Gary’s thoughts: Over many years I’ve found traditional archers more than people that just shoot bows and arrows. They are the kind of people that I really enjoy inviting to dinner at my house if they are in my area. My wife Marian and I are planning a trip the first week of May this Spring to Haines, AK and possibly Homer, AK, where I grew up and graduated from High School. Is there someone out there who would like to share their experiences in Haines, AK. Not to be worried about political correctness but is their traditional archers in Haines AK. Is it a community one would want to live in or go to? Traditional archers give me your honest opinion of your experiences in this area. Gary Sentman

Gary my experiences in Haines aren't revelant today as it was nearly 60 years ago. I do know that Haines was a place I wanted to live. I had planned to move there, but the job fell through and my wife left so it never happened. One thing I liked about Haines was it was the only place in southeast Alaska that had a road out of it although it was closed during the winter. I was in the USCG and was able to hunt all over southeast Alaska carring nothing but a 1962 Bear Kodiak and cedar arrows and a guardian angle on my shoulder since I am still here to talk about it. Enjoy your trip to Haines. Jack

Wish I had an opinion of AK, but alas no.

They make some of the best men's underwear in the world there.

Jack - sounds like you walked in my footsteps. I moved to Homer, AK in 1959. I got married to the wrong lady. She didn’t like it there. In those years I also carried a Bear Kodak 66#’s. I killed 2 moose and many others with rifles. We plan on leaving the first week of May to Haines. Homer has gotten too yuppie and commercial. I’m hoping Haines is more back woods. Moosejaw Gary

I have only been to Haines a handful of times and have a very favorable impression of the town. I have never spent the night there so I cannot truly comment on the town as a whole. Everyone I met there was very friendly and the place seemed to be pretty clean and tidy.

Haines is a stopping point for cruise ships. It might feel more back woods if the cruise ship didn’t just unload. First week of May might be a safe Time to visit. I’ve stopped in Haines for a burger and fries after sheep hunting across the line in BC. It was a welcome treat!

Gary My aunt lives in Haines or rather 25 miles toward Canada from Haines. I love the place. There is a guide there getting up in years that only guides traditional bowhunters. I have visited him a couple times. He has some great stories. Prettiest place in Alaska I think. I don't know how many other trad archers are there. I'll be there next Sept.most likely. I think it is a very help your neighbor place. Hope something I said helps you out.

Doug

Wish I was there now, their weather is goin' to be much better than here in Iowa.

Hi Gary, I have lived in Juneau for the past decade and truly enjoy Southeast Alaska. Haines is one of my favorite little towns. I almost considered moving there 7 or 8 years ago but family and my career kept me in Juneau. I am unaware of cruise ships stopping in Haines but rather Skagway, So Haines tends to avoid the hubub. There would be plenty of goat, moose and bear ( both species) hunting to keep a traditional archer busy during the spring and fall. There is an author ( Heather Lende) who I feel has captured the great small town feel of Haines and worth the read. Look me up if you get the gumption to take the ferry down to Juneau. I have no doubt you’ll enjoy your time in Haines.

I’ll leave you with a photo I took from at a little vaccation rental my family stayed at a few summers ago.

I don't know about traditional archery in Haines but I can tell you it is a lovely place to visit. There are no cruise ships that stop there so it is not a tourist mecca like Skagway. Skagway is very interesting if you like gold rush history.

I spent a few days in Haines in 2017 on a motorcycle trip to Alaska. It is the bald eagle capital of the world and very pretty everywhere. Chilkoot Lake recreation area is beautiful and if I had more time a little fly fishing on the river there would have been awesome.

The ferry ride to Skagway might be worth the trip to see the history of the place. My next trip I will spend more time in Skagway for sure.

BenP - I really appreciate your information and photo. I am more into fishing these days. Maybe put out some shrimp pots, do some clamming, catch some Dungeness crab for sure and in my spare time maybe catch a halibut or salmon. I have taken enough game in my years that these days I only hunt to put meat in the freezer and appreciate nature and wildlife. Drop me an email now and then to let me know how you are doing. Maybe we can meet up. [email protected]. Moosejaw Gary

Arras r fun - You sound like quite an adventurer. Bet you have a lot of stories to tell. Keep in touch. Moosejaw Gary

Thanks fellow archers. You have increased my desire to go to Haines next summer. Thanks for your time and input.

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