First Hunt | What Living Aboard our Sailboat in Alaska Really Looks Like

Thanksgiving weekend in Southeast Alaska turned into something unforgettable. Living aboard our sailboat, Alaskan Gypsy, we set out on a remote paddleboard-assisted blacktail deer hunt...no roads, no crowds, just wilderness. This trip marked a huge milestone: Audrey’s first deer ever, and our first successful hunt as a family living this lifestyle full-time. From frosty mornings and glassy water to quiet moments of gratitude and respect for the animal, this wasn’t just a hunt, it was a rite of passage. We call it Blacktail Friday… and yes, it really was a BOGO. This is what subsistence, simplicity, and living in tune with nature looks like for us in Alaska. 🎥 Filmed entirely while living aboard our sailboat 🦌 Blacktail deer | Southeast Alaska 🛶 Paddleboard-assisted access ❄️ Late fall wilderness conditions If you’re interested in off-grid living, hunting, boat life, or learning alongside a first-time hunter - Welcome Aboard! CHAPTERS (timestamps may not be accurate - sorry!) 00:00 Cinematic Intro – A First Hunt Begins 00:30 Growing Up in Alaska (Without a Hunting Background) 01:05 Pirate Beach & the Plan 02:38 First Buck Down – Blacktail Friday Begins 03:05 What “Blacktail Friday” Really Means 06:27 Packing Meat Back to the Boat 08:05 Life Aboard the Alaskan Gypsy 10:40 Audrey’s First Shot Ever 11:31 Emotions, Respect & Reality 13:35 How the Shot Unfolded 15:15 Finding the Deer 16:01 A Message for First-Time & Women Hunters 18:20 Eagle Energy & Gratitude 19:30 Returning to the Boat