King of the Wilderness

Chapter 186: Chapter 146: New Hunting Plan (Part 2)

”The meat we bring back, naturally, we must give him a portion. This is the legal foundation of our community sharing.”

Barton steered the topic back to the plan of action: ”So, before setting off, I’ve already asked around in the community.”

”This year, a total of twelve elderly and less mobile neighbors have authorized their moose hunting tags to us hunters who can still get around.”

He pointed to a stack of documents on the table: ”Including our own tags, this autumn, the entire Wiseman Community has a legal quota to hunt 21 adult moose.”

”Twenty-one?” David couldn’t help but exclaim, this number far exceeded his imagination.

”That’s right.” Barton nodded.

”But this doesn’t mean we can hunt recklessly; we must strictly adhere to the rules and proceed with a plan.”

”So, we’ve split into several hunting teams, taking action simultaneously in different areas.”

”And our team is responsible for hunting seven of those tags.” He pointed at the four people seated around the table.

He divided the stack of authorizations into several parts and explained clearly: ”Stan, Little Eagle, and I are Alaska residents; we have three tags of our own.”

”At the same time, George and two other elderly neighbors have authorized their three tags to me, and one neighbor has authorized his tag to Stan.”

”So, our four-man team is setting off tomorrow, with the goal of legally hunting seven adult moose.”

”This meat will be enough for us and the four neighbors who authorized us to get through the entire winter peacefully.”

After listening to this detailed explanation, Lin Yu’an finally understood what this ”community shared hunting” was.

It’s not only a moral mutual help but also a precise system within a legal framework, efficiently utilizing community resources to ensure that every member can secure their survival.

Barton lastly looked at Lin Yu’an, his tone equally solemn: ”But, Lin, you must remember, proxy hunting only applies among Alaska residents.”

”You, being a non-resident for now, your license can only and must be fulfilled by yourself.”

”You can only legally hunt one moose; you absolutely cannot hunt a second one or act as a proxy for anyone else. This is the strictest legal red line.”

His tone shifted, a smile appearing on his face: ”But this doesn’t mean you can only be a spectator. During the hunt, you can do everything except fire the final shot for someone else.”

”Like driving the boat, tracking, carrying, cutting...your contributions will also be counted into the team.”

”All the moose we hunt, during the dividing, you and your family can also share in your rightful portion; do you understand?”

”Completely understand.” Lin Yu’an nodded.

This rule, both adhering to the law and filled with human warmth, made Lin Yu’an feel very comfortable.

What he was about to participate in was not just a hunt, but a profound ceremony of integrating into the Northern Territory community.

After explaining the rules, they began the real preparations for the hunt.

It’s not merely about organizing equipment, but a tactical plan based on experience and wisdom.

Barton spread out a huge, waterproof topographical survey map on the living room floor.

This map was more detailed than any sold in stores.

On it, different colored pens marked river depths, hidden reef locations, and migratory routes of animals known only to local hunters over the years.

He pointed to a narrow section of the Koyukuk River and said: ”My plan is here; the river makes an S-bend here.”

”The water flow is relatively gentle here, with low-lying mudflats on both banks. This is the crossing point most commonly used by the herds during their autumn migration every year. Our goal is to take action when they are crossing.”

He looked at everyone, his eyes sharp: ”When they’re in the water, their massive bodies face resistance from the water, making their speed slowest and their alertness at its lowest.”

”This is the best chance for us to achieve the greatest outcome with the smallest cost.”

Barton sternly reiterated: ”Remember, this time, we only hunt adult male moose or female moose without calves! All shots must aim at the lung or heart area to ensure a fatal blow.”

Then he pointed to two lightweight boats overturned in the yard.

”This is my mainstay, a 16-foot Lowe Jon boat.”

”A flat-bottomed aluminum boat with a shallow draft, very stable, suitable for river activity, with a 30-horsepower Yamaha 4-stroke outboard motor attached at the back, quiet, and fuel-efficient.”

Then he pointed to a slightly smaller boat next to it: ”This one is Stan’s, 14 feet, lighter and more flexible. I suggest we operate in two boats.”

David, listening on the side, immediately understood Barton’s intent and asked: ”Barton, do you mean one as the main hunting boat, the other...?”

”That’s right.”

”The other is your photography boat, also our support boat, so you can film from different angles without disturbing us.”

”Additionally, once we hit the target, we may need the two boats working together to tow the thousand-pound beast from the water to the shore.”

This arrangement excited David and Mike; they were finally not just ’passengers’ carrying a camera but became part of the entire action plan.