We are fortunate to be Brown Bear Hunting an area that has produced exceptionally large bears because there is an enormous amount of food, salmon, blue berries, salmon berries, raspberries, and other rich foods to consume each year. Plus, the weather can be so rough other guides will not attempt to operate out there. These bears also have fantastic genetics, just like the moose which are also very large in this area. It is not uncommon to harvest a 10-footer in our hunting area. We stalk these giant Brown Bear from April to June 10th and then again from September into early December. So, you see there is a longer period to consume the nutrients the Brown Bear needs to become the fearful giants they have come to be known for.
We also operate in another unique area just for Brown Bears and Glacier Bears. With the Glacier bear being concentrated only in this specific area in the world. We will be operating under the umbrella of Master Guide John Latham until the permit transfers over into my name. I have dreamed of hunting in the world famous Tongass National Forest and now that time has come. Starting this spring 2023 we will be hunting on national forest lands within the wilderness area of the Tongass National Forest for both Brown and Glacier bear. Specifically in the Russel Fiord area and hunting out of the only permitted tent cabin in the wilderness area. Hunting the giant Brown Bears out of a 16’ skiff is so exhilarating you cannot imagine. Brown Bears will be on the salmon rivers in the fall.
If you book your Brown Bear hunt for the Tongass National Forest area in unit 5 then you will fly directly into Yakutat Alaska on Alaska Airlines. You and your hunting party will be picked up by one of the Barela Guides and stay at the Blue Heron Lodge. The owner of the Lodge is the famous John & Fran Latham. From there we will fly out to base camp which will consist of one wall tent on a platform for our kitchen then another of the same for sleeping quarters.
Bear Hunting Weapon Recommendations
It is important to Bear hunt with the right weapon. For all our Bear hunts I recommend a .300, .338, .375, or a .416 caliber weapon. The most important thing is that you have chosen a weapon that you are MOST COMFORTABLE and PROFICIENT WITH. Shot placement is especially important when hunting dangerous game like the Brown or Black Bear. Ideally, we try to get within 50 - 200 yards of your Bear and no further. You need a good quality, low power scope, because in some situations we are relatively close to the target. If you are a bow hunter, then I suggest a draw weight no less than 65 pounds. When Bear Hunting with archery equipment we want you to have the heaviest arrow and broadhead combination as possible so you get the highest kinetic energy for deep penetration or pass through shots. Your shots on a mature Brown or Black Bear will be from ten to twenty-five yards.
A Bear hunting trip with Barela Outfitters will be one of the most exciting and exhilarating hunting experiences you may ever experience. We offer you a hunting adventure so the weapon you choose whether it is a rifle or archery equipment. However, I do suggest you bring a rifle for yourself in case the bow does not work out. We want you to go home with what you came for. All our guides are archers themselves, so we have no judgement if a rifle or bow.
Spring Bear Hunting Gear List
Spring Bear Hunting runs from April 15th through June 10th. The gear you need for a Spring Bear Hunt whether it is Black Bear or Brown Bear will be as follows. Your hunt gear list should include sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm hat, ball cap, sunglasses, bug dope, long johns to layer up with, wool sweater or similar, warm coat, wind proof coat, raincoat, rain pants, pair of socks for each day, hiking boots, camp shoes, Gortext chest waders, gloves, water bottle, hygiene care (personal stuff) medications, vitamins, sunscreen, hunting pants, hunting shirts, skinning knife, journal, novel to read, weapon of choice rifle or bow, arrows, blunt/judo, sidearm if so desired, hunting license, bear tags, hunting regulations. During these spring hunts for Brown Bears and Black Bears the temperatures can range from the mid 20 degrees up to 55 degrees with a 5-10 mph coastal breeze.
Fall Bear Hunting Gear List
Fall Bear Hunting starts September through November and generally your gear will be the same for a Brown Bear Hunt and a Black Bear Hunt. Please make sure the bug dope is in your pocket and heavier rain gear is a must. Temperatures will start out in September at the 40-to-50-degree range then proceed to cool off as we get into November where it can get down into the lower 20-degree range. Doesn’t really get colder than that however that wind will make it feel like it is down in the teens so a wind proof jacket is almost a must. Late October a pair of mittens would be smart to have and a few of those hand warmers to keep you comfortable on those chilly days. It is also common on a guided Brown Bear hunt to only walk 50 yards and start glassing for bears from there with your chair and coffee in hand.
Alaskan Brown Bear Hunting Packages and Pricing
Spring Brown Bear Hunting dates are April 15th through June 10th and Fall Brown Bear Hunting dates are September 1st-November 15th. This is a 10-day hunt however, you must realize that in Alaska we cannot hunt on the day we fly, therefor you will be out for 11 days possibly 12 if we cannot get to you do to weather on that 11th day. You start hunting the day after you arrive at spike camp.
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10-day Brown Bear hunt includes travel to and from hunting camp, professional licensed guide, camp and all the food/gear needed for only $30,000.
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Non-Hunter Alaskan Brown Bear Companion or guest are always welcome and can be added to your hunt for $5,000.
5% Alaskan Sales Tax Will Be Calculated and added to Your Final Bill.
Hunting Licenses, Fees and Tags are not included in the package prices listed above. All hunters are required to purchase a Nonresident hunting license: $160.00. You will also be required to purchase a Nonresident Locking Brown Bear tag for $1,000.00 or a Nonresident Alien Locking Brown Bear tag for $1,300.00.
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Additional Big Game animals that can be added to your hunt include:
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Alaskan Glacier Bear Hunt (April-May 15th only)
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The highlight of this hunting experience is that you are inside the living domain of the Glacier Bear. There is a very small topographical and ecosystem area where these unique and rare animals live. Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters has the legal ability to hunt them through a National Forest concession. A combination Glacier Bear Hunting trip is truly a hunt of a lifetime.​
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Wolves are huntable in the fall and in the spring, but the season ends April 30th. The locking tag is only $60.00. ​No charge if harvested, just tip your guide in the field for taking the time of calling it in, stalking and skinning.
Black Bear Hunting
Black bears are an animal that you can hunt anywhere in North America. What makes Alaskan Prince William Sound and the North Pacific Gulf Coast Black Bears so different and sought after is the quality of their coats. I have not experienced anywhere, even the interior, the unique hide of the Black Bears we hunt. They are more a wool rather than just guard hairs, absolutely beautiful and thick. These are by far the best Trophy Bear Hides found anywhere. Because the Black Bear is more a carbohydrate diet species there is an abundant amount of food in this rain forest environment. The amounts of berries and great beach grasses they consume, supports their diet with abundance. The Trophy Black Bear genetics are fabulous, we average 6-to-7-foot Bears and occasionally see a 7 ½ to 8-footer.
Spring Black Bear Hunting
A Black Bear hunting trip starts April 15th and runs through June 30th. It starts with your arrival in Cordova or Yakutat through Alaska Air. From there you are flown out to spike camp from the hunting lodge where you will spend the rest of the time in an Arctic Oven (insulated tent), or Cabela’s guide tent all accompanied with cots. Outhouse, and a full camping kitchen, that kitchen might be in your tent itself or in a separate tent depending on location. Once a good home cooked breakfast has been eaten you will have your lunch packed with plenty of snacks to go into your backpack or nap sack you bring with you for the days hunt. It is important to make sure your backpack fits you well. You will also put your rain gear and extra clothes in there as well so make sure it not only fits you well and is comfortable but large enough for your extra gear for the day.
You and your hunting guide will then hike to the area we have scouted for Black Bear hunting. Usually these hikes are not more than one mile but you still need to be in good physical condition. We offer you a Black Bear hunting adventure so the weapon you choose whether it is a rifle or archery equipment we will run with what you choose. However, I do suggest you bring a rifle for yourself in case the bow does not work out. We want you to go home with what you came for. All our guides are archers themselves, so we have no judgement if you choose a rifle or bow.
Fall Black Bear Hunting
The Fall Black Bear Hunting season begins on the 1st of September until they den up in November. Barela Outfitters will only hunt them in the fall while we are hunting mountain goats as a combination hunt. Usually, clients will purchase a Fall Black Bear tag to accompany their Mountain Goat hunt.
Black Bear Hunting Package and Prices
The Spring Black Bear Hunting dates are from April 15th and run through June 30th. The Fall Black Bear Hunting must accompany a Goat hunt and start September 1st through November 15th. This is a 5-day hunt however, you must realize that in Alaska we cannot hunt on the day we fly, therefor you will be out for 6 days possibly 7 if we cannot get to you do to weather on that 6th day. You start hunting the day after you arrive at spike camp.
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5-day black bear hunt includes travel to and from hunting lodge, professional licensed guide, camp and all the food/gear for that camp for only $8,500.
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Non-Hunter Alaskan Black Bear Companion or guest are always welcome and can be added to your hunt for $5,000.
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5% Alaskan Sales Tax Will Be Calculated and added to Your Final Bill.
Hunting Licenses, Fees and Tags are not included in the package prices listed above. All hunters are required to purchase a Nonresident hunting license: $160.00. You will also be required to purchase a Nonresident Locking Black Bear tag for $450 or a Nonresident Alien Locking Black Bear tag for $600.00.
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Additional Specific Big Game animals that can be added to your Black Bear hunt include:
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Spring Black Bear Hunt Combination Glacier Bear Hunt (April-May 15th only)
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Spring Black Bear Hunt with Spring Brown Bear Hunt
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Fall Black Bear Hunt with Fall Mountain Goat Hunt
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Wolves are huntable in the fall and in the spring, but the season ends April 30th. The locking tag is only $60.00.​
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Ranked as one of the Top Alaskan Bear Hunting Destinations in 2022 by Ranch Review and Outfitter Connection!