I've hunted waterfowl and ptarmigan in Alaska several times. King Eiders in the Bering Sea or Harlequin in Prince William Sound are not do-it-yourself trips. Pacific Brant and ducks in Cold Bay can be DIY. All the waterfowl hunting I have done in Alaka has been with outfitters. While the guided waterfowl trips can be very expensive I don't see any other options unless you live in the area, own all the appropriate gear and have the ability to operate the equipment in an environment that gives no second chances.
Ptarmigan hunting can certainly be a DIY trip. I would suggest the Denali Highway between Cantwell and Paxson. Drive till you see an area you like, get out and start walking. Not a lot of birds but you will get a bird or two. Cold Bay can be DIY for Ptarmigan and waterfowl. Fly to Cold Bay rent a truck and drive the roads. Great Pacific Black Brant plus geese and ducks. Ptarmigan are plentiful and so are the BEARS. There are a lot of bears in Cold Bay and they have the right-of-way.
If you really want to experience alaskan ptarmigan hunting and feel a bit plush take a bush plane out of Soldotna and fly across Cook Inlet. Willow and Rock ptarmigan in great numbers and you can stop and catch a few fish on your way back to camp.
Alaska has great bird hunting opportunities and they are all worth whatever you invest in them. It's been a couple years since my last trip and I think it's time to head back. I think a guided trip to Cold Bay is on the horizon again before I get any older. Any one want to go?
Dennis
