Things to do in Alaska?

cross21114 wrote:

"Even if I were able to arm myself like the "Alaska the Last Frontier" folks, with a .357M, .44M, or a .45-70 caliber handgun on my hip while walking the dog, I'd still feel 50/50 outmatched by a bear/moose/wolf."

Funny story - the 1st time I went to Alaska, I was taking my special needs son. Decided that I would see if bears were really a problem. The internet was relatively new but was able to view the Anchorage newspaper. Front page was a bear mauling of some campers within the city limits of Anchorage. We were going to be tent camping for 2 weeks. Since the response to a grizzle, when attached, is to lay down face first and hope you survive a potential mauling, was not going to work with my son. Decided both bear spray and handgun were appropriate. My 9mm was not enough so bought a 45. When I went to pick it up after the 7 day waiting period, the salesman asked if I was him to prepare it for Alaska. I asked what would you possible do to it? He said he would grind the front sight off. Asked why would you do that? He said "so it will hurt less when the bear rams it up your a s".

Carried it and never saw a bear except from the car. Been back many times, hunting birds and have never seen on.

Leaving next week for Alaska. Will spend September hunting birds and fishing. Am taking 2 shotguns but not even bothering to ship the hundgun to Alaska this time. T