Family Airtours

Family Air Tours specializes in hunting expeditions across Southeast Alaska's most remote terrain. They operate guided mountain goat hunts in premium areas including Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, and Tongass National Forest—the sprawling wilderness that defines backcountry hunting in Alaska.

Mountain goat hunts test both your fitness and your shooting. You're hunting steep alpine terrain where mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) exploit cliffs and rocky outcrops most hunters can't reach. Family Air gets you there by Cessna 185 floatplane, landing at remote cabins or base camps. Hunts combine rifle hunting with growing opportunities for bow hunting—archery mountain goat hunts are gaining traction among hunters wanting to elevate the challenge.

Guided hunts include transportation via floatplane, guide services, and cabin accommodations. Costs vary depending on hunt length and location—guided hunts typically cost more than DIY options, but the logistics of accessing Alaskan alpine terrain (permits, gear transport, weather windows) make professional guidance valuable. DIY hunters can arrange their own logistics but still benefit from knowing the terrain and understanding Alaska's mountain goat hunting regulations and season limits.

Peak hunting season spans late fall through early winter when billies (male mountain goats) are in rut and most aggressive.

Physical preparation is non-negotiable. Hunters need: - High-quality mountain boots rated for alpine terrain - Layered, weather-resistant clothing (pants, gloves, insulation for unpredictable conditions) - Reliable rifle or bow with proper training - High-calorie food, water filtration, emergency supplies - Maps, navigation gear, and safety equipment

Late-season or winter hunts require snow-rated gear. The terrain is treacherous—careful navigation and weather awareness separate successful hunters from those who struggle.

Ketchikan holds the title "Salmon Capital of the World," and Family Air leverages that reputation with guided fly fishing trips. King salmon and halibut are the targets. June through August sees peak salmon runs, with fish stacked in rivers and coastal waters.

Fly fishing guides work creek and river systems accessible by floatplane—water taxi routes others can't reach. The Hook Up Fly Shop handles gear and tackle; they offer fly tying classes (9:00-10:00 AM, winter Saturdays) so you can build your own patterns.

Black bears congregate at salmon streams, making August the prime month for bear viewing. Family Air offers dedicated bear viewing tours featuring sightings of black bears, killer whales, seals, and bald eagles. These aren't hunts—they're wildlife observation expeditions via floatplane access to remote viewing areas.

Misty Fjords National Monument contains granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green rainforests, and deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers. Family Air's Cessna 185 aircraft (N185BF) operates flightseeing tours offering aerial views impossible from the ground. Tours include Big Goat Lake inside Rudyerd Bay and access to alpine meadows.

Family Air operates cabin rentals at remote locations accessible only by floatplane. These serve as base camps for hunting, fishing, and kayaking expeditions. Fly-out kayaking trips get you into protected waters and fjord systems. Custom charters accommodate small groups seeking specific adventures.

• •Location: 1601 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
• •Winter Hours (October–April): Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Fly tying 9:00–10:00 AM)
• •Summer Hours (May–September): 7 days/week, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• •Phone: (907) 247-1305
• •Contact: [email protected]
• •Mailing: P.O. Box 8514, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901

The Hook Up operates under USDA Forest Service permits as an equal opportunity service provider. It's the retail gateway for fly fishing tackle, tying supplies, and local expertise on creek and river conditions.

Ketchikan receives among the highest annual rainfall in the U.S., so waterproof gear is mandatory year-round. July and August are rainier than June despite being summer—Southeast Alaska weather is unpredictable.

Fly into Ketchikan International Airport (served from Seattle and Anchorage), or take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Cruise ships dock regularly. Once there, Family Air provides floatplane transportation to hunting/fishing/viewing areas. Walking access covers downtown Ketchikan; taxis and rental cars handle ground transportation.

They own floatplanes (not just charter services), operate their own fly shop, and maintain remote cabins—that's vertical integration rarely seen in Alaskan outfitting. Their blog covers detailed hunting prep (mountain goat life history, gear lists, safety), local travel guides (when to visit, where to eat), and practical advice for first-timers. The owner, Jimmy Davis, writes extensively on topics like best boots for mountain goat hunting and tips for late-season hunts.