Alaska Grizzly Bear/Caribou Hunts

Guided Hunts in the North East Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Grizzly Bear Hunt Dates: August 7-19 and August 19-29

The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) is the smaller inland cousin of the Brown Bear. The bears in this area are arctic grizzlies in every sense of the word – but make no mistake – these are grizzly, not brown bears. Unlike the fish-eating brown bears in the southern coastal portion of Alaska, these grizzlies depend mainly on berries, roots, ground squirrels, and the occasional caribou for food and cover vast amounts of both mountainous and barren tundra-covered country. Most bears that we take are in the 6 to 7 ½ foot range, which is typical of bears from this region.

I hunt the North-Eastern portion of the Brooks Range, located in the world-famous Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the Mollie Beattie designated wilderness area. This is the same area I guide Dall sheep. The exclusive federal concession I am permitted to guide in is roughly 425,300 acres and about 120 miles in perimeter. I have held the exclusive permit to guide here since 2014, and have been guiding in the Brooks Range since 2009.

My Alaska Grizzly Bear/Caribou hunts take place in one of two hunt periods that I offer, either August 7-19 or 19-29, both with the same success rates. Hunting is all backpack style, spot, and stalk. Hunters are required to comfortably carry at least 50 lbs on their backs on camp move days, which is the entirety of their gear, food, and camp. On days when we are not moving camp, they are expected to cover numerous miles in search of grizzly or to sit late into the evening on high observation hills, glassing for bears. The terrain and walking are surprisingly easy for those who are prepared. Although there can be significant walking involved, this is not an overly difficult hunt and requires mainly patience.

There can be abundant barren ground caribou in the area at this time, and hunters are encouraged to buy a tag to hunt these beautiful (and tasty) animals while on their Alaska Grizzly Bear hunt.

alaska grizzly bear
Brooks Range Grizzly Bear
barren ground caribou
Brooks Range Caribou
Brooks Range Grizzly Bear
Brooks Range Grizzly Bear