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RIVER WILD CREW

Alaska's River Wild Adventures crew

Meet Who Makes it Happen

Seth Kroenke

Outfitter

Seth and Jeelan Kroenke had long dreamed of opening an Alaska fishing, hunting and adventure. After finishing their degrees in the Midwest, the Kroenkes moved north to Alaska with limitless dreams to fulfill. The Kroenke’s vision is to share untouched Alaska though exceptional service. They have seen many satisfied adventure seekers leave with the dream of coming back to Alaska for more.

The vast frontier of Alaska captivated Seth during his first season working for a local lodge. His horizons were expanded when he bought his first plane, became a pilot and the expanse of Alaska was at his disposal. He now lives his dream, flying people through mountain passes, along costal beaches and to remote rivers, lakes and mountain tops. The trip begins as he takes you on a low elevation flight through rugged Alaska as you make your way to camp. Seth has a passion like no other and will help you fulfill the adventure that you will be talking about for a lifetime. Nothing is better than seeing the enthusiasm in his face when the big one is bagged.

Jeelan began her Alaskan journey as a hostess. She mastered creating first class cuisine with fresh produce and wild game, understanding that a warm plate goes hand in hand with a warm welcome.

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Spencer Pape

Outfitter/Guide

I would describe myself as a man that knows a little bit... about a lot of things. And if i don't know....I'll make it up as I go along. Still at the end of the day, I'm about as easy going as they come.

Growing up in a small Texas town, I spent most of my free time hunting, fishing and helping out on the family farm. If it involved being outside, it didn't much matter what it involved, I was in!

In the spring of 2001 and five days after receiving my degree from Sam Houston State University, I jumped on a plane bound for Anchorage. Within 24 hours, I knew Alaska was the place for me, and guiding fishermen for 6 months in remote Alaska just seemed to help cement my premonition. For the first 8 years I was a "snow bird". I spent my summers in Alaska fish guiding and big game hunting and the winter months guiding waterfowl hunts on the Texas gulf coast prairie. Within a calendar year, I would spend nearly 10 months either chasing fins, feathers or fur!

In 2009 Alaska became my permanent residence. A little over a year later I married my wife, Kimberly, and together we had 2 beautiful and energetic children. We are teaching them to live the Alaskan life and to appreciate the amazing place that we call home. Maybe, one of them will even be inspired to follow in their Dad's footsteps and become a guide one day!

Seth invited me to join Alaska's River Wild Lodge in 2012 which has since spun into Alaska's River Wild Adventures. Since then their has been no looking back and every year just keeps getting better! The opportunity to experience all of Alaska and meet great people along the way... is my dream job come true!!!

 
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Jon Burrows

Guide

Jon Burrows was born and raised in a small, northern Idaho town called Sandpoint. In 2000, thru the connections of a friend, he followed his dream to come and work in Alaska at a fishing and hunting. He started his career as a chef for a remote lodge during the summer months and a grunt/meat packer in the fall. Upon graduation from culinary school in May 2005, Jon drove to Alaska and settled in the small remote town of Port Alsworth. He has guided Alaskan big game hunters since 2001 and has helped clients harvest brown bears, dall sheep, black bears, moose, wolves, mountain goats, caribou, blacktail deer and 2 porcupines.
When not guiding, Jon cooks, commercial fishes in Bristol Bay and works on airplanes.

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JACOB PINTENS

Growing up in rural northwest Wisconsin, I developed a passion for the outdoors at a young age. My mother and father are both avid outdoors people and hunting is considered a way of life by my family and friends. Much of our free time is spent wetting lines for fish or pursuing wild game both big and small. Upon completing high school, I attended UW-River Falls and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, with hopes to someday own and operate a diversified farm. However, I couldn’t deny the alluring wilds of Alaska, and my passion for the outdoors. As college graduation approached, I began sending out my cover letter and resume to registered big game guides in Alaska. Through a local contact, I was put in connection with Jon Burrows who brought me in as a packer for Alaska’s River Wild Adventures. Now, after one season under my belt, I am hooked!

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