Getting picked up from the field can be the most frustrating part of your hunt. On the afternoon/evening prior to your scheduled pick up day, you’ll want to check in with us back in the hangar with your inReach We’ll let you know if we are still on schedule, or if the weather will permit a pick up.
Remember, we are at the mercy of the weather and Mother Nature doesn’t care about our schedules. It is not uncommon to have to spend an extra day or four out in the field. You must be mentally prepared for that possibility.
When it’s pick up day, here’s what you need to do:
- Get all of your gear packed up in your dry bags.
- It’s not a bad idea to leave your tent up if the weather is bad or if there’s a possibility that the pick up won’t happen.
- DO NOT pile gear/meat/antlers on the runway area. Keep it neatly assembled off to the side where it was unloaded.
- We will try to let you know when we’re leaving the hangar, but that doesn’t always happen. As soon as you see the plane, if you have left your tent up, hustle to take it down and get it piled with your gear.
- Sometimes a pick up just isn’t going to happen, despite our best efforts. In that situation you’ll have to unpack again and wait until the next day. We realize how frustrating that is, but it’s just part of the deal. This is one reason why it’s so important to purchase trip insurance to cover any missed flights due to this situation.
Once you get back to the hangar, you will need to butcher your meat for shipment back home or for donation to the community of Kotzebue.