Ryan Strange and guide Dave Dye with Ryan's 2019 archery 10 footer
Our Brown hunts take place in Alaska's Cold Bay and Izembek Refuge area, where we have two Federal Refuge guide concessions as well as permits to hunt on State land. Historically this is one of the very best areas for trophy Brown Bear in the world. Hunting under towering volcanoes and snow capped peaks makes for a truly memorable experience.
Our Fall Brown Bear hunts run from Oct. 7th through 21st. We run one 15 day hunt. Openings are limited.
We hunt these big brown bears by the spot and stalk method along salmon choked rivers. As the bears leave the salmon streams, we hunt higher in the prime berry areas and below denning areas as the voracious bruins prepare for a long winter. Although their coats aren't as long as when we hunt the in the spring time, the fall coats on these bears is very even and just as lush and beautiful.
Hunters can expect to see an average of 4-6 bears a day, in some camps even more. Although not everyone in camp will harvest a true 10 foot bear, we work hard to only harvest large mature boars over 9' squared. Clients can expect to harvest a bear in the 9' to 10 1/2' range with some bears even measuring up to 11' squared. Several bears a year will carry Boone and Crockett skulls.
Wolf and wolverine are present in the area and will often respond to a predator call.
After arriving in Anchorage, you will then need to take a commuter or charter flight into Nelson Lagoon, our closest village for a base of operations. From there you will be shuttled the 18 miles down the Bering Sea beach to our Camp, either by vehicle or airplane. Once arriving at our legendary David River Bear Camp, enjoy comfortable heated cabins situated around the kitchen and dining facilities. Share camaraderie while feasting on home cooked meals. Power and hot showers are available at the beginning and end of the hunt - all within a 35-minute flight of your spike camp in prime Brown Bear country. While base camp is plenty comfortable, it is not a Lodge. It was established as a wall tent camp in 1971 and has evolved into numerous comfortable cabins situated around our own airstrip.
After arriving you will meet the staff and move into your cabin to rearrange and pack your gear. You will then shoot your rifle to check its zero, do our necessary paperwork with the State, and then, if weather allows, fly out to your spike camp. As bad weather is a very common occurrence on the Peninsula, be prepared to possibly lose time stuck in Base Camp until weather permits us to fly you out to camp.
Baggage: You can travel to David River with your normal luggage/suitcases and these large bags can be left at in your cabin. Once in camp though, you should plan to repack your gear into small soft duffel bags that fit easily in our bush planes. Your total gear should weigh no more than 100 lbs, including rifle. Between 50 and 80 lbs is best. The scheduled flights generally charge $2+ per lb. for anything over 50 lbs. It is best to ship your heavier gear to us in advance.
A typical spike camp setup.
When weather allows, you will be loaded in one of our Bush Planes and be shuttled out to your camp. Established campsites are in key positions that have been proven over the past 50 years to produce monster bears. Premium glassing knobs are located within close walking distance to each camp location. This ensures the least amount of walking and dispersal of scent as possible. Lots of glassing, awareness of the wind, and patience are key to Bear hunting. Fall hunting focuses on finding the food sources for the big mature bears. Primarily this will be the rivers, creeks, and streams that carry World-Class salmon runs and fill the bears up with fat and protein for the long winter hibernation ahead. In the later part of the season bears will start to move off of the salmon and into higher ground in preparation for hibernation. Although you may not have to walk much each day, once you and your guide find a mature boar to stalk, you may be required to cover up to a few miles in order to "cut off" and harvest your bear. Arriving in the best possible physical shape will only increase your chances of success. We recommend each hunter prepare months in advance with a workout and diet regimen to maximize your ability and chance of harvest.
Each will camp consists of two 8x8 or larger Expedition-grade dome tents: 1 for cooking & relaxing in and 1 for sleeping * gear storage. Each camp is provided with cots, sleeping pads, warm sleeping bags, a table, chairs, lantern, heater and lots of good food along with a skilled and personable guide. Satellite phones are in each camp and your guide is on a daily check-in schedule with the base camp. Camps can be re-supplied and even relocated if need be.
Ptarmigan (grouse) hunting is available as well as waterfowl hunting. Brant and sea ducks are prevalent and fun to hunt when we have extra time. You will need to purchase a State and Federal Duck and Waterfowl Stamp. See the table below for information on tags and license fees.
Fishing for Silver Salmon and Steelhead (if running) can provide much enjoyment if weather and time allows. If you hope to fish, a fishing license is required. See the table below for information on tags and license fees.
Although the Caribou season is not open during the bear season, it is possible to combo both hunts together into a 22 day hunt (7 day Caribou at the end of September followed by a 15 day Bear hunt). See our "Barren Ground Caribou" page for more details.
Rene Luminais with his B&C Bear that measured 10'5"
You must purchase a hunting license and a Brown Bear tag 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 9D.
| Alaska Tag & License Fees | Non Resident | Non Resident Alien |
| Hunting License | $160 | $630 |
| Fishing License (14 Days) | $105 | $105 |
| Brown Bear/Grizzly Tag | $1,000 | $1,300 |
| Moose Tag | $800 | $1,000 |
| Caribou Tag | $650 | $850 |
| Dall Sheep Tag | $850 | $1,100 |
| Wolf Tag | $60 | $100 |
| Wolverine Tag | $350 | $500 |
| Duck & Waterfowl Stamp | $10 | $10 |
| King Salmon Stamp | $75 | $75 |
Fall Brown Bear Hunts Gallery
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