Black Bear - Alaska

Black Bear (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. They have been recorded in all states except Hawaii. In Alaska, black bears occur over most of the forested areas of the state. They are not found on the Seward Peninsula, on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, or north of the Brooks Range. They also are absent from some of the large islands of the Gulf of Alaska, notably Kodiak, Montague, Hinchinbrook and others, and from the Alaska Peninsula beyond the area of Lake Iliamma. In Southeast Alaska, black bears occupy most islands with the exceptions of Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof, and Kruzof. These are inhabited by brown bears. Both species occur on the southeastern mainland. Black bears are most often associated with forests, but depending on the season of the year, they may be found from sea level to alpine areas

The coastal Black Bears of Alaska are some of the worlds largest and regularly exceed 350 pounds. Seven (7') bears with Boone and Crocket skulls are frequently taken. A healthy bear will often put on 25 % more body weight by the time late fall arrives. This means a 400 pounder in the spring can be in excess of 500 pounds in the fall. The spring hunt consists of glassing and cruising the many inlets, bays and passages for bears that are not only rutting, but feeding on tender grasses near the ocean beaches. This hunt is conducted by boat and will find you spending the majority of your day in the skiff or big boat cruising for big bruins. When a suitable bear is spotted, then the excitement begins! Stalking starts in the boat and ends usually within 100 yards of the boar after a short walk along the beach or forest. Black bears can be one of the hardest animals in Alaska to field judge and much care will be given to ensure it is a mature male with prime hair. The jumbo Spot Shrimp, delectable Dungeness Crab, delicious Butter Clams, giant King Salmon and ferocious Halibut will occupy most of our daily activities while Black Bear hunting is best done in the late afternoon till last light. Since sunset is normally at 9 to 10 pm, there is plenty of time to hunt and fish.

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