BROWN BEAR HUNTS

DATES: APRIL-MAY | SEPT-NOV

If I had to choose the pinnacle of North American big game hunting, it would be brown bear. These giant omnivores live in spectacular coastal environments and can weigh up to 1,500 pounds! I’ve personally guided brown bear on the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, SW and SE Alaska. Kodiak “The Rock” and “The Peninsula” are home to some of the largest brown bears in the world; if you want a 10-foot or record book bear, this is where you need to go. That said, even in premium trophy areas less than 20% of hunters shoot true 10-foot bears. Some male brown bears in these areas will never even reach the 10-foot mark. An old mature boar 9 1/2 foot or better is a trophy no matter where you go. Sows rarely exceed 9’. There are many fantastic bear hunting opportunities. My experience will help you select the best Alaksa brown bear hunt for you.

Prices on all Alaska hunts vary due to many factors: remoteness of the hunting area, duration of hunt, does the outfitter has an exclusive guide concession, success rate, trophy potential, does the outfitter do his own flying or does he charter it, experience of outfitter and guides, and simple supply and demand. Other considerations in selecting your hunt includes budget, physical ability, personal goals/expectations, preferred method of hunting, weapon choice, etc.

Spring hunts—in general—take place April 15 – May 31. Bears typically come out of their dens in late March to late May. A prime spring hide is unbeatable, but some spring bears will have rubbed hides. Spring is often the best time to chase big, mature brown bear boars because May and early June is their breeding season. Old boars are often spotted roaming from the beaches to the mountain tops in search of sows in estrous. Stalks on springtime brown bear hunts are often long and hurried. Expect to see 10-70 bears on your hunt. Hunters need to be in good physical condition and prepared to endure harsh weather.

Fall brown bear hunts are conducted late September–early November. This time of year marks the tail end of the salmon spawns. Bears are typically feeding voraciously along the streams for the last remaining fish, or up on the hillsides eating sugar-filled berries before another winter of hibernation. Hides aren’t premium in the fall, but consistently good. Stalks in the fall tend to be shorter/easier. More bears are often seen in the fall. I’ve personally over 30 bears in one day, but in my experience, the average bear size in most brown bear areas is slightly smaller in the fall than the spring. In the fall mature boars that have plenty of fat stored for winter often become nocturnal, and very difficult to kill. That said, if the salmon spawn is weak that summer, the fall hunt can be extremely good. Shots in the fall are often very close range. Like most guides and outfitters I know, I recommend a .375 H&H with a 1-8x scope.

Contact Billy today to select the Alaska brown bear hunt that’s right for you!

NOTE:
* All prices subject to change.

* All hunts listed do not include transportation to nearest Alaskan airport, hunting license, tags, gratuities, or shipping of trophy from Alaska to your home..