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Fall Brown Bear Hunts In the Alaska Wilderness Cold Bay Area

Intro

Ryan Strange and guide Dave Dye with Ryan's 2019 archery 10 footer

Our Fall Brown Bear hunts run from Oct. 7th through 21st. We run one 15 day hunt. Openings are limited.

You will be hunting in Alaska's Cold Bay and Izembek Refuge area, where we have two Federal Refuge guide concessions. We also hunt on surrounding State lands. Historically this is one of the very best areas for trophy Brown Bear in the world.

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 Crocket skulls.

Wolf and wolverine are present in the area and will often respond to a predator call.

Book Your Fall Bear Hunt

Base Camp Accommodations:

Base Camp Accommodations:

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 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. 

Fall Brown Bear Gear List

Spike Camps:

A typical spike camp setup.

Hunting Methods and Spike Camp Accommodations

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 40 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.

Other Game

Other Game

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.  

Licenses & Tags

Rene Luminais with his 10'5" Fall 2021 bear

Licenses & Tags

You must purchase a hunting license and a Brown Bear tag. You can do that online with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

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

Buy Your Alaskan License & Tag

Fall Brown Bear Hunts Gallery

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