Frequently Asked Questions

 

Experience-

What experience does your guide have, and how much time does he spend in the field?

Keegan McCarthy, the owner and operator of OPAA has lived in Alaska since childhood. Keegan’s Father is an internationally recognized wildlife biologist, who studied bear in Southeast Alaska from the time Keegan was 6 years old until moving on to different studies when Keegan graduated high school. During that time Keegan was immersed in the life of bears, wildlife and the Alaska outdoors. From living in remote research camps to trapping and relocating bears, Keegan followed his Father through the woods his entire life. Keegan spent many years in home school, being out in the field working with his Father too much to make it to an ordinary school.

Keegan began hunting with his Father in Alaska at age seven, by age 12 it was not uncommon for him to be off in the woods alone, chasing deer, grouse, bears or whatever was in season. By high school it had become a serious addiction. Keegan and his buddies never missed and opportunity to hunt, and were more often exploring the back woods than in class. With some luck Keegan graduated high school with honors, and was off to college to study wildlife biology. After a year or two of juggling classes, hunting and work Keegan chose to move on and start his career as a commercial fisherman and hunting guide.

Keegan began working as a hunting guide at the age of 20, quickly landing a job with one of the top outfitters in the state, Gary “Butch” King. Keegan spent the next six years working for Gary and other well known outfitters around the state. Taking every job or opportunity presented to gain more experience and spend more time hunting. He quickly became well known as an excellent assistant guide and moved up fast do to his lifelong experience hunting in Alaska. When he was not guiding Keegan operated various commercial fishing operations for salmon and crab, using this income to fund his guiding endeavors.

In 2005 Keegan began his own guiding operation, choosing the areas of SE Alaska that he was raised hunting and fishing in. He has since guided 70 plus successful black bear hunts and has built a strong reputation as a bear guide and professional outfitter in SE Alaska. He is an active member of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association, Safari Club International, and holds a voting seat on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Advisory Committee for the Juneau area.

When not busy guiding hunts Keegan still works as a commercial fisherman and sport fish guide. He literally spends more than 200 days a year either at sea or in the field guiding. There are few people who spend as much time in their hunting area as Keegan.

This has all led Keegan to have an intimate knowledge of the areas where he operates guided hunts. He knows all the secret nooks and crannies, all the local wildlife, plants and ecology. He works to share a true Alaskan experience, one gained from spending literally his entire life in the areas he will share with you.

Equipment-

What kind of boat are you headed out on? How well is the equipment maintained?

At OPAA we believe in having only the best equipment available for use on your hunt. From our custom 42 foot mother ship to our smallest skiffs and shore boats, all are top notch and meticulously maintained.

Keegan has been running boats in SE Alaska for over 25 years, spending the last 16 years working on commercial fishing vessels. One thing you learn fast is that everything needs to be in proper working order. Your boat is not only your home and your hunt platform, it is your life line. We work hard for you on your hunt, and expect all of our equipment to do the same.

Our big boat is a 42 foot tri-cabin trawler. It operates on twin 3208 Caterpillar engines. It has one 8kw diesel generator as well as a back up 3000 watt gas generator. Every engine on the boat meets a rigorous maintenance schedule, and we carry back up parts and pieces for nearly anything.

Not only is the engine room in fine working order, the rest of the vessel is well maintained and continuously upgraded. From new windows and carpet to paint and stain the boat is always undergoing maintenance. We have incorporated many of the features found on big, sturdy Alaska commercial fishing vessels into the boat, giving it added durability and ability to work in tough Alaska environments. If something even looks like it might break it is either replaced or repaired.

While no yacht, it is comfortable and clean. The aft stateroom boast two full size beds and a private bath with shower, toilet and sink. It is heated and has ample storage space for all your needs. The forward stateroom has two bunks, storage, heat, and a private bath with shower, toilet and sink. Everything is kept clean and tidy, keeping both our male and female hunters more than comfortable. While there may be fancier boats, you will not find a more functional, clean, well maintained boat in the guiding industry.

We use smaller skiffs to access shore lines and cruise beaches in search of animals. We currently use 16 foot Crestliners, welded aluminum skiffs with 40 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motors. After years on the sea I have found these to be some of the best boats made to handle SE Alaska. They are very safe and seaworthy, foam filled and unsinkable. The outboards are serviced regularly, and are traded in on new ones every couple of years to insure reliability. We bring spare small outboards on all hunts in case of problems, though we have never had to use one. Other small boats may be used as well depending on weather and hunting area.

Meals-

What will I be eating?

At OPAA we do not hire a fancy chef, but what we will tell you is that no one has ever left complaining about the food!

We work hard to cook good, wholesome, home cooked meals. We use as much fresh ingredients as possible, with a variety of sides and vegetables. You will not be stuck eating boxed meals, mac and cheese or boring meals.

We will be eating a good amount of fresh seafood as in season, including salmon, crab, shrimp and halibut. We will also supplement with other meals so as not to get tired of eating too much fish. We like to present you with as much variety as possible, and ask well ahead of time if you have any special food needs, likes or dislikes.

Most of our hunters are quite surprised at some of the fantastic meals we put out for them.

                                                                                       

 

 Contact:

Keegan McCarthy

(907)723-3006

akpointer@hotmail.com

 

Ocean Point Alaskan Adventures is an equal opportunity service provider who operates under Special Use Permit from the

USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest.