Kodiak brown bears are the largest brown bears in the world, comparable in size to polar bears. Mature boars can exceed 1,000 pounds, with exceptional bears reaching up to 1,500 pounds. Coats range from pale blonde to dark brown, with coloration varying widely.
Found only within the Kodiak Islands, these bears are supported by rich coastal habitat and salmon systems of the area. Kodiak bears occur in remarkably high densities, with estimates often approaching one bear per square mile.
On Afognak Island, the bears habitat is a mix of dense forest, open shoreline, and tidal flats. Their movement is driven by season and food sources, with bears following consistent travel and feeding patterns throughout the area.
Afognak’s Kodiak brown bear hunts are managed through Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game permit draw system.
Much of the hunt is spent on one of our catamaran boats glassing the coastal beaches, rocky shorelines and hillsides.
Once a desirable bear is spotted, quick decisions are made by your guide and captain on how best to make the initial approach to the shore and start the final stalk. The terrain along the shoreline is often steep, slippery, and wet so proper planning and gear are vital for safety and success. On foot, the final stalk can be up to 1 mile but is typically much less.
Travel is supported by enclosed and heated catamaran boats, allowing access to a wide range of country and increasing opportunities to locate bears while maintaining a true hunting experience. Hunts are typically conducted with no more than two hunters at a time, each with their own guide, captain, and vessel throughout the duration of the hunt. Party hunters are the exception, as often they prefer to hunt together.
For many hunters, the appeal is the combination of bear size and scenery in the area. This is a true coastal Alaska hunt, with ample opportunities to see spectacular landscape and abundant wildlife.
Duration:
10-Day Fully Guided Hunt
Available Seasons:
Spring: April 15 – May 15
Fall: October 25 – November 23
Includes:
•Floatplane transportation to and from the lodge
•Meals
•Accommodations
•Transportation during the hunt
Licenses and tag fees are set by the State of Alaska Fish and Game Department and subject to change.
Brown bear hunts are conducted by permit draw. If an applicant is not initially drawn, they may choose to wait a week for the alternate list to be published, roll over to the following year, or receive a refund excluding the annual hunting license fee.
If a permit is drawn and the applicant cancels, the deposit is forfeited.
Hunters may apply individually or as a party application of two hunters. Party applications are entered into the drawing together, meaning both hunters will either draw a permit or not draw a permit. Party applications do not increase drawing odds, but ensure both hunters receive the same result.
Following the draw, we work with successful applicants to schedule hunt dates. While final dates depend on permit availability and lodge scheduling, hunter preferences are always taken into consideration.
Both spring and fall hunts offer strong opportunities, with differences in conditions and bear activity. The choice between seasons comes down to preference in conditions, timing, and the type of hunt experience you’re looking for.
Spring hunts are conducted as bears emerge from winter hibernation. In early spring, they are found along the tidal shorelines searching for various marine life. As the spring season progresses, they can be found feeding on fresh grass in open areas and scouring the beaches at low tide. Visibility is generally higher, days are longer with extended light, and it’s common to see more bears overall as they begin feeding after hibernation. After the hunt is concluded, saltwater fishing is also available.
Fall hunts take place at the end of the summer, after bears have fed on salmon, berries, a variety of shoreline foods, and abundant vegetation as they prepare for winter hibernation. By fall, bears have benefited from a summer of abundant food sources and are often in excellent condition heading into winter. Fall also offers the opportunity to target other species that are in season: Sitka blacktail deer, various sea ducks, fox and saltwater fishing.
