Want a New Fall Sport? Test Out Archery

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In Alaska, we love sports. We especially love sports that involve the great outdoors, and a certain amount of skill. Archery is one such sport that is not only useful, but a fun way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of archery spots to be found around the state if you’re ready and willing to take your Alaska fall car rentals out for a drive.

Not looking for an outdoor sport? No problem. Archery isn’t just to be enjoyed in the great outdoors. You’ll also be able to take part in indoor archery training and games. Below we’ve listed a couple of spots to check out as well as tips for first timers. Most places allow you to rent equipment, so you won’t need to bring anything but warm clothes and maybe a lunch in your Alaska fall car rentals.

Archery range options

Our first recommendation for archery range and shop won’t take you any further than Anchorage. Backcountry Archery in Anchorage is owned by an experienced and knowledgeable archer. Whether you’re going in as an expert or as an amateur, he’ll make sure you feel right at home. He’ll help you find anything you need, and offer advice for anything you don’t know.

If you’re looking for an indoor event, Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska in Palmer is a good option. If you’re already an archery fanatic, then you’ll be impressed by the shop alone. There’s plenty of top-rated archery gear for purchase to improve your current stock.

For archery, they offer 20 20-yard lanes and 4 10-yard lanes. You also have the option of shooting at one of their 2 movable targets for closer range archery – if you’re feeling up for a challenge. A parking lot is provided for your Alaska fall car rentals.

Full Curl Archery LLC is another archery shop in Anchorage on Old Seward Highway that we’d recommend. They have top-quality, friendly service and a decent sized range with both 10- and 20-yard lanes.

Full Curl Archery also offers archery leagues and special events. Once you gain a little more experience, you’ll have a hard time resisting taking part. There’s even a Virtual Hunting Range, a.k.a. the Techno Hunt, which allows you to “hunt” for a variety of animals on screen with a blunt tip. It’s definitely a challenge, but one that will keep you coming back for more. For the beginner, Full Curl offers lessons in both private and group settings.

Tips for first timers

Shorter isn’t better. In the case of bows, bigger does mean better – at least in terms of accuracy. The longer and heavier your bow, the more accurate your shot will be. Despite the argument that smaller bows are lighter and easier to maneuver, the weight difference isn’t that significant, and it will cost you in accuracy.

While faster is often better in order to catch the game, if you can’t shoot quickly and accurately, don’t. The most important quality is accuracy. Sometimes that means you have to sacrifice speed. This will simply take some trial and error, and advice from a proper archer. That’s where classes can help.

Keep your eye on the prize. You want to look up the arrow shaft through the sight pin throughout your shot. This will allow you to practice with a better follow-through. It also prevents you from dropping your bow arm and losing accuracy.

Finally, be safe. Learning to shoot with lessons and in an archery range is a good way to make sure you have safe practices. Archery can be dangerous if you don’t engage in proper technique and if you aren’t in a safe zone when shooting.

Get involved in Alaskan culture and sport. Reserve your Alaska fall car rentals from Avis today.

Pack a Rod and Reel in Your Fall Alaska Rental Cars

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The Homer Halibut Derby may have wrapped up mid-September, but the fishing season certainly has not yet come to a close. Fall in Alaska is the perfect time for salmon and trout fishing – and what a delicious time it is. Here in Alaska, we love fish. Trout and salmon pack enough flavor and meat for a full autumn of fishing. So if you haven’t already equipped your fall Alaska rental cars with your fishing gear, then you better start now. Because if you love to fish, and you love salmon, then now is the perfect time to bring out the rod and reel.

Beware of bears

There’s a reason that you can see more wildlife and bear sightings in Alaska throughout the fall. Bears are stocking up for their winter hibernation, and salmon is one of their favorite foods. The salmon running upstream are abundant. It’s almost as if they’re waiting to be caught, and certainly, you’ll have a much easier time capturing them.

However, with more bears out and about trying to catch their own stock of salmon, you’ll want to remain vigilant. Keep an eye and an ear out for brown bears. While black bears are often skittish enough to be scared off, brown bears have a bit more bite. Though many of our fall Alaska rental cars clients love to catch a bear sighting, it’s best done from a distance and from the inside of your vehicle. Brown bears definitely get grizzly, especially when they’re looking for their winter stock.

Bring along bear mace, and don’t be afraid to make loud noises to scare off bears. Keep food in an airtight container. And again, make sure to keep an eye out. Don’t stray too far from your fall Alaska rental cars, just in case you need to hop in quick. We want to make sure all of our clients stay safe. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our representatives upon picking up your fall Alaska rental cars.

Best time of year for salmon

As we mentioned, this time of the year offers abundant salmon populations in Alaska. While September is supreme prime time for salmon fishing, we know that many of our clients were busy trying their hand in the Homer Halibut Derby. However, you’ll still find plenty of fish in the stream throughout the month of October.

Silver salmon are the most abundant. Your best bet for catching salmon is along the Kenai River running up to Sitka. And remember – the early bird gets the worm. The earlier in the day you can go, the more likely you are to beat out any crowd and to catch the morning upstream movements of salmon.

Fat trout waiting to be caught

Salmon isn’t the only fish that can be found in abundance in October. There are Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden trout just waiting to be caught. These species have spent the summer fattening up and are now making their way through the river.

Right in the middle of the Kenai you’ll find the fishing conditions to be perfect. Remember that these fish pose different fishing opportunities. Dollys are bottom swimmers. They stick to the riverbed and refuse to show their faces for anyone but the most ardent fishermen. But Dolly are important to our fisheries and diet – you’ll soon discover why. Dollies are incredibly tasty, but are better eaten when fresh and don’t freeze as well as other fish. That’s why we suggest catching them while you still have the chance!

Rainbow trout, though similar in flavor to dollies, freeze better. They’re good fare for catching to freeze for winter meals. You’ll want to load up your fall Alaska rental cars. This variety of trout sticks closer to the surface. They know they’re beautiful, and want to be seen!

So load up your fall Alaska rental cars with your fishing gear, and head out for a thrilling end to the fishing season. Reserve your fall Alaska rental cars from Avis today.

 

 

The Benefits and Pleasures of Fall in Alaska

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The arrival of fall in Alaska means that winter isn’t too far behind. Temperatures drop, days shrink, and the threat of snow is just around the corner. But believe it or not, here at Avis Alaska, we love every season. And we think that our Alaska rental car clients will learn to love fall too. We see the beauty in the chill; the incredible opportunity in the dark. It’s about learning to adjust and learning to appreciate weather that doesn’t boast of beaches and tanned forearms.

In fact, with a slight change in mindset, you’ll rapidly uncover the splendid atmosphere of Alaska in autumn. Just in case, though, we’ve taken this opportunity to outline the wonders of Alaska in the fall for you – as well as a few pointers.

Prepare yourself

The most important thing you need to do is prepare yourself. Understand that the weather won’t be conducive to t-shirts and shorts, and that you may want to carry an extra flashlight in your Alaska rental car. In fact, you may want to invest in a headlamp in case the light fades while you’re still out and about.

Some Alaskans also recommend an increase in Vitamins D and C intakes. Whether it’s with little supplements, or an increase in your orange juice supply, this can help combat the reduced exposure to sunlight.

Finally, add a few layers. You don’t need anything big and bulky yet, but a couple extra cardigans or a robust scarf can go a long way. Extra padding will ensure you can continue to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the season. Not sure how many to bring on an outing? Pack a couple extra hoodies in your Alaska rental car, and perhaps a pair of gloves and a hat. Just in case!

The aurora borealis is back

Ahhh we’ve dearly missed the aurora borealis. This exquisite natural phenomenon has made its way back to the skies for your enjoyment. Unfortunately our summer Alaska rental car clients missed it, and trust us – it’s definitely a regret. If you haven’t seen the aurora, then you’re in for a treat. The undulating lights and colors will almost have you believing in magic again.

For the best aurora sightings, you may want to consider an Aurora Borealis tour. These viewings ensure you get a full experience of the famous lights. If you’d rather see them on your own, one place we’d recommend for a good view is atop the Alaska Range in Denali National Park.

In general, the sky may be darkening quicker and for longer periods, but it has many more lights than throughout the summer. Alaskan summer nights don’t bode well for the stars. Now that the dark nights have returned, you’ll catch far more star sightings. Head out for a night of star-gazing in your Alaska rental car, or stay in beside a booming camp fire.

Out come wildlife

Fall in Alaska is the perfect time to see all kinds of wildlife! Bears are out and about berry hunting. It’s time for them to fatten and stock up for winter hibernation. Of course, you’ll want to keep a bit of a distance from these Alaskan inhabitants. While black bears can be frightened away, brown bears are best seen from the inside of your Alaska rental car.

Moose are also out wandering in the cooler weather, alongside horned sheep. Graceful tundra swans sweep over the land. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the wildlife sightings you’re sure to have. For many of our Alaska rental car clients, this is the first opportunity to see a moose. You won’t be disappointed. Their massive size is even more impressive in person. Make sure you don’t startle them, however, as they may attack when scared.

In general, we’d highly recommend Denali National Park for many of these fall sights. Its vast expanse has a lot to offer, ranging from wildlife and aurora sightings to outdoor activities and hiking.

Start planning your fall trip to Alaska with a reliable and comfortable Alaska rental car. Reserve your vehicle with Avis today.