Central Arctic Grizzly & Black Bear Hunt

Ron Troyer with his 7'9

We hunt our grizzly and black bears in the Central Brooks Range, an extremely remote and unspoiled part of Alaska. These 10 day hunts take place anytime between August 10 and September 15. We've been hunting this area since the early 1990’s. All hunters are guided one on one and there are typically between two and four hunters in the field at any time. The only other hunters you can expect to see are those who may be sharing camp.

Mountain Monarchs usually only guides a handful of bear hunters each fall, allowing us to concentrate on each individual hunter. We conduct both fixed camp hunts out of a lake or gravel bar location or by doing float hunts with rafts or jet boats down proven rivers and creeks.

Once landing in Bettles, you will be met by a Mountain Monarchs team member and brought to our Lodge in town, the "Ram Hole". From here you will repack your gear, do the necessary paperwork, shoot your rifle, and then get ready to fly out to your base camp. If weather allows you may fly out to base camp the same day you arrive to Bettles or you may wait until the next day. We utilize a Piper Super Cub (PA-18) on wheels and a Piper Super Cruiser (PA-12) floatplane to access our hunting areas, as well as jet boats.

Grizzly bears are the prime focus on these hunts but black bears can be added on a trophy fee basis. Although these interior bears are not known for their size like some coastal areas, we have taken some very nice black bears over 6' in the past.

Trophy freshwater fishing for Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Grayling can be experienced easily on this hunt and is a great addition to the adventure during the middle of the long summer days.

Grizzly & Black Bear Gear List

Typical bear country showing off its fall foliage in late August

Hunting Style

We hunt primarily from spike camps equipped with cots, lanterns, and a heat source - either propane or woodstove. Depending on game movement, hunters may spend several days in more primitive backpack spike camp conditions but guides are in routine communication through radio and satellite phone. Float hunts are a very effective way to hunt bears in our area and one we use commonly. Dry bags and waterproof gear are a must on trips of this nature.

Depending on water levels, game movements, and fish runs, you may be focusing on rivers and streams that have a salmon runs, or you may be focused on valleys known to have large berry patches the bears will be frequenting.

Arriving in the best physical shape possible will only add to your chances of success. Our country can be tough walking in alot of valleys, with thick and wet grass tussock fields and hillsides a commonplace.
Most days you will not be walking very far, but expect to do 1-3 miles per day. Some days when a trophy bear is spotted you may be doing 2-5 miles one way to get your bear.

Alpine, spike camp style hunts can be arranged for the truly adventurous hunters who are looking for a wilder experience.

This is not a high density area for Grizzly Bears, but hair and trophy quality are high. Lots of diligent glassing from an elevated position is key to harvesting one of these bruins. They are tough and mobile and have to work and fight for every ounce of food they get. Depending on the weather and time of year, you can expect to see on average 3-6 bears per hunt. We aim to shoot mature boars in the 7.5'+ category.

Isaac Wenger with his 7'6

Licenses & Tags

You must purchase a hunting license and any tags with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before arriving. Wolves are also prevalent in the area. It is no longer required to purchase a wolf tag in GMU 24B. This hunt normally allows time to fish for several fresh water species. If you hope to fish, a fishing license is required.

In addition to a Hunting License and bear tags, a General Season Black Bear Harvest Ticket is required. It is free and they are guaranteed and are available over the internet.