Polar bear hunting is one of the most iconic and controversial adventures in the world of big game. Deeply rooted in Arctic survival traditions, yet often misunderstood, this hunt blends extreme conditions, cultural significance, and ethical debate.
Whether you’re curious about how polar bears hunt for seals, where hunting is allowed, or if polar bears truly hunt humans, this guide by Hunt Nation gives you a clear, fact-based understanding of the topic — from ancient Inuit customs to modern outfitted expeditions in Canada.
What Is Polar Bear Hunting?
Polar bear hunting refers to the selective and regulated harvesting of wild polar bears (Ursus maritimus), typically in Canada’s northern territories. It plays a vital role in the livelihood of Inuit communities, who have hunted polar bears for thousands of years for meat, hides, and spiritual value.
Today, some hunts are still subsistence-based, while others are available to non-indigenous hunters under strict quotas and legal oversight.
Where Is Polar Bear Hunting Legal?
Polar bear hunting is not legal everywhere — it is primarily allowed in parts of Canada, under community-managed quotas and federal permits.
Legal Hunting Zones:
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Nunavut
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Northwest Territories
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Quebec (Nunavik)
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Manitoba (limited tags)
Not Legal For Sport:
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United States (Alaska) – Subsistence only (no sport hunting)
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Russia – Fully prohibited
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Norway (Svalbard) – Fully protected
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Greenland – Very limited, community-controlled
While Canada remains the only destination for guided polar bear hunts, all hunts are managed carefully to prevent overharvesting and ensure animal populations remain stable.
Indigenous vs. Guided Polar Bear Hunts
Indigenous Hunts:
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Carried out by Inuit hunters for food, materials, and tradition
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Often done by dog sled and on foot in remote conditions
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Controlled within community quotas based on scientific surveys
Guided Sport Hunts:
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Offered to licensed hunters through indigenous outfitters
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Inuit guides accompany clients for safety and tradition
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Permit and export regulations strictly enforced
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Hunts may involve camping on sea ice and long-distance tracking
These hunts are not trophy-based in the traditional sense — they are cultural, regulated, and far from easy.
Are Polar Bears Endangered?
Polar bears are classified as a vulnerable species, largely due to climate change and the loss of sea ice, which impacts their ability to hunt their main prey: seals.
Key facts:
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Estimated global population: 22,000–26,000
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Numbers are stable or increasing in certain regions (e.g., Nunavut)
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Harvesting is regulated through scientific data and local input
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Each hunt must be documented, tagged, and approved
Importantly, legal hunts are not the cause of polar bear population concerns — but climate and ecosystem disruptions are.
Do Polar Bears Hunt Humans?
It’s rare, but polar bears are the only bear species known to stalk humans as prey. Unlike grizzlies or black bears, they don’t fear humans and may attack when hungry or threatened.
Why Polar Bears Might Hunt Humans:
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Scarcity of seals during seasonal ice melts
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Hunger-induced aggression
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Human encroachment in bear habitat
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Lack of available food in summer months
Most attacks occur near Arctic villages, remote camps, or explorers in bear territory. However, fatal encounters are extremely uncommon due to preventive measures and awareness in high-risk zones.
How Polar Bears Hunt for Seals
Polar bears rely on stealth, patience, and sharp senses to hunt seals — their primary source of fat and protein.
Common Hunting Methods:
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Still-hunting: Waiting silently near seal breathing holes in the ice
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Stalking: Creeping across the ice undetected toward resting seals
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Ambushing: Bursting through ice ledges or snow to catch seals unaware
This strategy requires intact sea ice. As warming trends continue, polar bears are forced to travel farther and riskier distances to find food, sometimes pushing them closer to human settlements.
Can You Hunt Polar Bears Legally?
Yes — but only in Canada, under a special permit. These hunts are typically coordinated by Inuit communities who assign hunting opportunities to both residents and non-residents. Guided hunts may last 10 to 14 days and involve extensive logistics.
Legal Requirements:
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Quota-based tag system
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Local outfitter partnership (required for non-residents)
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Canadian hunting license
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CITES export permit (if you plan to bring home hides/skulls)
Ask Hunt Nation for help with travel logistics, outfitter vetting, and export documentation. We only partner with trusted operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hunt polar bears in the U.S.?
No. Only indigenous Alaskans may hunt them for subsistence purposes — not for sport.
Why do polar bears hunt humans?
In rare cases, extreme hunger, disrupted ecosystems, and proximity to humans can lead to polar bears stalking people. This behavior is not common, but it is documented.
Are guided polar bear hunts safe?
They are physically demanding and conducted in extreme Arctic environments. However, when led by experienced Inuit guides, safety protocols are taken seriously.
How much does a polar bear hunt cost?
Expect to spend $35,000 to $60,000, depending on location, gear, travel, and export fees.
Can I bring home a polar bear hide?
Yes — if properly tagged and processed, hides and skulls may be exported to the U.S. with a CITES permit and inspection.
Planning Your Polar Bear Hunt with Hunt Nation
Hunting polar bears is not for everyone — it’s physically, emotionally, and ethically complex. At Hunt Nation, we help hunters connect with licensed Inuit outfitters in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to plan legal, sustainable, and respectful Arctic expeditions.
📍 Contact Hunt Nation Today
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📞 +1 307-637-5495
We’ll walk you through:
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Current hunt openings and tag availability
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Outfitter selection and travel prep
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Export permits and hide shipping
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What to pack, expect, and prepare for