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Hunting & Fishing Alaska bear hunt
- Thread starter komifornian
- Start date
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Yes. If you can do your part, and with a controlled expansion bullet.
I carry a medium bore in grizzly country to hunt elk here.
Yes. If you can do your part, and with a controlled expansion bullet.
I carry a medium bore in grizzly country to hunt elk here.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Used to live there. My father still does and is a big time bear hunter. 300WM will be plenty sufficient, use a quality expanding bonded bullet. You want penetration but you want rapid expansion as well. Many prefer a larger caliber for the bigger heavier bullets and bigger hole, but you will not be under gunned.
FWIW .375s and .338s tend to be more popular. 45-70 has a decent following along the southern coast where shots tend to be shorter. On the Slope shots tend to be long. In the interior they can be several feet to several hundred yards as the terrain varies dramatically in a relatively short distance. Anywhere you go you are likely to be carrying that rifle allot, consider weight and length. Good luck, its mighty nice up there.
Used to live there. My father still does and is a big time bear hunter. 300WM will be plenty sufficient, use a quality expanding bonded bullet. You want penetration but you want rapid expansion as well. Many prefer a larger caliber for the bigger heavier bullets and bigger hole, but you will not be under gunned.
FWIW .375s and .338s tend to be more popular. 45-70 has a decent following along the southern coast where shots tend to be shorter. On the Slope shots tend to be long. In the interior they can be several feet to several hundred yards as the terrain varies dramatically in a relatively short distance. Anywhere you go you are likely to be carrying that rifle allot, consider weight and length. Good luck, its mighty nice up there.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
The 300WinMag is a good "large animal" .30 cal. As the guys above said, go for a heavy premium bullet. I like the 200gr Trophy Bonded or Swift A-frame for a first choice (a sectional density of over .300). You want full penetration, no matter what the shot angle, heavy for caliber is better for a heavy boned animal like the Grizzly bear.
If you have a bigger caliber available, like the 338WinMag or one of the 9.3's it would be a better choice for a stopping rifle.
Craig Boddington and Doctor Robinson both speak and write a lot about the 9.3's as a floor for the big bears and Eland. After reading that I felt under gunned going in after an Eland in 2007 with my 338WinMag when I shot him at 380 yards in Namibia, but it killed just fine with a 225gr TBBC, that stopped under the skin on the off side.
If you have the 300WinMag and shoot it well, use it with good bullets and you will be fine.
The 300WinMag is a good "large animal" .30 cal. As the guys above said, go for a heavy premium bullet. I like the 200gr Trophy Bonded or Swift A-frame for a first choice (a sectional density of over .300). You want full penetration, no matter what the shot angle, heavy for caliber is better for a heavy boned animal like the Grizzly bear.
If you have a bigger caliber available, like the 338WinMag or one of the 9.3's it would be a better choice for a stopping rifle.
Craig Boddington and Doctor Robinson both speak and write a lot about the 9.3's as a floor for the big bears and Eland. After reading that I felt under gunned going in after an Eland in 2007 with my 338WinMag when I shot him at 380 yards in Namibia, but it killed just fine with a 225gr TBBC, that stopped under the skin on the off side.
If you have the 300WinMag and shoot it well, use it with good bullets and you will be fine.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
A .300WM is more than adequate for a placed shot on a grizzly but it is not a DRT round. I have seen a coastal brown that absorbed 18- 44 mags, .308 and 30-06 before it went down (homeowner and 2 neighbors after it pushed in a back door to a house) so if you are hunting anywhere where there is a chance of a surprise encounter (pretty much anywhere in AK) you will want a 338WM or 458. The Tlingits I met preferred to shoot bears with 270s and stalk the bear for a few hours before it bled out but they are much more experienced around the bears than pretty much anyone else. Alot of fishing guides carry semi 12 gauges loaded with slugs but I have heard no feedback on how effective the slugs are on a big brown.
And remember, you don't have to outrun the bear but you do have to outrun your hunting partner...
A .300WM is more than adequate for a placed shot on a grizzly but it is not a DRT round. I have seen a coastal brown that absorbed 18- 44 mags, .308 and 30-06 before it went down (homeowner and 2 neighbors after it pushed in a back door to a house) so if you are hunting anywhere where there is a chance of a surprise encounter (pretty much anywhere in AK) you will want a 338WM or 458. The Tlingits I met preferred to shoot bears with 270s and stalk the bear for a few hours before it bled out but they are much more experienced around the bears than pretty much anyone else. Alot of fishing guides carry semi 12 gauges loaded with slugs but I have heard no feedback on how effective the slugs are on a big brown.
And remember, you don't have to outrun the bear but you do have to outrun your hunting partner...
Re: Alaska bear hunt
300 WM will be great for Grizzley. Been on several bear kills, 300 dumps their arus fast. Where you going?
300 WM will be great for Grizzley. Been on several bear kills, 300 dumps their arus fast. Where you going?
Re: Alaska bear hunt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim Kobe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BUT DON'T TRY IT WITH ONE OF THEM THERE "BLOZZERS" </div></div>
Your just still pissed Jim 'cause I quit buying a new custom rifle from you every year after I discovered the Blaser!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim Kobe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BUT DON'T TRY IT WITH ONE OF THEM THERE "BLOZZERS" </div></div>
Your just still pissed Jim 'cause I quit buying a new custom rifle from you every year after I discovered the Blaser!
Re: Alaska bear hunt
@ Alaskaman 11
I'm headed to Healy Alaska, it's located about 11 miles north of Denali National Park.
@ Alaskaman 11
I'm headed to Healy Alaska, it's located about 11 miles north of Denali National Park.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
it is plenty sufficient as long as you can place the bullet in the right spot. Power don't mean a thing if you can't hit
have a great hunt.
it is plenty sufficient as long as you can place the bullet in the right spot. Power don't mean a thing if you can't hit
have a great hunt.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Take rain gear. Again you won't be undergunned. You will hear large amounts of BS about larger calibers dropping them right now, none do it everytime, I'd venture none do it anymore often than the 300.
Tracking a wounded bear sucks, doesn't matter if it was wounded by an arrow, 06, .308, 300, 338, 375, 458, or 12ga its pissed/scared and an all around eerie situation. Like killing anything shot placement trumps caliber.
To hear allot of people especially in Alaska you'd think you need dual 454 Casulls, a Short barreled 12ga, a 45/70 guide gun, an/or a minimum 375H&H just to step out of the car to take a leak in the woods.
Take rain gear. Again you won't be undergunned. You will hear large amounts of BS about larger calibers dropping them right now, none do it everytime, I'd venture none do it anymore often than the 300.
Tracking a wounded bear sucks, doesn't matter if it was wounded by an arrow, 06, .308, 300, 338, 375, 458, or 12ga its pissed/scared and an all around eerie situation. Like killing anything shot placement trumps caliber.
To hear allot of people especially in Alaska you'd think you need dual 454 Casulls, a Short barreled 12ga, a 45/70 guide gun, an/or a minimum 375H&H just to step out of the car to take a leak in the woods.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
I also have a Smith and Wesson 460 magnum I thought about using but was worried that with only an 8" barrel it wouldm't have enough velocity.
I also have a Smith and Wesson 460 magnum I thought about using but was worried that with only an 8" barrel it wouldm't have enough velocity.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
You are basically going to kill a heavily built 400 - 800 lb animal at ranges from point blank out to 300 yards (if your guide will let you shoot that far). I'd load up with high quality bonded bullets, know your rifle and the load, take a good camera and raingear, and have a blast.
You are basically going to kill a heavily built 400 - 800 lb animal at ranges from point blank out to 300 yards (if your guide will let you shoot that far). I'd load up with high quality bonded bullets, know your rifle and the load, take a good camera and raingear, and have a blast.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To hear allot of people especially in Alaska you'd think you need dual 454 Casulls, a Short barreled 12ga, a 45/70 guide gun, an/or a minimum 375H&H just to step out of the car to take a leak in the woods. </div></div>
Nah, we just live where things will eat us, and prefer to carry things with enough lead in it's ass to do the job more efficiently than other calibers.
I have seen enough Elk run for miles after a solid hit from a belted magnum to know that "doing your part" is always a good answer, but not always the only or correct answer.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To hear allot of people especially in Alaska you'd think you need dual 454 Casulls, a Short barreled 12ga, a 45/70 guide gun, an/or a minimum 375H&H just to step out of the car to take a leak in the woods. </div></div>
Nah, we just live where things will eat us, and prefer to carry things with enough lead in it's ass to do the job more efficiently than other calibers.
I have seen enough Elk run for miles after a solid hit from a belted magnum to know that "doing your part" is always a good answer, but not always the only or correct answer.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Everyone looks at things differently. For instance, I don't hunt brownies, but I do live, work and play in their presence. My only contact with them will be accidental or a surprise to me and him both. Any way it turns out I want the biggest, heaviest bullet/slug available so's I can hopefully come out a survivor.
Hunting is a different story to some people. In a perfect world, Mr Growlie doesn't know you're there and you just pop him with a well aimed shot with your caliber of choice and get on with your day.
My question is, if you know the intended game (be it bear, cape buffalo or what have you)has a reputation as being a tough one to kill, do you not think you have a responsibility to put it down as hard and fast as possible? If you have to question yourself if your weapon of choice is big enough, it probably ain't.
Just because you heard of some feller putting one down with a small caliber round doesn't mean its a great idea. A few years ago while fishing, an active duty serviceman shot a sow brown bear up at Russian river. His chosen sidearm was a 9mm semi-auto. He shot her once between the eyes and she dropped like a rock. I never heard anyone say it was a wise choice of caliber, they just remarked what a lucky SOB he was.
Just my .02 cents and worth just as much...
Everyone looks at things differently. For instance, I don't hunt brownies, but I do live, work and play in their presence. My only contact with them will be accidental or a surprise to me and him both. Any way it turns out I want the biggest, heaviest bullet/slug available so's I can hopefully come out a survivor.
Hunting is a different story to some people. In a perfect world, Mr Growlie doesn't know you're there and you just pop him with a well aimed shot with your caliber of choice and get on with your day.
My question is, if you know the intended game (be it bear, cape buffalo or what have you)has a reputation as being a tough one to kill, do you not think you have a responsibility to put it down as hard and fast as possible? If you have to question yourself if your weapon of choice is big enough, it probably ain't.
Just because you heard of some feller putting one down with a small caliber round doesn't mean its a great idea. A few years ago while fishing, an active duty serviceman shot a sow brown bear up at Russian river. His chosen sidearm was a 9mm semi-auto. He shot her once between the eyes and she dropped like a rock. I never heard anyone say it was a wise choice of caliber, they just remarked what a lucky SOB he was.
Just my .02 cents and worth just as much...
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Good point LegioX. The last thing I want is for an animal to suffer! Perhaps I should reconsider 300WM. The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua?
Good point LegioX. The last thing I want is for an animal to suffer! Perhaps I should reconsider 300WM. The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua?
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Make the Grizzly charge you and use a spear you make out of a small tree.....
That would be a story to brag about.
However, there is a good chance you may die or get maimed in the process.
Make the Grizzly charge you and use a spear you make out of a small tree.....
That would be a story to brag about.
However, there is a good chance you may die or get maimed in the process.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
It still depends on shot placement.
The .375" bore is an excellent one to carry.
It still depends on shot placement.
The .375" bore is an excellent one to carry.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua? </div></div>
It doesn't exist in package you'll be willing to carry through the bush. 300 win mag will be fine. Don't admire your first shot, follow up until that yogi is down. Your guide may start shooting right after your first shot too. Clarify this so you aren't surprised / distracted if it happens.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua? </div></div>
It doesn't exist in package you'll be willing to carry through the bush. 300 win mag will be fine. Don't admire your first shot, follow up until that yogi is down. Your guide may start shooting right after your first shot too. Clarify this so you aren't surprised / distracted if it happens.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good point LegioX. The last thing I want is for an animal to suffer! Perhaps I should reconsider 300WM. The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua? </div></div>
Komi, I suggest you PM Waggs4570 here on the hide. He guides up here in AK in the springtime and has lots of experience with hunters and the weapons they have used. He can probably chat with you a bit and help you make the right choice. Problem is, I think he said his season starts either on the 12th or 18th and he may not answer for a while.
As far as the dropping with one shot stuff, anything can happen. A friend of mine shot one 8 times with a 416 Remington, the majority of them kill shots. That thing just didn't wanna die. His brother in law shot a charging sow right under the chin with the same caliber. The bullet stopped in her ass just under the hide. Killed her dead as a hammer.
This guy >>
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...755#Post3322755
shot his 3 times with a 375 H&H. My uncle shot his 1st brownie at Skilak Lake with a 308 lever gun. One shot and DRT. Ya just never know!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good point LegioX. The last thing I want is for an animal to suffer! Perhaps I should reconsider 300WM. The question then becomes, what caliber will absolutely drop a large bear on the spot. 338 lapua? </div></div>
Komi, I suggest you PM Waggs4570 here on the hide. He guides up here in AK in the springtime and has lots of experience with hunters and the weapons they have used. He can probably chat with you a bit and help you make the right choice. Problem is, I think he said his season starts either on the 12th or 18th and he may not answer for a while.
As far as the dropping with one shot stuff, anything can happen. A friend of mine shot one 8 times with a 416 Remington, the majority of them kill shots. That thing just didn't wanna die. His brother in law shot a charging sow right under the chin with the same caliber. The bullet stopped in her ass just under the hide. Killed her dead as a hammer.
This guy >>
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...755#Post3322755
shot his 3 times with a 375 H&H. My uncle shot his 1st brownie at Skilak Lake with a 308 lever gun. One shot and DRT. Ya just never know!
Re: Alaska bear hunt
Thanks LegioX! I'll reach out to Waggs4570. By the way it's funny to referred to as komi! However, living the Mexifornia I'm not shocked.
Thanks LegioX! I'll reach out to Waggs4570. By the way it's funny to referred to as komi! However, living the Mexifornia I'm not shocked.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
To me looks like the opportunity to buy a new rifle! If you can find one, Tikka T3 SS 338wm or SL in 300 topped with a 2.8-8x50 scope that will hold zero. But really, anyone good condition rifle and ammo will work.
As far as the caliber in question, the 300wm will do just fine. Ammo is plenty in town, bush and in other camps if you happen to dump your ammo in the backcountry. But still sometimes it best to put as many odds in your favor that you can control. The 30.06 is still used by 36% of all Alaskans, not so much for bears as we are meat getters not trophy hunters. The Fed classic in 220gr is also the most popular used commercial ammo for 30.06.
If you do not mind, being that I guided in Alaska for decades and spent 180 days plus in the backcountry a year, I will give some advice, take it or leave it. More important than caliber is the bullet and most important the weight of the rifle and #1 most important is your attitude. While Alaska is very kit dependent and most kit can improve or ruin a trip and is required for safety, I answered more questions on kit than any other detail. I did send a required list and at times brand names of what I recommend but, you are the most important aspect of your trip and its hard for clients to understand.
Toting your rifle for hours every day is normal and even a lightweight rifle becomes heavy. Light is right! Lighter is righter! I have been on hands and knees through alders and devil club. Crawling over wet deadfalls. Paddling a canoe and then portaging. Wading thigh deep cold streams on slick rocks. Climbing greasy grass. One step up and two steps down scree. Mid calf in muck. Dragging and/or toting through it all.
Toting a rifle and kit in Alaska means get in the best shape your body can do. This will allow you to sleep better, recover faster, less prone to minor injuries and have muscle control for the shot. Being a guide for decades in Alaska, I informed my clients to get in shape, also sent this in my registration packet to start training now. They tell me how superbly fit they are and 2 miles in and 500 feet up they are sucking wind, dripping wet and never recover the rest of the trip. Riding a bike is the best exercise to resemble short strokes of walking with a pack on. Bike with high resistance and a short seat height, your are not spinning the tour but trying to simulate hard up hills. Hike with extra weight in your pack as much as you can. Sit ups! Push ups! Also if you can, every two weeks or so, a long over distance run / hike / bike on easy to moderate terrain will train the mind for long stretches of working the body.
Your attitude. Do not come to Alaska then let your attitude ruin your adventure. I have seen grown men break a boot lace day 3 and let a string of words and get so torqued off. The weather turns Alaska and they get pissed and many times they direct this aggravation at their guide. Why? Its an adventure so enjoy it. Things happen. I attribute a lot of this attitude to being out of shape, the body is tired and sore effecting the mind but some clients just had attitudes and want to be, just jerks in life, its a fact. I understand you just spent a load of nuggets but still enjoy the adventure, not everyone gets to witness what you are doing and most would like too and never will. One of my things to do, in the morning and through out the day was to have them sit / stand there and look at Alaska, take it all in. Tell them a odd story or two and drop some Alaska beta in there. I think it helped Vs just plodding along by a guide. My second would would video parts of the adventure and I would send the tape, yes VHS home with them as a souvenir and remind of the trip and yes, advertising.
My choice for bullets has been Nosler Partition. Never failed me. My rifle was a Wby Mk5 light weight hunter in 340WbyMag with 250 part at 2975, Leupold FX3 Alaskan scope and alloy base and rings, I bought this rifle mid 70s. I am a 338 fan, best of all things desirable or required for a pop gun in Alaska, its just that I cannot shoot it accurate any longer and my body is too old and broke down from all the years of abuse of Alaska. If I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now, 375HH mostly because its a classic.
Shots over 100 yards are not preferred and not many guides will let their clients shoot past 100 for a bear. A wounded bear turns a hunt into a real deal. Not only will you feel the wrath of booboo with a miss, your guide will hit you just as hard. To witness a wounded bear rip out tress the size of your legs like it is a clump of grass, fling basketball sized rocks like golf balls, the roar will soil your drawers, something you will never forget.
My cousin tipped over his toklat, beautiful long blond toklat phase with a 22.250rem at around 75 yards. He used that 22.250 for just about everything and he is not alone. Any caliber and bullet can tip over any animal on a given day and circumstance. Most rifles, calibers and kit will work but its best to have something more designed for the adventure in Alaska. Back to a good reason to get a new rifle!
Go down to the Federal building in Anchortown and stand next to ole booboo there who is a man attacker and just see how much animal you may have to deal with. Respect not fear!
Do your homework, get in shape and show up with the best attitude and never let it go away. Its suppose to be fun in the worlds most beautiful God created land on this earth... so enjoy it no matter what.
As far as guides, ask for a full discloser and contact past clients. This was standard in my packet along with names that OK'd to be contacted. Most will OK the contact because they want to tell someone about their trip, good or bad. If there are no names that had complaints, something could be askew.
I have decades of time in the backcountry of Alaska, while I do not know everything, I do know a good amount and more than most, and if you need help, just ask.
Once again, train the body and mind, and enjoy your adventure.
To me looks like the opportunity to buy a new rifle! If you can find one, Tikka T3 SS 338wm or SL in 300 topped with a 2.8-8x50 scope that will hold zero. But really, anyone good condition rifle and ammo will work.
As far as the caliber in question, the 300wm will do just fine. Ammo is plenty in town, bush and in other camps if you happen to dump your ammo in the backcountry. But still sometimes it best to put as many odds in your favor that you can control. The 30.06 is still used by 36% of all Alaskans, not so much for bears as we are meat getters not trophy hunters. The Fed classic in 220gr is also the most popular used commercial ammo for 30.06.
If you do not mind, being that I guided in Alaska for decades and spent 180 days plus in the backcountry a year, I will give some advice, take it or leave it. More important than caliber is the bullet and most important the weight of the rifle and #1 most important is your attitude. While Alaska is very kit dependent and most kit can improve or ruin a trip and is required for safety, I answered more questions on kit than any other detail. I did send a required list and at times brand names of what I recommend but, you are the most important aspect of your trip and its hard for clients to understand.
Toting your rifle for hours every day is normal and even a lightweight rifle becomes heavy. Light is right! Lighter is righter! I have been on hands and knees through alders and devil club. Crawling over wet deadfalls. Paddling a canoe and then portaging. Wading thigh deep cold streams on slick rocks. Climbing greasy grass. One step up and two steps down scree. Mid calf in muck. Dragging and/or toting through it all.
Toting a rifle and kit in Alaska means get in the best shape your body can do. This will allow you to sleep better, recover faster, less prone to minor injuries and have muscle control for the shot. Being a guide for decades in Alaska, I informed my clients to get in shape, also sent this in my registration packet to start training now. They tell me how superbly fit they are and 2 miles in and 500 feet up they are sucking wind, dripping wet and never recover the rest of the trip. Riding a bike is the best exercise to resemble short strokes of walking with a pack on. Bike with high resistance and a short seat height, your are not spinning the tour but trying to simulate hard up hills. Hike with extra weight in your pack as much as you can. Sit ups! Push ups! Also if you can, every two weeks or so, a long over distance run / hike / bike on easy to moderate terrain will train the mind for long stretches of working the body.
Your attitude. Do not come to Alaska then let your attitude ruin your adventure. I have seen grown men break a boot lace day 3 and let a string of words and get so torqued off. The weather turns Alaska and they get pissed and many times they direct this aggravation at their guide. Why? Its an adventure so enjoy it. Things happen. I attribute a lot of this attitude to being out of shape, the body is tired and sore effecting the mind but some clients just had attitudes and want to be, just jerks in life, its a fact. I understand you just spent a load of nuggets but still enjoy the adventure, not everyone gets to witness what you are doing and most would like too and never will. One of my things to do, in the morning and through out the day was to have them sit / stand there and look at Alaska, take it all in. Tell them a odd story or two and drop some Alaska beta in there. I think it helped Vs just plodding along by a guide. My second would would video parts of the adventure and I would send the tape, yes VHS home with them as a souvenir and remind of the trip and yes, advertising.
My choice for bullets has been Nosler Partition. Never failed me. My rifle was a Wby Mk5 light weight hunter in 340WbyMag with 250 part at 2975, Leupold FX3 Alaskan scope and alloy base and rings, I bought this rifle mid 70s. I am a 338 fan, best of all things desirable or required for a pop gun in Alaska, its just that I cannot shoot it accurate any longer and my body is too old and broke down from all the years of abuse of Alaska. If I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now, 375HH mostly because its a classic.
Shots over 100 yards are not preferred and not many guides will let their clients shoot past 100 for a bear. A wounded bear turns a hunt into a real deal. Not only will you feel the wrath of booboo with a miss, your guide will hit you just as hard. To witness a wounded bear rip out tress the size of your legs like it is a clump of grass, fling basketball sized rocks like golf balls, the roar will soil your drawers, something you will never forget.
My cousin tipped over his toklat, beautiful long blond toklat phase with a 22.250rem at around 75 yards. He used that 22.250 for just about everything and he is not alone. Any caliber and bullet can tip over any animal on a given day and circumstance. Most rifles, calibers and kit will work but its best to have something more designed for the adventure in Alaska. Back to a good reason to get a new rifle!
Go down to the Federal building in Anchortown and stand next to ole booboo there who is a man attacker and just see how much animal you may have to deal with. Respect not fear!
Do your homework, get in shape and show up with the best attitude and never let it go away. Its suppose to be fun in the worlds most beautiful God created land on this earth... so enjoy it no matter what.
As far as guides, ask for a full discloser and contact past clients. This was standard in my packet along with names that OK'd to be contacted. Most will OK the contact because they want to tell someone about their trip, good or bad. If there are no names that had complaints, something could be askew.
I have decades of time in the backcountry of Alaska, while I do not know everything, I do know a good amount and more than most, and if you need help, just ask.
Once again, train the body and mind, and enjoy your adventure.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
45.308, Very good information and advice.
I believe mindset is more important than equipment.
You nailed it.
45.308, Very good information and advice.
I believe mindset is more important than equipment.
You nailed it.
Re: Alaska bear hunt
I have hunted AK for over 7 years. My first Kodiak Brown was taken at 12 yds with a kimber 325 WSM. One shot the bear went down, 1 min later the bear got back up. Two more shots and dead. Still have the dirty draws. Lesson, keep shooting til that Bar is DED. I now hunt with a 375 Ruger. 30 cal mags work well for hunting inland griz, but medium bores are BETTER! Big diference between hunting a bear and stopping a bear charge.
I have hunted AK for over 7 years. My first Kodiak Brown was taken at 12 yds with a kimber 325 WSM. One shot the bear went down, 1 min later the bear got back up. Two more shots and dead. Still have the dirty draws. Lesson, keep shooting til that Bar is DED. I now hunt with a 375 Ruger. 30 cal mags work well for hunting inland griz, but medium bores are BETTER! Big diference between hunting a bear and stopping a bear charge.
