The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced a new No. 1 hunter-taken grizzly bear. This impressive bruin was harvested in 2013 by a hunter near Fairbanks, Alaska, and scored 27 6/16, missing the world record mark by just 7/16 of an inch. Bears are scored based on skull length and width measurements. For those ready to pursue these magnificent carnivores of the North, a reputable booking agent can connect hunters with an outfitter tailored to their needs. Here’s an overview of the top spots for grizzly bear hunting in Alaska.

Understanding Grizzly and Brown Bears in Alaska

To effectively hunt grizzly bears in the Land of the Midnight Sun, it is crucial to understand the distinction between brown bears and grizzly bears. After extensive research, biologists have determined that grizzlies and brown bears are essentially the same species, with coastal bears developing into a sub-species due to their salmon-rich diets. According to the Boone and Crockett Club, bears found along the southeast, south, or southwest coasts, the Alaska Peninsula, or any island in these areas are classified as brown bears. In contrast, those found elsewhere in the state are considered grizzlies. It is essential to note that hunters can only harvest one brown or grizzly bear every four years in Alaska.

Top Grizzly Bear Hunting Areas in Alaska

There are several prime locations for grizzly bear hunting in Alaska, including:

• The Interior: Spanning from western to eastern Alaska, this region offers diverse hunting experiences.
• The Brooks Range: Known for its rugged terrain and unique wildlife.
• The Arctic Region: Features distinct bear qualities, including coat color and thickness.

Most outfitters provide both spring and fall hunts, with spring offering excellent fishing opportunities and fall presenting mixed-bag hunting options that may include moose, caribou, goats, black bears, wolves, and wolverines. Some outfitters may offer grizzly hunts as an incidental option, so it is advisable to confirm this in advance if grizzly hunting is the primary goal. Recommended outfitters for interior grizzlies include Clearwater Alaska Outfitters and R&R Hunting and Outdoor Adventures. For Brooks Range bears, Deltana Outfitters is a solid choice, while Mountain Monarchs of Alaska specializes in Arctic grizzlies.

Grizzly Bear Hunting in the Yukon

The grizzly bears in the Yukon are known as mountain grizzlies, including the coveted “silvertip” variety, which is highly sought after in the hunting community. Similar to Alaska, both spring and fall hunts are available, with multi-species combo hunts being particularly popular in the fall. Notable outfitters in the Yukon include Blackstone Outfitters and Yukon Big Game Outfitters.

Grizzly Bear Hunting in British Columbia

Grizzly permits in British Columbia are extremely limited and often booked well in advance, making early arrangements essential. The province offers distinct hunting areas, including coastal and interior regions. Coastal bears tend to be larger, while interior bears often sport the impressive “silvertip” coat. Coastal hunts typically occur via boat, while interior hunts usually involve horseback riding. Combination hunts are popular in the fall, and due to the high population of black bears in B.C., a black bear tag is commonly included with a grizzly hunt.

For coastal grizzly hunting, Trophy West Guide Outfitters comes highly recommended. For interior silvertip bears, Copper River Outfitters or Grizzly Basin Outfitters are excellent choices.

Cost and Duration of Grizzly Bear Hunts

Most hunts typically last between 8 to 14 days and can cost approximately $12,000 to $18,000. While these trips represent a significant investment, for many hunters, pursuing a grizzly bear is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes remaining on Earth.

Good hunting.