Hunting and Fishing

Photo by Jeff Lund Cold and damp are defining characteristics of this time of year so the warm couch is always tempting.

I Went to the Woods: The fear of fear

What’s the margin of error for being prepared?

 

Things you won’t find camping in Southeast Alaska. (Jeff Lund/Juneau Empire)

I Went to the Woods: Sodium and serenity

The terrain of interior Alaska is captivating in a way that Southeast isn’t

 

Photo by Jeff Lund/Juneau Empire The point of fishing is to catch fish, but there are other things to see and do while out on a trip.

I Went to the Woods: Fish of the summer

I was amped to be out on the polished ocean and was game for the necessary work of jigging

 

Old growth habitat is as impressive as it is spectacular. (Photo by Jeff Lund/Juneau Empire)

I Went to the Woods: The right investments

Engaged participation in restoration and meaningful investment in recreation can make the future of Southeast special

Old growth habitat is as impressive as it is spectacular. (Photo by Jeff Lund/Juneau Empire)
Photo courtesy Jeff Lund The author’s wife with a Dolly Varden.

I Went to the Woods: The fly fishing ecosystem

Anyone who didn’t drop rent on a single rod on their first trip into a fly shop remembers their own journey to the top tier of fly rod technology

Photo courtesy Jeff Lund The author’s wife with a Dolly Varden.
Photo by Jeff Lund Cruise ships are needed and welcome, but why can’t we find money to accommodate the local way of life rather than catering to the tourism industry?

I Went to the Woods: The original Southeast Alaska cruise

The ferry is charming. It demands patience.

Photo by Jeff Lund Cruise ships are needed and welcome, but why can’t we find money to accommodate the local way of life rather than catering to the tourism industry?
Public lands are a unique privilege that Americans should relish and protect. (Photo courtesy Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: The comment section: Where discourse goes to die

Someone always takes it upon themselves to filter a post, headline, story or ideas through their political view and come up with a divisive hot take.

Public lands are a unique privilege that Americans should relish and protect. (Photo courtesy Jeff Lund)
The author with a king salmon caught on a fly rod. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: No time like the present

The end of my line thrashed back and forth at the surface, throwing water in every direction. But the fish didn’t turn and run, so… Continue reading

The author with a king salmon caught on a fly rod. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Lund)
Steelheading with a baby is no excuse for getting shut out. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: It’s not fishing, its neuroscience

The payoff was coming. There was no doubt that with the high water and time of year it would be an absolute sure thing. If… Continue reading

Steelheading with a baby is no excuse for getting shut out. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
For the author the suspense of checking shrimp pots begins with finding the buoy, not pulling the pot. (Screenshot from video by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Moment of truth

“Is that our buoy?” Terror. What is it doing there? It’s supposed to be around the rocky corner in a little nook protected from the… Continue reading

For the author the suspense of checking shrimp pots begins with finding the buoy, not pulling the pot. (Screenshot from video by Jeff Lund)
The author (back) and his brother (front) at a Forest Service cabin on Prince of Wales island many years ago. (Photo provided by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Learning to appreciate the journey to the destination

My wife and I had just moved into the Forest Service cabin and perpetual motion sent me to the lake where there were fish to… Continue reading

The author (back) and his brother (front) at a Forest Service cabin on Prince of Wales island many years ago. (Photo provided by Jeff Lund)
The author’s wife fights a steelhead while the author contemplates fly selection. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: The fear of missing fish

Student: “You know, FOMO, the Fear Of Missing Out” Me: “I know exactly what you mean. It’s a lot like FOMF.” “FOMF?” “Yeah, the Fear… Continue reading

The author’s wife fights a steelhead while the author contemplates fly selection. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
The Department of Fish and Game will release great adventure permission slips on Friday. The author tagged along on a hunt in 2023 and it ended up being a highlight. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: The wait is almost over

Clarity comes on Friday. It won’t be one that really makes or breaks 2024, it’s simply some clarity. Will I go on a draw hunt?… Continue reading

The Department of Fish and Game will release great adventure permission slips on Friday. The author tagged along on a hunt in 2023 and it ended up being a highlight. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
While the weather forecast plays a big role in ocean adventures, the gut often has final say. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Math meets guts

I found myself emotionally involved Sunday and felt the pending demise of the Detroit Lions with every dropped pass. I liked the story of the… Continue reading

While the weather forecast plays a big role in ocean adventures, the gut often has final say. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
Areas like Denali National Park allow nature to be preserved which is great, so long as there are also areas that allow for the maximum benefit of Alaskans as stated in the state’s constitution. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: The problem with caricatures

While people are usually up for a good fight, things seem to get particularly heated this time of year. It’s cold, it’s dark, our team’s… Continue reading

Areas like Denali National Park allow nature to be preserved which is great, so long as there are also areas that allow for the maximum benefit of Alaskans as stated in the state’s constitution. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
A lone berry hangs from a bush on the edge of a muskeg in which the author and his wife sought a buck, but found a doe. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Muskeg mornings

Twenty minutes after the first call and maybe two after the last sip of coffee, a gray body walked casually behind a smattering of brush… Continue reading

A lone berry hangs from a bush on the edge of a muskeg in which the author and his wife sought a buck, but found a doe. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
Derek St Clair aims at a target during the Juneau Gun Club’s annual Turkey Shoot on Nov. 20, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Shooters shoot: Juneau Gun Club brings back Turkey Shoot

Juneau residents came out firing for the annual event.

Derek St Clair aims at a target during the Juneau Gun Club’s annual Turkey Shoot on Nov. 20, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Wildlife Troopers are searching for an illegal crabber near Auke Bay after at least two illegal, homemade crab pots were discovered. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Troopers)

Alaska Wildlife Troopers fishing for outlaw crabber in Auke Bay

At least two illegal, unmarked pots were found.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers are searching for an illegal crabber near Auke Bay after at least two illegal, homemade crab pots were discovered. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Troopers)