Monday 29 October 2012

An Introduction To Grizzly Hunts In Alaska

By Noemi Wallner


One of the best big-game hunting experiences you can have is going on grizzly hunts in Alaska. This wilderness state does not have many people living in it. However, you will find big game in abundance, especially elk, caribou, moose, and two species of bear.

Bears are among the most prized animals for trophy hunters. The forty-ninth state has two species that you can hunt. The black bear is more common, with a population of about 100,000 in the state. However, what many trophy hunters are after is the larger brown bear, also known as the grizzly.

The state has about 30,000 individual brown bears roaming its wilderness. They aren't easy prey. They are solitary, shy, fast and agile. When they feel threatened, they will defend themselves with all their might. Many a hunter will tell you that few things are as intimidating as a 500- to 900-pound male brown bear drawing itself up to its full height.

In most of the United States, brown bears are classified as a threatened species. Therefore you need a permit to hunt them. There are also strict rules and regulations that you need to adhere to in the northernmost state.

If you reside in any of the other states of the United States, you cannot hunt alone. Instead, you have to take along an adult, close relative or a guide who lives in the state. If you're from another country, you must hire an Alaska hunting guide who is licensed with the state. The latter is a requirement for Alaska caribou hunting too, as well as for tracking and killing other big game.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has many other regulations and laws for hunters too. For instance, you're not allowed to kill a female brown bear if she has cubs and you may not kill cubs either, since the bears reproduce very slowly. To find out more about these regulations, contact the Department or get the handbook that they publish annually in June. This handbook will also give you other useful information, for example safety tips.

Brown bears are found throughout the state, so you are spoiled for choice when it comes to locations for grizzly hunts in Alaska. Keep in mind though that because most locations are very remote, you should plan your trip to last at least a week. Also budget for a transporter to get you into and out of the wilderness. The most efficient type of transporter is an air charter.




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