When is an Alaska Hunting Combo trip too much?

Trying to combine brown bear, elk, moose and mule deer all into one hunt is practically impossible.  Brown bear, by definition, live in a very limited area along/adjacent to coastal areas on mainland Alaska along with the various islands including the ABC islands (Admiralty, Baranof, and Queen Charlotte) as well as Kodiak and Unimak Islands.   With some exceptions including the Kenai and Katmai Peninsulas of Alaska, moose are generally not available in occupied brown bear habitat.  Likewise, mule deer are non-existent in Alaska.  Roosevelt elk are available on some of the Alaskan islands but I believe that they are on a limited quota and tags are hard to come by.  So, the brown bear combination is not practical – most folks that hunt brown bear do so stand alone, although Sitka blacktail deer are available in some areas in conjunction with the fall hunting seasons.

Elk and mule deer are available in a combination hunt in many areas of the western US and southern Canada.  Specific areas of British Columbia may also be able to offer grizzly bear in conjunction with antlered game including elk and/or mule deer – but grizzlies in BC are very expensive.  Insofar as Alberta is concerned, I believe that the grizzly bear season is closed for non-resident alien hunters, but would have to double check that to be sure.

All in all, there are a number of factors to consider in planning your hunt.  If you are looking for a six-point bull elk in excess of say 320 B&C and a mule deer buck in excess of say 170 B&C then it is altogether a different ball game as males of this size just don’t grow on trees and it becomes a function of time.  Moreover, the more animals that you try to combine on one North American hunt, the more likely you are to fail on one or more species – the days of unlimited game populations are over, weather often can be a factor during the fall, etc.  The more animals you try to combine on one northern hunt, the more that these factors come into play and the more limited the areas that we have to choose from.   

My recommendation would be to look at either an elk/mule deer hunt or moose hunt.  You will need to decide if you want Canada moose or Alaska-Yukon, which will then dictate where we need to look and what other species might be available.  An Alaska-Yukon moose would also give an opportunity for black/grizzly bear and/or caribou depending on where you go – keep in mind that Alaska-Yukon moose hunts will run well over $10K/hunter depending on the area and the outfitter and trophy fees will be required for grizzly bear/caribou so you could be looking at $20K each by the time it is all said and done. Canada moose hunts are cheaper, but the moose are smaller and the opportunities for other big game species will be limited depending on where you hunt.  Western Canada moose are generally only available in southwestern Canada.

Brown bear hunts in Alaska are currently running anywhere from $10,800 to over 20K per hunter plus air charters.  Grizzly bear hunts in AK are currently running from about 8K to well over 13K depending on the area and outfitter.

Bob Anderson
Worldwide Hunting Consultant
Global Sporting Safaris, Inc.

Global Sporting Safaris’ Bear Hunting Blog is based in Casper, Wyoming.  Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Booking Agency established in 1991. We have a staff of Bear Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience. We hold Integrity, Ethics and Honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis

Alberta Black Bear Hunting – Exploring the Canadian Wilderness

Although black bears are located throughout North America in ever-rising numbers, there are certain areas of Canada where they tend to congregate more than others. Alberta black bear hunting, for example, is extremely popular due to their abundance. One of the regions of Alberta where mature black bears tend to congregate is throughout the Peace River Country. This allows hunters to be in the same area as the bears, while staying in remote cabins or wall tent camps in the center of this hunting ground.

The Peace River Country area of Alberta stretches from the northwestern region of Alberta over to the Rocky Mountains in northeastern British Columbia. It is ideal for Alberta bear hunting because of the abundance of wet areas, which draw bears that are looking for food. The aspens are not only scenic here but also give hunters plenty of spots to spot and stalk the bears. Canola, oats, peas, and barley farms form the backdrop for an idyllic camping trip alongside your hunting adventure, making this a peaceful getaway as well as one with a specific hunting purpose.

The Chinchaga River runs through the region, allowing intrepid hunters to take canoe trips into an even deeper spot of wilderness, where they are more likely to find the black bears in their natural habitat, as well as timber wolves and other types of large game. Alberta black bear hunting in this region can be made as wild or as controlled as you want, depending on whether you choose to use the services of a professional guide service and bait or decide to go it alone. The remote isolation of this back country allows you to experience what it was like to be in the wilderness before it was discovered, as parts are virtually untouched.

The seasons for Alberta black bear hunting begin in May, June, and end in September. Hunters are allowed to take one or two bears, depending on the region where they are hunting. The bears will be different sizes depending on the season you choose to go after them. Each season has its own pros and cons, so it’s recommended to research this thoroughly before you book your hunting trip, because you are only allowed so many bears each calendar year, rather than each season. You will also need to sort out your hunting license and bear permit ahead of time, rather than after you harvest your bear.

Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. based in Casper, Wyoming.  Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Booking Agency established in 1991. We have a staff of seven Alberta Black Bear Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience. We hold Integrity, Ethics and Honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis.

Alberta Black Bear Hunting now offered by Global Sporting Safaris

March 21, 2011/Peace River, Alberta, Canada/ – Global Sporting Safaris is pleased to announce the offering of Alberta Black Bear Hunting in Alberta’s Peace River area.  We are now offering 5-Day Black Bear Hunts in May, June and September.  Prices start at $3200 and Timber Wolf may also be harvested with no trophy fee.  Bear hunters in this area are allowed 2 Bear limits.

The Peace River Country of Alberta is known around the world for its strong population of mature Black Bears with up to 25% color phase. Come and experience a 5-Day Spot and Stalk Black Bear Adventure Hunt, traveling by truck, ATV and/or canoe. Stay in remote, road access cabins or wall tent camps located in the centre of the hunting area.

Timber Wolf is always included in the price.  You will need a Timber Wolf hunting tag and you can pick one up for about $40 Cdn.

Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. based in Casper, Wyoming and is a Full-Service Hunting Consultancy Agency established in 1991. We have a staff of seven Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience. We hold Integrity, Ethics and Honesty in high regard and deal with each client in a one on one basis.

Rick Kennerknecht
Global Sporting Safaris, Inc.
Casper, Wyoming 82604
307-235-4650
www.gssafaris.com