Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

April 1 , 2009 Newsletter and Auction Update

Seems like Mother Nature is trying to pull an April Fool’s joke on some parts of the country. Here in South Dakota, we’ve had a big snowstorm impact a large part of the state the past few days and we’re looking at more snow over the coming weekend. Our neighbors to the north have had even bigger problems with flooding. Oh well, spring will arrive sooner or later – it always does. Until then, sit back, check out this week’s newsletter and auction update and dream of summer fishing trips.

Speaking of fishing trips…Check the list of unsold auction trips at the end of the newsletter. Some terrific deals are still available at prices you’ll maybe never see again. We’ve already sold two of these trips after the auctions closed, and have had other inquiries, so if you’re interested get in touch with me! First-come, first-served.

Anglo Chairman visits Alaska last weekend – trip impacted by volcanic activity…
The London mining giant providing most of the financial backing for the Pebble copper and gold prospect brought one of its most powerful people to Alaska last weekend. Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Anglo’s Chairman, traveled to Dillingham – and learned that a lot of folks there don’t feel that Pebble Mine is such a great idea. You can read about the visit in the Anchorage Daily News’ Pebble Blog entry, a news story in the ADN, and see a local tv news story http://www.ktva.com/video (video is titled “Pebble Execs…”).

Ironic twist: Sir Mark’s visit to Dillingham was extended, and his planned visits to King Salmon/Naknek and Newhalen were cancelled due to the ongoing unrest of the Mt. Redoubt volcano. Gee, isn’t that one of the concerns about building massive earthen dams to retain lakes of toxic mine waste in a seismic zone???

SAA Outdoor Radio Interview
The SAA was featured in an interview about Bristol Bay by Dan Small Outdoors, which airs on 10 stations with coverage in WI, MI, IL, and MN. You can listen to the program (Show 413) here. Open the “mini player” and the Bristol Bay segment begins just past the 19:30 mark.

Bristol Bay Online Fundraising Auction Update
The second annual fundraising auction for Bristol Bay has less than a month to go. Gross proceeds have topped $42,000. Thank you to the blogs, Web sites and magazines who are helping spread the word. The greater the number of people visiting the auction, the better the odds that we can raise some serious money to help fight for Bristol Bay. Last year’s gross was over $50,000 which is helping raise awareness about Bristol Bay all across the country.

This auction is possible due to the very generous contributions of so many companies, lodges and artists. Please support them and support the campaign for Bristol Bay’s future by bidding on an item or two. There’s a great selection, and you should be able to find something you need or want. All starting bids are set below 65% of retail value so you could get a good buy and help a great cause at the same time.

The inventory for the auction is basically set up on a rolling basis, with new items being added every few days. All listings run for 7 days, so there are always items nearing the end of their run.

To see active listings, click here.

Completed listings:

• St. Croix “Avid” Series 6-wt fly rod – Sold Jerry in TX for $194.90
• Koktuli River float trip for 2 – Sold to Mike in AZ for $4,000
• Fishpond “Dakota” rod & reel carry-on – Sold to Mike in AZ for $90
• “Tarpon-Red Streamer” print by Derek DeYoung – Sold to Travis in CA for $152.50
• Rainbow River Lodge trip for 2 – Sold to Paul in MI for $7,600
• Cloudveil 8x Pro Waders and Boots – Sold to Michael in NC for $380
• Nautilus FW5 fly reel + SA line – Sold to Steve in IN for $276.50
• Ari ‘t Hart “Trilogy” fly reel by Exclusive Reels – Sold to Bryan in TX for $1,724
• Smith Interlock Spoiler polarized sunglasses – Sold to Frank in CA for $86
• Ross Worldwide “Essence” 7/8 fly rod/reel outfit – Sold to Amy in OR for $112.50
• Leupold 8x42mm “Cascades” binocular – Sold to Keith in CT for $227.50
• Simms “Rivershed” boot w/ Vibram sole – Sold to Robert in Canada for $177.50
• Waterworks “Force” LT2 fly reel + SA line – Sold to Tatsuya in Japan for $295.40
• “Taku” polarized sunglasses by 7Eye – Sold to Demetrios in Canada for $76
• Women’s Flyfishing Alaska’s Denali Highway trip for 1 woman angler + dozen flies + Redington “Chena River” women’s waders – Sold to Kirsten in MA for $525
• Breathable 5-Layer stockingfoot waders by Filson – Sold to Bruce in WA for $180
• “Guide” boots by Korkers – Sold to Tim in CO for $134
• 2 VersiTip Fly Lines from Rio Products – Sold to William in CO for $120
• “Hidden Water” 8-wt travel fly rod by March Brown – Sold to Travis in CA for $142.50
• Drift boat accessories package by Clackacraft – Sold to James in PA for $150
• Simms “Guide” boot w/ Vibram sole – Sold to Mike in GA for $159.26
• Fetha Styx custom rod gift certificate – Sold to Randy in OR for $175
• Lefty Kreh 12-wt fly line by Jim Teeny + Insect Shield Halo shirt by Ex Officio – Sold to James in NC for $75
• St. Croix Premier travel spinning rod – Sold to James in NC for $96
• Smith Optics Spoiler Interlock polarized sunglasses – Sold to Larry in WY for $86
• Galvan T-8 fly reel – Sold to Lynn in NC for $333.89
• Trip for 2 with Reel Wilderness Adventures – Sold to Steve in WA for $4,500
• Origo Fishing Pro watch – Sold to Mike in AZ for $100
• Redington CPX Zip-Front Waders + CPX Boots – Sold to Brian in ID for $235
• Beulah Platinum Series 6-wt Spey Rod – Sold to Gavin in OR for $380
• Hardy Classic Lightweight 3-wt Fly Rod + Hardy Perfect Fly Reel – Sold to Dan in UT for $733.89
• Leupold MX Modular Flashlight – Sold to Kevin in FL for $102.50
• Simms Freestone boot w/ Vibram sole – Sold to Frank in CA for $90
• Costa Del Mar “Harpoon” polarized sunglasses – Sold to Travis in CA for $102.50
• “Cutthroat-Stimulator” print by Canvasfish.com – Sold to Steven in OR for $102.50
• Scott S4 7-Weight Fly Rod – Sold to Frank in CA for $450
• Choice of any Temple Fork Outfitters fly rod – Sold to William in CO for $257
• Hatch 3 Plus fly reel – Sold to David in TX for $355
• Trip for 2 to No See Um Lodge – Sold to Jim and Amy in VA for $8,500
• Echo Trip Travel Fly Rod + Vosseler Fly Reel & Airflo line – Sold to Sheila in PA for $225
• Trip for 2 to Turneffe Flats in Belize – Sold to Hal in New Brunswick for $4,512
• Sage 6080 fly reel – Sold to James in MA for $375
• Smith Optics “Shelter” polarized sunglasses – Sold to Steve in MA for $76
• St. Croix Legend Ultra 8wt fly rod – Sold to Jeff in CT for $266
• Wildhorse Tech Pack from Fishpond – Sold to Erik in NJ for $177.50
• Clackacraft model drift boat – Sold to Kaari in WA for $103.50
• G4 Guide boot from Simms w/ Vibram sole – Sold to John in GA for $201.76
• CND Spey USA Expert Series spey rod incl. line – Sold to Frank in CA for for $319.77
• Trip for 2 to Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge – Sold to Bill in WV for $1,975
• Filson fly case and reel case – Sold to Mark in MN for $97
• Costa Del Mar “Man O War” polarized sunglasses – Sold to Jeffrey in TX for $73
• Galvan T-6 Torque fly reel w/ Teeny line – Sold to Louis in Quebec for $280

Items up for bid right now:

• Leupold 10x42 Cascades binoculars (ends Thu. 4/2) – selling for $212.50
• Smith Interlock Spoiler polarized sunglasses (ends Mon. 4/6) – selling for $50
• R.L. Winston Boron II-MX 9-wt fly rod w/ SA line (ends Mon. 4/6) – offered at $420
• Original fly sketch of your choice from Jeff Kennedy Studio (ends Wed. 4/8) – offered at $80
• Islander LX4.0 fly reel w/ SA line (ends Wed. 4/8) – offered at $420

Items to be listed in next 7 days:

• Headwaters boots from Simms w/ Vibram sole – offered at $85
• “Steelhead – Chromer” print by Derek DeYoung – offered at $75
• St. Croix Premier travel spinning rod – offered at $85
• Smith Optics Interlock Spoiler sunglasses – offered at $50
• Henry Repeating Arms hat, t-shirt, mug – offered at $15

The entire schedule of auction items with opening bid amounts is viewable online at the SAA Web site.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON AUCTION TRIP LISTINGS: In a nod to the economic reality of the present time, the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska is offering what may possibly be the best deals you’ll ever find on a bunch of fine fishing trips. Here’s the deal: The starting price for all trips will be just $500 over the regular price for 1 angler. That’s right. Basically, book a trip for 1 angler at regular price, and the 2nd person comes along for as little as $500 more! Find a buddy, split the cost, and start packing for your dream trip.

If the trips don’t sell on the auction, nobody wins. If the trips do sell, everybody wins. The top bidder will get a fantastic deal on a “trip of a lifetime.” The lodge will host 2 enthusiastic anglers. And the SAA gets a little more in the bank to help fight the battle to save Bristol Bay.

The SAA recognizes the fact that some of these trips, even at discounted prices, may be difficult to pay for in a single lump sum. SAA is willing to work with buyers on a payment schedule if necessary. However, all trips musts be paid for in full at least 60 days prior to the departure date. Please contact me if you have any questions on this policy.

Going Once…Twice…Sold?
These trips didn’t sell during their 7-day run on the auction, but they’re still available if you are interested. First come-first served – and we’ve already filled trips to No See Um Lodge and Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge. There are inquiries percolating on a few others, so if you’re interested, e-mail scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org and we’ll see if there’s a way to send you north this summer!

NOTES: All are for “any open dates” in the 2009 season unless noted differently. All are priced at $500 over normal rate for 1 angler, except the trip for 4 people is $1,000 over the normal rate for 2 anglers. You’re probably never going to get a better price on a dream trip like these.

• Kulik Lodge trip for 2,
  $6,600 – $3,300 per person!
• Copper River Lodge trip for 2
  $4,800 – $2,400 per person!
• Rainbow Point Lodge trip for 2
  $7,495 – $3,748 per person!
• CA School of Fly Fishing class for 1 student
  $500
• Royal Coachman Lodge trip for 2
  $7,500 – $3,750 per person!
• Legend Lodge trip for 4
  $9,878 – $2,470 per person!
• Great AK Fishing Lodge trip for 2
  $5,995 – $2,998 per person!

Moose Hunt Promotion Update – Get Your Chances Now
SAA has been gathering momentum in the hunting community for support of Bristol Bay. One way we’re raising awareness and some funds is through our special moose hunt promotion. For a $50 donation, donors will receive an entry in a drawing for a 10-day moose hunt in Alaska in September. Entries are capped at 500 total, and limited to no more than 4 per donor. Those are outstanding odds on a drawing for a package worth nearly $12,000. We will draw the winner as soon as 500 entries are achieved or no later than June 15. As if the moose hunt weren’t a good enough prize, the package also includes a Kimber rifle, Leupold scope, and hunting clothing system from Sitka Gear. Currently there are only 136 entries, so we’ve got a good number to fill. Thank you very much to those of you that have donated to this promotion. SAA has done a few recent radio interviews to highlight the moose hunt and there will be an ad running in a big hunting magazine coming soon. Please consider making a donation and tell anyone you know that hunts about this terrific promotion package to help Bristol Bay.

Limited Edition Sockeye Salmon T-shirts
SORRY, SOLD OUT

Show your support for Bristol Bay with a limited-edition “No Pebble Mine” James Prosek sockeye salmon t-shirts. Full details can be found here. Now that show season is over, I’ve got my remaining inventory at the office and ready to ship. Discounts available for volume:
            * $25 donation = 1 shirt
            * $40 donation = 2 shirts
            * $50 donation = 3 shirts
Right now, the following sizes/quantities are available:
            * Women’s Small, Qty. 5
            * Women’s Medium, Qty. 5
            * Men’s Medium, Qty. 22
            * Men’s Large, Qty. 31 (FYI – I’m 5’10” and 200 lbs. and L works for me)
            * Men’s X-Large, Qty. 3
Get one for yourself, your significant other, the kids (after all, they’re ultimately the ones that’ll enjoy Bristol Bay in future years!). If your club hosts an event for kids, contact me and we can work a deal on a larger order. Get the next generation hooked on fishing and conservation!

Other Opportunities to Support the Cause

* Have you seen the No Pebble Mine reels by Abel? Only 100 of these were made, and $200 for each reel sold goes to the fight for Bristol Bay.

* For you wine lovers, how about an order of your favorite vintage from Stonefly Vineyards? Stonefly is the official winery of the Federation of Fly Fishers, and they’re offering a great way to support the Bristol Bay campaign. I’ve got eight (8) 375ml bottles of 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon available as part of the $60 Red Gold dvd/bottle of wine/t-shirt combo deal. First come, first served. E-mail me to claim yours and make a donation through the SAA Web site.

That’ll do it for this edition of the SAA E-News and Auction Update. Throughout the course of the auction, weekly updates will continue to be issued on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Thanks for all you do for Alaska conservation!

Scott Hed
Director – Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

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