On August 8th, 2009...My dream hunt started on the EVENT day when I spoke with my wife, Coleen, about the possibility of hunting King Eider and Harlequin ducks in Alaska. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that I would be able to hunt in the Aleutian Islands. I have watched the "Deadliest Catch" over and over, while thinking about King Eiders. Prior to the EVENT, I met Charlie Summerville at the Waterfowler Days show in Havre de Grace, looked at his pictures and talked about the hunt. I saw plenty of threads on the "Refuge" and was amazed about the hunt and King Eiders.
Come to find out, Charlie Summerville from Aleutian Island Waterfowlers donated a King Eider Hunt to the UCC, my chapter of Delta Waterfowl. The hunt was the centerpiece of the Live Auction. Everybody was talking about it. When it came up for bid, I spoke to Coleen and we both decided now was my chance to do something I would have never dreamed of doing. Well, I won the auction and thought of nothing else.
The planning started with great conversation with Charlie Summerville, owner of “Aleutian Island Waterfowlers”. I booked my airfare, and bought my License with the help of Charlie and “Keller” of the Refuge forums. I planned out the items I was taking and waited like a kid for Christmas. Everything had to be right, I wasn’t just hunting in my home state on familiar waters, I was going to a place that is known for bitter cold, freezing temps...and King Eiders.
When I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska on January 17th 2010, as soon as I walked off the plane, I still couldn't believe I was there. I was joined by two other hunters, Ron Bankes owner of Bankes Boats and Tom Lefeuerbe from New York. and got acquainted on Sunday night. Morning came early, as there is a four hour time difference between the East Coast and Alaska. When I woke up that morning, I walked down to the lobby of the hotel and met the clerk. I was dumbfounded when she showed me a bull moose laying in the rear of the motel chewing crab apples just 30 feet away. Right than, I knew it was going to be a great week.
We arrived at the island after a four hour flight the next day to a cold 30+ mph wind and snow. We stayed in a very nice house with a bunch of other hunters and Charlie. My first morning hunt was bitter cold with bone chilling wind, but what did I expect? During that hunt, I saw Stellar Eiders, Harlequin and of course King Eiders. I was thrilled just to see all of those birds. The next day, was my time and the day that I shot a beautiful King Eider Drake. The guides worked hard to put us on birds, and there were a few missed opportunities, but overall the Kings moved offshore. Hen King Eiders were everywhere along with Old Squaws and Harlequins, it was unreal. Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of hunting with Ron Bankes of Bankes Boats and both of us took two beautiful Harlequin Drakes. And again, on Wednesday I took two Hen King Eiders and two more Harlequin Drakes. Everybody was getting the ducks that Charlie is known for and even 2 Aleutian Greenwing Teals.
King Eider Drakes remained elusive with birds seen and immature in the decoys, but that is why my trophy King Eider is so special. Hunting wasn't the only thing that made this trip so incredibly memorable because during the hunt and seeing the sights, we continued to see sea lions which honestly, was cool all in itself. There are reindeer and Arctic foxes to hunt, the picture taking is spectacular. The bonus is the local people and their tough way of life. They’re very nice people and I especially had a ball with Jesse and Josh at the bar where Deadliest Catch is filmed. Another bonus is the crab business that starts in January. We really lucked out and got a tour of the Trident Seafood Plant at Saint Paul. I visited various crab boats and met their crews...TOTALLY COOL!!!
This hunt is an adventure that’s only enjoyed once in a lifetime, I am so incredibly happy that I was offered a chance to do some of the most Extreme hunting in the world, a hunt that only Charlie Summerville of Aleutian Island Waterfowlers can provide. If you’re willing to hunt hard, in the harshest conditions while listening to the expert guidance of Charlie and his guides, you will be richly rewarded. You must have an open mind as this is one of the most Extreme places to imagine. Team work is essential to success, if you’re not a team player, stay home. Hardcore waterfowlers only need apply. This is not a country club hunt you must be willing to hunt, kill your birds with NO Whining Allowed. A special thanks to Captain Charlie Summerville for his generous donation to UCC Delta Waterfowl Chapter EVENT, all his captains, and Michelle for their hard work. I want to also thank my chapter, The UCC for all of their hard work also and commitment to the waterfowlers and waterfowling in our area.
