Kodiak Bear Hunting

The Kodiak bear, commonly known as the Alaskan Grizzly bear or Alaskan brown bear, is without doubt the largest species of brown bear in the world. A large male can stand over 10 ft. high on his hind legs, up to 5 ft. tall when on all fours, with paws measuring 11-14 inches across and weighing in at up to 1,500 pounds. Kodiak brown bears live exclusively on the Kodiak Isles in the vast hunting state of Alaska.

All Kodiak bears are highly intelligent, become more secretive and experienced with age and size, and have the ability to smell a human from vast distances, so tracking down these large bears is a true challenge for even the most experienced hunter. Setting sight and actually bringing down an old Grizzly bear of 8-9 feet or more in size is certainly one of the most exciting and unique experiences any hunter will ever have. In fact, for most people it will be an extraordinary, once in a lifetime experience. Perhaps that is the reason that over 5,000 hunters apply every year for a chance to receive one of the few – 496 to be exact – bear permits the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in combination with the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge makes available for them.

To hunt Kodiak bear you must be a resident of Alaska or be accompanied by a close relative that is a resident of Alaska. If neither of these options applies to you, then you must hire a registered professional hunting guide. The guide’s job is to assist you in obtaining a license, pre-register the area you intend to hunt in and advise you on the best location and time of year to conduct your hunt. Timing and experience in hunting Kodiak bears is crucial. To make it successful excursions confirm that your guide is familiar with the particular area you are trying to hunt. He should also have several options available for you on how to reach the area, such as by boat or all terrain vehicles and have comfortable base camps set up on the hunting grounds.

Spring Kodiak hunting season opens April 1st and runs through May 15th. The fall hunting season opens October 25th and continues until November 25th. Fall season might proof more difficult for hunting, as with each day getting shorter more and more bears will retreat to their dens rather than emerge. No matter the season, bringing down a suitable size Grizzly will truly be a unique experience and make for one of the most spectacular trophies a hunter can ever hope for.