Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Brown Bear

Offered by Joe Klutsch and Joey Klutsch

One of the premier big game species of the world, the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) can be considered the ultimate hunting experience. The largest boars can reach sizes in excess of 10 ft and weigh up to 1,200 lbs or more. The Alaska Peninsula is home to some of the largest bears in the world and supports some of the healthiest populations, due in no small part to its excellent habitat with its massive salmon runs. The drainages of my area flow into Bristol Bay, home to the largest salmon runs in the world. Old boars are highly intelligent with a sense of smell second to none and have what many hunters consider a “sixth sense” for avoiding danger. Taking one of these large male bears is one of the greatest challenges and accomplishments one can take on. It is by far and away number 1 on my list of hunts.

Fall Brown Bear

Fall Bear hunts take place during years ending in odd numbers (2021, 2023, 2025). Hunting is all spot and stalk, glassing from a high point above a salmon stream, travel way, or berry patch. During the fall, daylight is short, and most activity is at dusk or early morning. Hunters should be prepared for many hours of waiting and watching for the right bear to come out. More than anything, mental toughness is necessary. When a bear is spotted there may only be minutes, oftentimes less, to accurately judge plan a stalk, and go after the animal. This is certainly one of the most adrenaline-charged hunts you can experience!

Spring Brown Bear

Spring bear hunts take place during years ending in even numbers (2022, 2024, 2026). Like the fall, hunts are spot and stalk. Instead of watching salmon streams, we are glassing up in the upper valleys, hillsides, and mountains for boars coming out of dens and for traveling boars in search of sows to breed with. The days are 18 hours long, giving more than enough time to watch for bears. Like the fall, hunters should be prepared for countless hours of glassing. Mental toughness is a must. Spring hunts can be physically demanding, but the results are worth it!