Howdy to all - a new pruner here, and what a great find this site is I must say!
I worked in Alaska for a season a few years ago and claimed umemployment after, as did some of my colleagues. While you are up there pop into the local office and sort it all out there before you leave.
As for wages, $5-7K per month seems a bit high to me, but maybe it's possible if you get on with a busy company and get out into the bush a lot and rake in the per diem, especially if you are a long liner and do Government fires etc..
I agree that 5 months is about all you can expect, if that, and commonly things start around early May.
Good luck