Alaska Range Wilderness Caribou, Brown Bear & Black Bear Hunt Adventures

For those seeking a true Alaskan hunting experience, this outfitter offers exceptional guided adventures for both caribou and bear in the remote and beautiful landscapes of Unit 16B. As a lifelong Alaskan and accomplished mountain man, your guide brings deep local knowledge, a strong commitment to ethical hunting, and a proven track record of success in some of the most demanding terrain. Caribou hunts take place in August, offering active, high-country stalking opportunities before the rut, when the animals are in peak condition and the meat is at its finest. Hunters can expect multiple stalks and varied terrain as mature bulls often keep to rugged alpine areas. Bear hunts—both black and brown—are conducted throughout key times of the year, including spring emergence, the May mating season, and salmon-rich summer months. Whether glassing for hours, traversing steep ridges, or patiently watching a hillside come alive, each hunt is shaped by preparation, persistence, and adaptability. With expert guidance and deep respect for the land and wildlife, these hunts offer not just a chance at a trophy, but a truly immersive Alaskan adventure you won’t soon forget.

Caribou Hunting:

Alaska is home to the barren ground subspecies of caribou, a unique animal with distinctive antlers. During the early part of the year, they’re often found in alpine areas, staying cool and avoiding insects. Mature bulls tend to be solitary or occasionally travel with another bull, generally keeping to themselves. This makes them more challenging to hunt, as it often involves covering long distances and hiking up ridges to carefully check less obvious areas where they may be resting. Despite their patterned hides, they can blend in surprisingly well with their surroundings by simply lying down among the rocks.

Caribou hunting typically takes place in August, before the rut begins. This timing is ideal because the meat is at its best—caribou is considered one of the finest wild game meats. As the rut approaches and temperatures drop, mature bulls shift their focus entirely to mating, often neglecting their own well-being. This behavioral change can impact the quality of the meat, giving it a stronger taste and smell that some may find unappealing.

After a successful harvest, the meat is handled with care to ensure it remains clean, cool, and dry. I personally oversee the processing of the game meat. If the hunter wishes, they may take home both backstraps, the tenderloins, and one rear quarter. The remaining meat will be retained and used by the outfitter. The cape and antlers will be cleaned and sent to a shipping service for delivery to the hunter’s preferred taxidermist.

Overall, this is an enjoyable mountain hunt that often involves multiple stalks and provides several opportunities for success.

Bear Hunting:

Bear hunts are often considered some of the more challenging types of hunts. Successfully harvesting a bear and returning safely has long been a noteworthy achievement, dating back to early human history. There’s a certain timelessness to the experience—one that many hunters find especially meaningful.

Pursuing a mature bear often involves physical and mental challenges. Hunters may spend long hours glassing with little movement, endure tough weather conditions ranging from biting cold to intense heat, or remain still for extended periods while waiting for a shot. The terrain—whether brush, swamps, or steep mountains—can be demanding, and the long hours spent hiking under a pack are part of the experience, though they often fade into the background once the hunt is complete.

That said, not every bear hunt is grueling. Sometimes, conditions line up perfectly. You may find a bear shortly after arriving at your glassing spot, with the wind in your favor and an opportunity unfolding quickly. Being mentally prepared and able to adapt to different situations is key to success. Flexibility in the moment often makes the difference between a missed chance and a successful harvest.

Brown Bears – Unit 16B

Unit 16B offers the opportunity to harvest up to two brown bears. This is a mountainous region where bears tend to hibernate longer and have less access to high-protein food sources compared to coastal populations. Still, these bears remain strong and impressive, and mature boars in this area are particularly remarkable animals.

We typically hunt brown bears in three main timeframes:

• Spring (April): As they emerge from their dens.

• May: During the mating season, when boars are actively moving in search of sows.

• Late July: When salmon begin to run in the streams, drawing bears to the water.

Black Bears – Unit 16B

Unit 16B also allows the harvest of up to five black bears, which highlights how abundant and adaptable this species is in the area. Black bears are usually found and stalked in the mountains, just above the brush line. Though smaller than brown bears, they are cautious, intelligent, and often require a great deal of patience to hunt successfully.

We hunt black bears in the early spring, typically in May or early June, depending on snow conditions. This is when they emerge to feed on the first green vegetation found along the hillsides.