HUNTER ORIENTATION

True Wilderness Hunting at its Best!

Joe Klutsch dba/Katmai Guide Service conducts operations on lands managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service including the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge (located at the western end of Katmai National Park) and Aniakchak National Monument in the Meshik River Valley.  These lands were designated as such by the U.S. Congress in 1980 as a part of the Alaska National Interests Lands Act.  They are truly special areas exhibiting true wilderness characteristics that now exist in few other areas of the world.  You should consider it a privilege to engage in Fair Chase Hunting, wildlife viewing and fishing in these areas.

Purposes for which these National Wildlife Refuges were established are as follows:

1.  To conserve the natural diversity of fish and wildlife populations and habitats including, but not limited to Brown Bears, the Alaska Peninsula Caribou herd, Moose, Sea Otters and other marine mammals, shorebirds and other migratory birds, raptors, including Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, salmonoids and other fish
2.  To fulfill international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats
3.  To provide, in a manner consistent with the purposes set forth in the act and to provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents; and
4.  To insure, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner set forth in the act, water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.

The significance and purpose for which Aniakchak National Park Preserve was established is as follows:

As a unit of the National Park System, Aniakchak is to be managed “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” (NPS organic act of 1916).  Aniakchak National Monument was established by presidential proclamation in 1978.  The Alaska Lands Act of 1980 designated the area as Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve to maintain the Aniakchak caldera and its associated features and landscape, including the Aniakchak River and other lakes and streams, in their natural state; to study, interpret, and assure continuation of the natural process of biological succession; to protect habitat for, and populations of, fish and wildlife, including, but not limited to, Brown Bears, Moose, Caribou, Sea Lions, Seals and other marine mammals, geese, swans, and other waterfowl and in a manner consistent with the foregoing, to interpret geological and biological processes for visitors.  Subsistence uses by local residents shall be permitted in the monument where such uses are traditional.

The Alaska Lands Act also established the Aniakchak National Wild River in 1980.  Although this description is crafted in more formal Congressional language, read it carefully.  It is my responsibility and that of my staff to help you understand the unique significances of both National Park managed areas and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service managed National Wildlife Refuge areas. You will be made aware of which land designation you are hunting in at the time of booking or when the logistical decision is made prior to your deployment to camp.

Interaction with Wildlife

Whether on National Wildlife Refuge or National Park Preserve, we are always sensitive to wildlife and avoiding close and unnecessary encounters excepting those we are stalking for the purpose of hunting.  Wherever or whenever we encounter any wildlife we are not intentionally hunting, WE GIVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.  It is best for them and for us that they never know we are there.  Safety dictates that we avoid habituation of animals (which ultimately leads to wild animal – human problems) and respect the natural order of things.

You will also be briefed on specific U.S. Fish & Wildlife and National Park Service regulations related to camping, habitat and wildlife protection.  Your time spent in these great wilderness areas is insured because those who came before you followed what is really a very simple set of rules.

Hunting conditions and methods may vary greatly from what you are used to.  Please recognize that your guide is a professional and has accumulated experience hunting your species on the Alaska Peninsula.  The Guide and Hunter are a TEAM and function best in that capacity.