Hunters Should Be Wary Of Train Traffic

A really informative story from the Alaska Dispatch on hunter safety regarding railroads.  The author of the story, Doug Engebretson, is the chief operating officer for the Alaska Railroad. 

Here are some of Engebretson’s thoughts:

I grew up hunting with my own father, and ever since my sons were old enough to join me on moose hunts, I’ve continued that family tradition with them. Even now that my children are grown, we still head into the backcountry on moose hunts, and it is a time I cherish. We’re as eager as anyone to have a season that includes plenty of birds or a moose for the freezer, but none of that is worth risking our lives. The best hunt is always one where everyone comes home safely.

At the Alaska Railroad, many hunting enthusiasts like me are aware of the prime hunting grounds around our tracks, but all Alaskans must be sure to follow the law when it comes to track safety and Alaska Railroad right of way. You may think using the tracks as a path to access your favorite hunting spot seems harmless, but that could not be further from the truth. In fact, on average, 500 people in the United States die each year on the tracks. Even when the Alaska Railroad’s summer service subsides, we run dozens of trains along the Railbelt every single day. Having people on the tracks not only endangers their lives, but it puts the safety of Alaska Railroad employees and passengers in jeopardy.