Brown bear hunting in Alaska

The range of the Brown Bear covers almost the whole state of Alaska, but the highest concentrations are found on coastal areas, where the bruins feed on salmon runs. That’s where they rich truly impressive size. The biggest brown bears in the world inhabit Kodiak Island. The bigger and somewhat more peaceful animals in the coastal areas are usually referred to as brown bears, while the somewhat smaller and more aggressive bears of the inland are often called grizzly bears. There are two brown bear seasons in Alaska: the spring and the fall. The spring season typically offers better skin quality, and the bears that have just left the dens may be easier to spot and stalk. However, it is not open in all areas. The autumn season is longer and offers better opportunities to combine a bear hunt with a deer or moose hunt or fishing. Spot-and-stalk is the preferred method of hunting, although baiting and even calling may sometimes be used, too. Brown bear hunting in Alaska is an expensive proposition. Coastal hunts for Kodiak monsters in other places where you can hope to harvest a 10’ trophy top the price list. Non-residents can only hunt brown bears in Alaska if accompanied by a professional guide or a resident who is a close relative. You will typically have to travel into the wilderness by a boat or bush plane. This is really a dangerous game hunting - a brown bear can cover 15 yards faster than many hunters can work the bolt of their rifle, so carry a big stick and practice using it. But few hunts in the world can compare to a close encounter with a big brown bear!