Benelli Presents: Donnie Vincent's Winds of Adak

In November of 2019, explorer and hunter Donnie Vincent traveled to Adak Island, Alaska. Located at the westernmost end in the Aleutian chain, Adak is wilderness with the exception of a now-abandoned naval base that once housed more than 6,000 people. Winds of Adak chronicles Donnie’s exploration of the island, a hauntingly desolate abandoned military outpost and three unique hunts-caribou, ptarmigan and sea ducks-as the unforgiving elements, the terrain and the Bering Sea test both man and equipment.
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[@FilDoyon]

I can listen this movie over and over. I viewed this movie 5 times in the last year. It's simply beautiful! I love Donnie! The man that introduced me to hunting and he showed me all the beautiful things that hunting can bring to a human being.

[@chrisroothman2664]

I am a hunter myself, from South Africa, and this is the best hunting movie that I have seen, sensitive, tasteful . The reality of hunting for conservation is the same here and displayed in this movie is truly heartwarming. Not enough credit is given to ethical hunters and I take my hat off to you sir. God bless.

[@fjeldfross9327]

May i ask you a honest question, sir? I have great respect for ehtical hunting, harvesting meat with respect, gratefullness for the given life- we are a part of nature, and hunting may be the most respectful and least harmful way to get meat on the table, I have no doubt about it. But especially with hunters traveling to africa to shoot a trophy like a Lion, leopard or a buffalo, I struggle a lot with. I know that for example impala numbers have to be contolled, even in the national parks, but how does it work with big Antelopes, "The big five" (in case its even allowed to hunt one of these) With for example predators is no meat to gain,and I have heard that some species are literally bred on farms ( Lions sometimes even handraised for tourist entertainment) just for foreign hunters whose are paying for the licence and opportunity to gain a trophy, the animals not even fearing humans because they get fed.. so not a real hunt, more like shooting fish in a barrel, and some species may even be endangered. I get that breeding animals for hunting could be a way to save the species from extinction, but how realistic is the result in numbers? would not be each dead Leopard one to much? No ill intend from my side , I just would like to hear about this things not from media, but from somebody who is really involved with this and has a different point of view. I know this is maybe a broad and difficult topic to explain, but you would help me even with some links where I could read about it. I would really appreciate your help. And greetings to South Africa, was there nearly twenty years ago for a few month and it took five years to get over my homesickness for this country

[@chrisroothman2664]

@@fjeldfross9327 Good morning, thanks for your response and questions and I will answer you honestly. I am vehemently opposed to the hunting of especially Elephant and the Big Cats, Lion, Leopard and Cheetah for so called trophy reasons, unless the hunting of one of these is for humanitarian reasons. Sometimes one of these cats become hurt in an attempt to catch prey and is so badly hurt in the process with no prospect of recovery, or in a fight for territory or being too old to hunt wild animals and resort to hunting commercial animals, cattle, sheep or sometimes humans. Elephant, when ill, hurt or too old and being kicked out of the troop normally becomes very dangerous. These animals then needs to be hunted ethically. In many cases the meat of Buffalo and Elephant are distributed amongst local tribes, who in many cases do not have access to meat and often resort to poaching. As in any industry, there are some bad apples in the crate and sadly the same happens within the hunting industry, where unethical practices do occur. Unfortunately it is true that the press always hang these transgressions on the big clock and then paint all hunters with the same brush, instead of targeting the bad apples. Not enough is being done to promote the ethical hunters and what they stand for. Remember that only that which has value, will be cared for and ethical game farmers / hunters have done more for the preservation of game in South Africa, than the whole of the National Nature Conservation government agency. If game loses value completely, no one will care for it and it will disappear in a very short space of time. We, as the ethical hunting fraternity, believe in conservation through utilization. God tasked us in the book of Genesis to look after His creation and not abuse it and we try to abide by His command. Come visit South Africa again, once this planned-demic has been erased.

[@verlandezjones9168]

@@chrisroothman2664 Wow, AMAZING answer. I was worried about what your response was going to be because there are some who would have been offended or angry at the questions asked, but you showed knowledge and understanding of the situation as well as you showed Humanity!!! I wish the media showcased more people like you!!! A lot of people think us as hunters or supporters of hunters are bad people and that's not always the case and you seem to be a shining example of what the true spirit of hunting is!!! One day, Lord willing, I will get to make my DREAM TRIP to South Africa!!! Rock On Bro, you've made my day!!!!🤙🏼✌🏼💯🇺🇸🇿🇦

[@Comment957]

Alone on Adak, camping in the island interior, its Fall, tent is pitched, and I’ve used the day to just roam the island, searching for Bering Sea birds and plants. When it rains, I’m in my tent reading, alone with nature and God. To me, this is heaven - I’m literally content.

[@royceharvey693]

Met my wife there in 1977. We were both stationed there. Loved it there. The fishing, hiking and camping were awesome.

[@carterwest7807]

Must have just missed you. CTR2 C West Adak NSGA June 1974- June 1975

[@royceharvey693]

@@carterwest7807 First Mech on the SAR Birds and worked in AIMD. Wife was an AT Crypto in AIMD.

[@danvillarreal1]

I was a Marine on Adak in 1981. For an 18-year-old from the Southside of Chicago, arriving on Adak was like arriving on another planet. The feeling I had when I got there was simultaneously one of wonder at its beauty and also foreboding because of its windswept desolation. Since that time I've had the opportunity to visit 35 countries but Adak remains prominent in my memories. It's shocking and sad to see the decrepit condition of the buildings. Donnie, you stood on the concrete bunker/barracks where I and other Marines slept 3 days a week while we guarded that compound, which housed nuclear torpedoes. I'm inspired to make trip back. Thank you for making this video.

[@ejpeter2775]

Thank you for your service.

[@patrickpatrick9132]

I was a sailor from the Arizona desert. The rock.

[@andresgarcia6337]

Just curious if you were able to go back?

[@inupik23]

My grandpa fought out there. Little to no recognition for what the Eskimo scouts did out there. Very proud heritage of bravery for sure. I’m glad he got to see me in uniform before he died. Dangerously beautiful, this land.

[@inupik23]

That's what the units were called. All the villages that were visited by the recruiter(Major Marston) had every able bodied man/boy and some women join the ranks. Most stayed home to monitor the coasts and keep food caches stocked. Some of them fought in the Aleutian chain. Vast majority of these volunteers served without pay and without recognition for decades. Very proud heritage. Racism stems from ill intent.

[@sonsofthehunt]

A true masterpiece. Educates, recruits, and entertains. This is what we need.

[@dprfail]

i marked it down for wimpy music during the caribou scene

[@ship4427]

I was born there in 85,thanks for the footage it puts a face on the stories my parents told me.

[@Tonygrum]

What a movie: cinematography, editing and soundtrack at the highest level ! No (too) forced product placement, the freeing of the young bull and the shots of the eagle passing by while packing the backpack...and obviously that fascinating scenery...this is the best way to tell a story of ethic hunting!

[@TyrellWall]

That scene cutting the young bull free was incredible! Nicely done!

[@fullsendmore3605]

if there werent cameras on the boat the other guy would have shot him

[@xelrod7062]

Great footage of the Rock!! Lived there in the late 1970's when it was a thriving Naval Base.

[@jordanfedirchuk1558]

36 mins. This is what differentiates hunters from poachers. “That was one of the most rewarding thing in my life as a hunter” ❤️

[@masonmohney5555]

Benelli and Donnie Vincent is just a truly perfect pairing

[@TaxationIsTheft69420]

Might be one of the best hunting movies I’ve ever seen.

[@MrTheDif]

Incredible to see. I was stationed there in the mid 80's. The flood of memories is great. Thank you for this.

[@blakejordan2279]

Hands down coolest wildlife video. When y’all saved the caribou from being hung up that was so cool.

[@shawneesportsman6676]

Donnie makes the best outdoor films, hands down. Superb quality every single time.

[@doma152]

This has to be one of the best films I’ve watched in a long time !

[@MitchellBrown-su9dc]

Hey 👋 buddy just found and Watched Video. I’m a Hunter myself since a young kid hunting with my dad. I was from Alabama before I joined the Navy and was Stationed on Adak. I live in Mississippi now 62 years old and still hunt Deer 🦌 and Wild Turkeys 🦃 in the Spring. Great Video Thanks 🙏 so much for sharing !!! 😁😁😁😄

[@urban.homestead]

This is simply the best hunting video I've ever seen. Inspiring imagery, remnants of history, plentiful game...totally in awe.

[@knownunknowner]

After surfing/snowboarding in East Asia for over a decade, I needed a new outlet for being outdoors when I returned to the USA. Hunting and trapping was it. This film reminds me of the Bruce Brown and Thomas Campbell surf films I have loved watching over and over again. Beautiful!

[@justinsalaskanadventures]

Narrated by a true hunter and sportsman with great respect, truly incredible!

[@MaxDieselFreak]

"This is conservation. This is the world we live in." Incredible perspective. Well done by all, as always. Cheers from Iowa, fellas.

[@dbhutchins]

Fabulous look at the island I lived on for two years in the early 80's. Thanks for the memories!

[@freedomforall5745]

i was stationed there in 1978-79 great place and great times hiked all over the island did rescue missions out on the Baring Sea - also got a caribou there and fishing was great and salmon runs were huge

[@RSdd11]

The caribou stuck in the rope scene was great. One lesson here is that anyone in any boat should be carrying a knife on them that is readily accessible. Having been capsized in the Gulf of Mexico in a storm myself, you don't want to go into the water amongst lines and nets with no way to cut yourself out. I always carry a clip on mini-grip or similar even when fishing.

[@charlessmith6412]

I went to Adak while it was still owned by the Navy (mid 80's). It's really sad to see how badly it has deteriorated.

[@Sitka_Blacktail_Hunter]

Great film once again. The cinematography was amazing. And Helping the caribou out of the net was awesome. Great film

[@bickabraham2397]

Great video. True outdoor adventure!!

[@nicsalamin]

Awesome film, thank you so much, emotional for me to watch. I was stationed there as a Marine 77-78. Took 15 days of my leave there to hunt Caribou. Hiked most of the island till I managed to harvest one. Great depiction of (my) your hunt. In my sixties now but will never forget that experience, thanks again 👊🏻

[@austinwalker9061]

This is such a beautiful film of a place and story I had never heard of. Congratulations to Donnie and everyone involved in this masterpiece.

[@michaelmuldovan7697]

I was stationed there in 1978 for one year and I loved it. Such beauty and awe.

[@chrisjay1986]

Truly Epic Adventure! Teetering right there on the edge of life and death. The shot loading up the pack with the bald eagle flying in the background was unreal! Exceeded the high expectations I had! Well done!!!

[@yvesf5355]

this is one of the Best Hunting Story/video I ever seen ,great Job ,thank you

[@richardgerster6526]

This brought back so many memories. Thanks for the video. I miss Adak so much. It was the best duty station I had in my 20 year Navy career

[@kurtposton3407]

I lived on Adak from 81 -86 as a high school student. Good times

[@mattboast]

The ultimate ambassador for the outdoor world well picked Benelli 👊🏻

[@timnaumets7546]

Felt like I was watching a Movie. Both the video and the audio were sensational.

[@andrewlaw8121]

I don’t hunt but this is amazing story, natural surroundings and cinematography. Love Donnie Vincent’s stuff. This is how real men go food shopping....

[@Redhill07]

I always love what Donnie and the Sicmanta crew put together. This one did not disappoint.

[@garrettstraffon608]

Why haven’t I found this guy sooner. So happy I have something to watch now.

[@FilDoyon]

I think this is my favorite movie of all time

[@chasescott6650]

The history, the hunt, the action is nothing short of awesome, btw the filming was truly amazing as well

[@michaelaudy6415]

I’m truly glad that I found this film

[@Cookies205]

Beautiful video Donnie and team. Thank you for creating such a well spun tale

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Absolutely beautiful!!!! I would watch every single film Mr Donnie makes!!! Perfectly Wonderful!!!

[@hamzaait1491]

Most of the hunters go flashy and cocky in TV shows but this movie is simple interesting and relaxing like I am with them !!Good job !!

[@shug2795]

Epic in every aspect of life, humanity, hunting....spiritual! Thank you Donnie. Thank you Benelli.

[@gavingaming123]

A fantastic portrayal of ethical hunting. Excellent cinematography with true hunters. Thanks for sharing. All the best from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GD

[@DominickM.]

Amazing, honest and real! Thanks Donnie! Great job

[@cyndrcix4113]

I lived there as a teenager. It's is home to me. I enjoyed your movie.

[@Parfashrek]

About my most favourite hunting doc, keep going back to it 👏🏻

[@TheWhiteboy40]

I watched your new movie last night with my kids. Very cool brother. Love the saving the Bull scene with the rope and how you 2 jumped into action.

[@hunterworld3708]

WOW, Thank you so much for doing this and filming this hunt. What an awesome experience, the trip of a lifetime for sure! Looking forward to see the next adventure! God Bless,

[@grant_thompson_twizel]

Fantastic work Sicmanta & Donnie! Aotearoa New Zealand and her Himalayan Tahr are waiting for you, post-covid!

[@markb.1259]

Adak, Alaska Rain Festival... January 1st through December 31st! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!!! haha I spent half a year on Adak as a U.S. Navy Sailor! There's a pretty lady behind every tree on that island! :-)

[@stephensanchez3982]

I spent several detachments there in the 1980s with VP-40 then was stationed there with my family from 1990-1992. I was the Command Senior Chief at the Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations Center (ASWOC) located behind the VP hangar. My family and I lived in Kuluk housing which is the two-story yellow housing located near the beach. The houses were built on earthquake rollers due to the frequent earthquakes experienced on Adak. The largest earthquake we had while I was there was an 6.8. The quakes are different in nature than quakes felt in California in that Adak quakes are caused mostly by lava movement which produces a slower, rolling motion. They can be strong though. You do feel some caused by plate tectonics. I hunted caribou on several occasions. A little south of the base was a favorite hunting spot called Slaughter Alley. The caribou had to come through a narrow valley that was perfect for hunters. Fishing was also outstanding... Dolly Varden and Kokanee were plentiful. Every August/September would see the Pinks running up Finger Bay. The bay resembled a long, narrow fjord. A creek flowed into the bay at the very end of the fjord that was maybe 10-15 yards across and only about 6 feet deep. We practiced "combat fishing" by casting treble hooks to snag the salmon. Occasionally we snagged each other...oops! The eagles could be quite a pain. I have a picture of a fisherman battling an eagle over a salmon. He had hooked a salmon and the eagle had grabbed it and was trying to fly away! The eagles are protected so all he could do was cut his line. The weather is actually pretty mild... much like western Washington state. It was the wind that got you though.... a calm day was 20 knots of wind.

[@aimkhan83]

What an amazing film. Thanks for sharing this great adventure.

[@filippoputignano6686]

Fantastic : goosebumps Thank you for this great movie, the sharing, the story, the journey itself God bless you

[@andyjackson5392]

That was well worth watching. That would be an adventure of a lifetime for sure. Love seeing those Benelli’s in action.

[@kindredspirittv8598]

Absolutely love your creations on film. So well done and thank you

[@1fillmanw]

Well done....I was stationed there in the 80's to 90's. A total of over 5 1/2 years. My last hunt we brought back 5 caribou. Taken near boot bay. Adak offers one of the most unique hunting in the world. Some of the hardest terain to hike through. Would love to see this filmed again , except a archery hunt.......

[@islandgetaway5337]

Call Robin Hood

[@jasonswartzbaugh3925]

Absolutely loved the opening! The music is fantastic and on point, perfect. Loved the bass drop as well. 👍🔥🔥

[@NickREvans]

A bit over dramatic but all in all a good film. Loved that there wasn't heavy handed product pushing. Would recommend.🤙

[@Nick-xw3dk]

I have watched this in full about 15 times. Love it extremely well produced and super unique to a lot of the hunting content out there.

[@stalkev]

This was an outstanding show to watch. The cinematography, the story line, the island, and yes...... The hunt. Thank you for sharing....

[@chslts]

Cool video, however way dramatic about the "danger". I've spent a lot of time around Adak commercial fishing. They made it sound like every time they were on the boat it was life or death! Haha. Man the life boats!

[@clintontharp3961]

I'm a deer hunter thtough and through, and have never had any desire to waterfowl hunt, but the footage of Donnie shooting those ducks is absolutely astonishing. SICMANTA's films are second to none!

[@outdoorlifevanod1762]

the line he said in the end WE ARE HUNTERS and further just touched my heart and motivated me!!!!! TRULY REALLY LIKE WINDS OF ADAK❤❤❤👍

[@islandgetaway5337]

Well, you can't have any pudding until you eat your meat

[@1218reyes]

Everything about this movie was awesome. Way better than any national geographic I've ever seen.

[@TheJMShow]

Such a great documentary!!! Loved every bit. From the narration, the hunt, and the amazing cinematography! 5 stars benelli!

[@16grouse]

I would have paid to watch this, well done!

[@thierrybervoets3604]

Beautiful film. Thank You to the members of the crew who made an amazing film. Thank You to Donnie when hé saved the caribou that was stucked in the rope. I looked 4 times the all film

[@matttezak2334]

Amazing video, you are a poet and fantastic story teller. Appreciate you man

[@johnborghoff1774]

Thank you for a wonderful adventure!!!

[@derekolthuis19]

Fantastic work! The light and the way you captured it really helped tell the story!

[@IM8638553]

Donnie, more than history, your channel is the same, a movie is very amazing, you narrate the whole process of hunting as if you were an actor. I want to congratulate you and your production team. Thank you for sharing your stories. I am a Colombian Marine and hunting, fishing and diving are my passion.

[@Mvrk_63]

The best hunting documentary I’ve ever seen❤️❤️

[@KC-7mm]

Incredible film Donnie

[@bludog4657]

One word for everything about this film, Beautiful.

[@mmrtactical7764]

One of the best hunting shows I've seen, well done.

[@flyfishaz1637]

Great video! I went to Adak twice while in the Navy.

[@leonardogarcia2506]

Absolutely loved this video. Hats off to all that were involved in this video.

[@kristine58]

Absolutely breathtaking and beautiful! 💙🙌

[@mitchbradford7074]

Fantastic narration. As an Arctic dweller I give you Kudos my man.

[@keithbluestein712]

Thank you for your very vivid treatment of your journey. As a person who was lucky enough to spend two 6 month stints on Adak in the 80's this brought back a lot of emotion as I could almost smell the island, wind, and sea spray. Very well done.

[@bykrydr1380]

So enjoyed. Great views. Caught great perspective of Adak.

[@culverinefirearms9453]

Very well done. I intended to watch a few minutes. So I only watched 51:40 and consider the time well spent. Congratulations on an excellent film. Please make more.

[@randoroberts]

Kudos to everyone that had a hand in making this. Beautiful story.

[@kinzeeeeeeee]

Unbelievable work guys! Stunning cinematography and story telling.

[@antr7493]

Good for You Benelli. Thanks for the upload

[@tripleceas]

What a film! absolutely loved it. The location looks a lot like Iceland

[@ejmbok87]

I've watched this many times,I love it.

[@akselburjam]

One of the greates hunting films ever made!

[@westonkolste8357]

Great film... can’t wait for the next one!

[@dave-oh3549]

Haven't seen a crappy Donnie Vincent film yet, and this one is no different. Great work!

[@DollySteven]

Possibly the best video I ever watched on KZbin

[@rossjones6006]

My favorite film yet by Donnie Vincent

[@lnomolas3427]

Deployed there several times in late 80's, early 90's. Most hazardous place to fly from I ever experienced in my naval career. Including flying from carriers.

[@itypefaster]

Love navy pilots, always fly when others won't.

[@paulrichardson3396]

We had a F14 use the base as it was low on fuel and couldn’t get to the Nimitz, called his own approach and ignored ATC directions. Came over the Razorback and hit a headwind that nearly killed him. Had to use afterburners to clear the wind and get the plane on deck. He literally kissed the flight deck when he landed. The Nimitz reiterated to follow NAS Adak air traffic controls advise going forward.

[@lnomolas3427]

@@paulrichardson3396 the wind come over those razorbacks was a beast. Often we had moderate to severe turbulence all the way to the ground. The crew never complained about our landings. Our alternate was Elmendorf AFB, 1000 nm away.

[@theworldofjonas]

Really love those documentary style hunting films! As a hunter from Germany I’m so intrigued by the rough nature of Alaska.