Life Below Zero on NatGeo

[EddieWalker]

So Karen and I where at the Dallas Safari Club Convention yesterday looking into a trip to Alaska to hunt moose and black bear. We spoke to quite a few outfitters and transporters with one who really stood out. His name is Erik Salitan and he owns Bushwhack Alaska Guding & Outfitting Bushwhack Alaska Guiding & Outfitting

He really impressed us in how he runs his operation and in what he has to offer. No BS, no bragging, just what he has to offer type of guy.
This morning while looking at his website and searching for complaints about him, which is pretty common with everybody I've looked into for a moose hunt, I found out that he is one of the stars on the TV show Life Below Zero. He never mentioned the TV show either. When talking about it this morning, we both liked that about him.

We have never watched the show and I was wondering if anybody on here has? What is your take on the show and do you have any thoughts on Erik?

Eddie

 

[chuck172]

I think Erik just got married. Really like the show.

 

[EddieWalker]

Yes, she was there too. We met her, but she was pretty quiet while Erik did all the talking.

Eddie

 

[polo1665]

Of all the "Alaska" shows on now, "Life Below Zero" is definitely, by far, the best (in my book anyway).

 

[Hilbilly]

Of all the "Alaska" shows on now, "Life Below Zero" is definitely, by far, the best (in my book anyway).

x2

It's one of my favorites and seems to be "real" not like most of the "reality" shows. I don't see much, if any, contrived situations. I just watched an episode last night and Erik's new wife wasn't quiet on that show. She gave him h*ll for running the boat too fast and running it too shallow.

 

[jix]

Hey, Eddie
I watch "life below zero" for almost every episode. It seems quite realistic, based upon what I saw while living in the arctic. The main protagonist "Sue" is a real person, but an unusual one. That show is about life, such as it is, in KAVIK on the north slope near the beaufort sea. Darn poor place to spend the winter IMO

If I wanted to bear hunt in Alaska, probably that would not be my first choice of an area to select, (Bears are sorta scarce, except where there are humans and garbage to attract them) but then I would rather choose to hunt grizzly around KODIAK Island AK, if you can get a license. Kodiak grizzlies are the largest (up to 1200lbs) bears on the planet, except for polar bears, which only Eskimo people are allowed to shoot, and very few are in the quota. Fort Churchill, in northern Manitoba is noted for being over run with polar bears in the spring, there Camera hunting only, from a tundra bus. ho hum. These very large Kodiak bears, however, are [U]dangerous game if you hunt on foot, they are cunning, wary, fast, powerful, and aggressive, You MUST use a guide if you are a non-resident, and you must be in shape for long hikes in the bush on stalk. It is uncomfortable hunting.

Best place for black bears is actually in New Brunswick, but they are guide hunted (non-resident) only and usually taken over bait from a tree stand. (not really sporting) IMO.

 

[jix]

Hey Eddie, I visited Erics website and looked it all over. Impressive. Eric has got to be doing something right. Hunts in some good terrain, too Looks very promising. Having the super cub airplane is a very big plus for scouting out game. Don't think you can do better.:2cents:

I hope that you and Karen have a good hunt, both of you:cool2::thumbsup:

Jix

 

[KiotiKowboy]

You can watch video from the series on the National Geographic web site. Great series.

 

[EddieWalker]

jix,

While I like to hunt different types of animals in different places, cats and bears just don't do it for me like something with horns or antlers. Karen wants the bear and I thought it best to start out small. There are better places to go, but not if we both want to hunt different animals. I also really want a moose, so Alaska seems like the best option for both species in the same place.

The challenge has been finding a reputable outfitter in an area with both animals. The Bethel area is supposed to be pretty good, but I'm hesitant on the outfitters in that area. Tok is where I'd go if just going after moose. 40 Mile Air is probably the most highly recommended outfitter in the state. Unfortunately it's grizzly country and very few, if any black bears. As non residents of Alaska, we would have to hire a guide to hunt grizzly or brown bear.

This is from the Dallas Safari Club Convention on Friday



Eddie

 

[TBDonnelly]

From watching Erik on 'Life Below Zero', I'd say he is excellent at explaining his chosen lifestyle. He is adept at living off grid, being self reliant and really has a love and respect for the outdoors. He has teaching skills (as seen on Life below Zero) that sure would lend themselves to being a good guide out in the wilderness. It has been mentioned on the show that he was a wilderness hunting guide but I never picked up on any details of his guide business. I'd give him a thumbs up!