Crystal Creek Lodge has been guiding upland hunts since 1993 and has given extraordinary consideration toward the development of the hunting program.
All waterfowl and upland hunts are conducted or supervised by Dan Michels, an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide. Hunting guides at Crystal Creek Lodge have substantial bird hunt guiding and dog handling experience.
Crystal Creek Lodge offers the class act of guided Alaskan upland bird hunts. We have been guiding upland hunts since 1993 and have given extraordinary consideration toward the development of the hunting program.
Hunters are provided with carefully researched, productive covers, experienced and competent guides, carefully trained pointing dogs of exceptional breeding, quality double guns and all other appropriate hunting equipment.
Duck Hunting
The earliest waterfowl season in the United States opens in Alaska on September 1. The ponds and estuaries of the Alaska Peninsula comprise the first staging area for migratory waterfowl entering the Pacific Flyway. Waterfowl pursued are duck species of American Widgeon, Northern Pintail, Green Wing Teal, Mallard, Greater Scaup (Bluebill), and Gadwall as well as species of geese including Cackling Canada Goose and Pacific Brant.
Shooting is done from hunting blinds over decoys, with two shooters and one guide in each blind. Competent guides do the calling and carefully supervise each hunting blind. Most days a retrieving dog is available and watching them work adds to the enjoyment of the hunt. Guns and ammunition are provided. We have 12 gauge pump or over/under shotguns, steel shot ammunition, waders and camouflage clothing. Guests are welcome to bring their own guns and hunting gear.
We rotate hunters on several shooting areas—some are freshwater ponds, some are saltwater estuaries—resting these areas between hunts. New birds migrate into these ponds each day. Birds in Alaska have yet to be hunted in early September and are not decoy shy. Limits are generous.
Ptarmigan
Ptarmigan hunting season begins in southwest Alaska on August 10 of each year and goes through the end of the Crystal Creek Lodge season. All birds are wild. Seeing and flushing bird numbers into the hundreds is not unusual on any given day in the field. The local upland hunting range includes numerous covers within the normal area of flight operations. Covers and birds exist in sufficient quantities that we are able to offer all of our upland hunters at least one opportunity to be the first guns on one section of cover. We seldom visit covers more than twice per season and give the covers sufficient rest between visits.
Alaskan upland hunts are conducted by one guide directing a maximum of two hunters. The country is big and the vistas extraordinary. Pointing dogs steady to wing and shot locate and hold game. We recommend that you bring your favorite double gun; otherwise a 12 or 20 gauge double gun can be provided. Appropriate ammunition is provided as are blaze orange strap vests. You must provide waterproof upland hunting boots.
The terrain shown is typical cover. While the overall terrain is relatively flat the ground is uneven and 1-3 miles of walking is typical during the course of a hunt. Participating hunters should be in good physical condition.
Crystal Creek Lodge offers the class act of guided Alaskan upland bird hunts.
