The Alaska Professional Hunter
Feature #2
COMMUNITY BY ELIAS ZANE HOLT
The meaning behind the word “Community” goes something like this: “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.”
I am very proud of this community. I appreciate the need to reflect and celebrate on what we have created. What we have created as people who share the passion for the Alaskan wilderness and resources goes way beyond this magazine and way before its creation. I hope it will last long after.
57 My first chance of being introduced to this community was forced; my father, the late Rob Holt was once President of APHA. I was too young to know what that meant or the responsibilities. I accompanied him and often we would be in the old office in Anchorage on King Street, my father buried into the phone, made me think “for an avid master hunting guide” he sure was on the phone a lot. Those trips to town happened after the hunting seasons were over and he returned to our home in Talkeetna. Winter would sink in, darkness will make its visit. Next was the APHA annual meeting and banquet. Being from Talkeetna and being young it was a treat to go to the big city of Anchorage and meet people.
WINTER 2022 / www.AlaskaProHunter.org
I have a theory that APHA magazines are mostly read by hunting guides when they cannot be in the field. I find myself flipping through the pages of past APHA magazines …. I see a community. A large, strong, trusting community. While stuck in camp due to weather – A Southwest 40, is when I usually get caught up on my APHA magazine reading. I have a specific way of going through the magazine, starting out with what Thor has to say and how things are going in the Capital. While reading his article, I always give thanks and appreciate Thor, so the rest of us don’t have to deal with the politicians. Then I turn to the President’s letter, looking for inspiration and connection to our community.
