Alaska Bear

Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula offer some of the most sought-after hunting experiences in Alaska, each with unique regulations and challenges. Non-residents are required to hunt with a registered guide or resident relative for these bears statewide. South of the Boone & Crockett boundary line on the Alaska Peninsula, hunters have seasons operate on an open registration permit program, with a spring season in even numbered years and a fall season in odd numbered years. Hunters may only kill one brown bear every four regular years. Guided hunts on the Peninsula range from $26,000 to $40,000, with most quality outfitters often booking two or more years in advance.

Nearly all brown bear permits on Kodiak Island are allocated through a draw system for both residents and non-residents, with one exception for an open registration hunt area near the city of Kodiak. This draw system requires a “guide-first” approach as most outfitters hold exclusive rights to federal land concession areas. Applicants must have a signed guide-client agreement prior to applying, with the outfitter submitting the application using their unique UVC code. Since outfitters control the draw application process based on their booking schedules, draw odds can be favorable, sometimes up to 100%. Prices for guided Kodiak bear hunts typically range from $25,000 to $55,000, depending on factors such as trophy quality, accommodations, success rates, and hunting transportation. Prospective hunters should consult Advisors at Huntin’ Fool Adventures for assistance in selecting the right outfitter and hunting location. In addition to Kodiak and the Peninsula, open harvest brown bears are available in other southern areas of the state where they can sometimes be combined with hunts for Dall sheep, moose, or caribou on a trophy fee basis.

The only brown bear draw hunts worth discussing are the Unalakleet hunts. This furthest west opportunity in Alaska also happens to hold some of the largest bears in the state. All permits in unit 18 are drawn only for both residents and non-residents, with only eight permits available each season (spring and fall). Prospective hunters must have a guide-client agreement with an outfitter before applying as competition is steep and includes numerous resident applicants. Successful applicants can expect total travel and guide costs above $35,000 for the hunt due to the extensive logistics involved.

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