In this episode Jaden and Tyler Bales and I recap our first trip into the mountains for blacktail deer. We discuss the reality for locals who must travel by boat, truck or both to access hunting grounds, how AI is impacting the outdoor space, flooded tents and knowing when it's time to call it and get off the mountain. 

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On this Opening Day road hunt, Abby and I discuss habitat and the impact of corporations and private equity on local business and outdoor companies.

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Jaden Bales and his bother have never been to Alaska so in this episode Jaden and I talk expectations, logistics, gear and weather as he packs for the trip to hunting blacktail deer in Southeast Alaska. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Margaret Stern lives in Talkeetna, Alaska, and is preparing to build a cabin on her new property. In this episode we talk about her first project in the remote interior of Alaska, milling lumber, foundations, making adjustments, plans for the new cabin and unique property luxuries like DIY saunas.  

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode, Harrison Gottschling and I discuss the joys and trials of raising children in Alaska (particularly his life in a dry cabin), the attempted sale of public lands and making the most of daylight. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode I go through my gear and approach to hunting deer in the alpine of Southeast Alaska. I discuss boots, socks, gaiters, pants, rain gear, base layer choice for cold, rainy weather, optics, tent location, terrain scouting and being ready before first light. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Abby and I discuss navigating the challenges of camping with our 8-month-old. We break down hiking the West Glacier Spur and most of Thunder Mountain in Juneau. We talk essential gear, strategies for staying dry and warm, and developing confidence to continue to adventure though we have a baby. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Dave McKenna is the owner of Tidewater Flyfishing in Juneau. In this episode we discuss his start in fly fishing, transitioning into guiding, dealing with bears during fly outs, starting his own business and what you need to get started fly fishing. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode, Dante Troina, Kody Malouf and I discuss Alaskan-themed movies, noting the romanticized vision many have of the state, and break down  how authenticity plays a role in the perception of films set in Alaska. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Susitna River Coalition's Margaret Stern and I discuss the proposed 100-mile West Susitna Access Road Project that would cross the Susitna River. We explore the project's potential benefits, like increased access and growth, against its significant environmental impact, and other infrastructure projects that might be a better investment for the funds. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

Thanks to the sponsors: