Alaska Peninsula NWR, which altogether encompasses 5,568 square miles, is some of the most pristine, remote, untouched wilderness in all of Alaska. It will certainly leave a lasting impression on you. Once you see the sheer expanse and vastness of this area, you will never forget it. Simply put, there is nowhere else like it.
My first guide area consists of the upper King Salmon River, Mother Goose Lake, and the waters which drain into it, and up to and including most of Chiginagak Volcano. This area is part of the Aleutian Range of mountains and constitutes part of the Ring of Fire. It is located centrally on the Alaska Peninsula and ranges from flat tundra planes with rivers and lakes in the west to rugged mountains and Volcanoes in the east. From camp, you can see Chiginagak Volcano a mere 7 miles away which rises out high above the surrounding mountains to 7,287 ft. This volcano is still active and can be seen venting steam daily. Hot springs can be found near its base. It is truly spectacular country
The main valley that we hunt is about 100 ft above sea level and can be described as flat tundra with willows, alders and even cotton woods. It is dotted with countless lakes and has many small streams and creek. These provide spawning habitat for the massive runs of returning salmon, which in turn support everything from bears and eagles to sea birds and char. The rich browse habitat supports strong populations of Moose, and the rugged mountains provide ideal denning country for the Brown Bears of the area. This denning country combined with the massive runs of salmon in the area, support healthy bear populations.
My second guide area is located on the is on the South Eastern portion of the Alaska Peninsula and encompasses Kujulik Bay, Cape Kumliun and Hook Bay on the Pacific coast. This is premier brown bear habitat. Located just east of Aniakchak Caldera, this area is some of the most productive brown bear habitats on the Alaska Peninsula and is also great for moose.
Sealife abounds in this area, and it can be truly be described as maritime. Sea otters and seals can be seen just offshore, and there are countless varieties of sea birds, ducks, and geese. Moving west in the area, you come to the rugged chain of mountains that runs down the Peninsula – premier denning habitat for bears. The many streams in the area support large runs of salmon. This is one of the most remote, beautiful areas you can hunt on the Alaska Peninsula, and like my other area, it is one best for finding the bear or moose of a lifetime.
The Peninsula is home to a huge variety of wildlife, and according to FWS, the “Alaska Peninsula provides important habitat for fish and wildlife. The population includes brown bear, moose, caribou (part of the Alaska Peninsula Caribou Herd), wolf, wolverine, fox, river otter, and beaver; five species of Pacific salmon, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden/char, rainbow and lake trout, northern pike and burbot. Birds commonly seen include bald eagles, owls, falcons, ravens, ducks, geese, swans, seabirds, shorebirds, and passerines. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and migratory whales use shores and offshore waters.”
Because of the special wilderness character of the Refuge, and because of our respect for all wild places, we practice Leave No Trace camping. I encourage you to read up on Leave No Trace guidelines before your trip. It is our goal to leave the Refuge intact for future generations.
