boxes each)

-480 Ruger Revolver/Ammo

-Holster

-Headlamp(s)

-Bore snake, Rem Oil wipes

-Small roll of paracord

-Small pair binoculars

-Havalon razor knife for caping

-Waterproof cover for backpack

-Small roll of garbage sacks

-sunglasses

Communication Gear

*with appropriate charge cords and a portable power bank.

-Garmin inreach

-Two-way Handheld Radios

-Cell phone with maps of Prince William Sound pre-downloaded

Footwear

-Rubber Boots (Lacrosse Alpha Burley Pro)

-Tennis Shoes

-Wader Boots

Rain Gear

-Heavy PVC raincoat (Carhart) *Only wore the duck hunt day, but it rained 3+ inches that day and I stayed dry

-Light PVC Raincoat (Kuiu)*wore everyday

-Light Rain Pants (Kuiu) *I wore these everyday

-Heavy PVC rubber gloves

-Waterproof backpack cover

Clothing

-Three pairs of pants

-Underwear for everyday

-Three T-shirts

-Pair of socks for everyday

-A hoodie to wear in the field

-Another hoodie to wear around the boat and sleep in

-A lightweight, water resistant and warm Kuiu jacket

-Thermal underwear

-Fleece gloves (2 pair, one to wear and one to dry)

-Flannel shirt

Licenses

-Alaska Duck Stamp

-Federal Duck Stamp

-Alaska combination hunting/fishing license (1 Week)

-Deer harvest tickets

-Deer locking tags x2

Toiletries/Medicines

-Prescriptions

-Baby wipes (for quick showers and hygiene)

-Dramamine (nobody got seasick)

-Tums

-Tylenol, Ibuprofen

-Deodorant

-Toothbrush/paste

Fishing gear *Ken has all the fishing gear you need, but if you just like using your own.

-Okuma Nomad travel boat rod 20-40 lb

-Avet SX Reel with 30lb braid

-Diamond jigs from 6-14 ounces for ling cod

-Colt sniper jigs 3 ounces for rockfish

-25lb. florocarbon for leaders

-Heavy duty snap swivels