Hunt giant brown bears, black bears, mountain goats and Sitka deer from an 80-foot luxury yacht, specially built for its intended use as a floating lodge. You will see magnificent coastlines, scenic mountains, wildlife and sea life galore, all in refined comfort. You will be hunting in the area of the “ABC Islands” of southeast Alaska and, depending on which hunt you choose, you will arrive in Juneau or Sitka. You can even buy your licenses and tags directly from this outfitter, making life ever more simple. Enjoy 5-star meals, excellent guides, great hunting and professional field care of your trophies.
Normally you will anchor in a secluded cove or bay, then jump into their seaworthy skiffs to tour the shores up close, all while glassing for your quarry. Seeing bears from the main cruiser is not unusual either. And whales, eagles, Orcas, otters seals and more!
Your Captain is a Master Guide and has been guiding Alaskan trips for over 30 years. He does everything he can to insure you are successful and have a wonderful adventure too. He limits group sizes to 6 to 12 persons.
BROWN BEARS
Spring Brown Bear Hunts – Brown bears begin to emerge from their dens in the spring seeking food. The first thing to turn green is the beach grass at the coastline, so when the bears awaken they head straight to the beach to eat the fresh grass, and so will you. Spring hunts can be enjoyed by hunters of almost any ability as they tend to be less physical than a fall hunt.
Fall Brown Bear Hunts – From August until late-September, brown bears will begin feasting on salmon in one of the many salmon streams in the area. This time of year, millions of salmon return to the rivers and streams to spawn. Brown bears feast on the high-protein salmon to prepare for winter hibernation. You may need to walk the streams in waders if they are not on the beaches. Sitka blacktails and wolf can be added.
These hunts tend to fill up a year or more in advance, so please book early.
BLACK BEARS
Black bear hunts utilize the same boat and the same techniques as for the brown bears. You will boat hunt for black bear in southeast Alaska. Success rates run 80+% for 6-foot or better bears, and a large boar is 7.5-foot.
Hunts are 6 days, from mid-April to mid-June for spring hunts, and the month of September for fall hunts. Sitka blacktails and wolf can be added on fall hunts. These hunts also tend to fill up a year or more in advance, so please book early.
MOUNTAIN GOATS
This is one of North America’s most successful and sought-after goat hunts.
Hunting the majestic mountain goat, and just being in the country they inhabit, can be the unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Most hunters lucky enough to secure a trophy will tell you, “goats don’t come easy!”
Mountain goat habitats in Alaska are harsh and unforgiving. Much time and energy are needed to successfully negotiate the poor late-season weather conditions and rugged terrain found on hunts for the long-haired trophy mountain goat. This outfitter offers a custom late-season mountain goat hunt, and they have enjoyed 100% opportunity and nearly 100% success rate over nearly 30 years.
The five-week season runs from the last week of October to the end of November. Goats will range from 8.5”-10”, and they have incredibly beautiful and long hair at this time of year. The goats are also in rut at this time and this, combined with snow and cold weather, pushes them to lower elevations where they are more accessible, making the hunt more enjoyable, without undue danger or stress. It is possibly the “easiest” goat hunt you will find anywhere.
SITKA BLACKTAILS
There is a very good population in this area. Sitka deer hunts are generally conducted in late November in combination with goat hunts. They are still in rut at this time and they are typically on the beaches and very accessible. A goat/deer combo hunt runs from November 15-25 each year. Opportunity is typically 100% on these stocky and beautiful deer, and typically 100% success as well. They typically score 70”-90” B&C, but do occasionally get some in the high 90s to 100-inch range as well. They are fun and exciting to hunt, and have unique coloration and markings compared to any other deer species. All deer hunts will be based on current weather and hunt conditions and can change at the last minute.
They also offer a deer-only hunt November 26-December or so, which require a four hunter minimum. These hunts originate and depart from Juneau, with a float plane flight to/from the yacht.
2023 PRICES: (subject to change without notice until deposit received)
BROWN BEAR: Spring or Fall 10-day hunt $46,000 per person, observers $7,500 per person.
BLACK BEAR: Mid-April to mid-June; September. 6-day hunt $14,500 per person, observers $4,500 per person. In the fall it is possible to add Sitka deer for a $4,000 trophy fee.
MOUNTAIN GOAT: Late October to late November. 7-day hunt $33,000 per person, observers $4,500 per person. Add a Sitka deer for $7,500. GUARANTEED TAG!
SITKA DEER: November hunt, 5-day hunt $8,500 per person, observers $3,000 per person.
WOLF: $1,000 trophy fee.
LICENSES
This outfitter operates on Tongass National U.S. Forest Service land under an Authorized Special Use Permit. There is no need to put in for a draw. All hunts are allotted to him, but license fees are in addition to the cost of your hunt. You may purchase your license and tags through the outfitter, greatly simplifying things. You will need a non-resident hunt license (approx. $160), plus your tags (all are approx.): Brown/Grizzly $1,000; Black Bear $450; Goat $600; Wolf $60; Sitka Deer $300 ea.
GETTING THERE
You must fly in between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the day before your hunt date. You will fly in/out of Juneau (JNU) for brown bear or goat hunts, and in/out of Petersburg (PSG) for black bear hunts. Alaska Airlines is the only year-round carrier, either via Anchorage or Seattle. Either way it is about a 2-hour flight. Delta flies May through September. You will then take a float plane to the yacht. Expect $200-$800 per person each way, depending upon how many passengers on the plane.
We recommend that you protect your hunt investment with travel insurance. Alaska weather can cause cancellations and flight issues. Talk to us at Hunt Nation about the options.
