Dates: August 18 – August 27
Outfitter: Arctic North Guides
Website: http://www.arctic-north-guides.com/
PHs: Jim Tuttle
Area Hunted: Brooks Range, Alaska
Rifles Used: .416 Remington Magnum
Ammo: Federal Trophy Bonded Bearclaws
Weather: Cool (40’s and 50’s), generally nice weather
Logistics: NWA to Fairbanks, Wright Air to Anaktuvuk Pass, bush plane to camp
Game Hunted: Grizzly Bear, Caribou
Game Harvested: Grizzly Bear

First and foremost, thanks to all the AR members who patiently answered my questions before I booked this hunt. The information I received was very helpful in making this trip a success.

This was my first hunt in Alaska’s high arctic. I have always wanted to see the Brooks Range, and it didn’t disappoint.

Things I Learned
Patience’s is important with these types of hunt. Weather or mechanical issues can cause delays in flights or logistics. Be patient, things will work out, but allow for extra travel time in your schedule.
These hunts are hard, both physically and mentally. Be prepared for both by exercising and conditioning as well as remembering that these hunts are difficult. You will not have the luxury of a shower every day or a nice warm bed to sleep in (although a good sleeping bag in a nice tent isn’t bad)

General Hunting information
Grizzlies in this area of Alaska are not as large as their southern cousins, but they more than make up for it with their nice coats and unique colors. Generally, hunting consists of walking to the highest point in the drainage and glassing for bears. Once a bear is spotted, depending on the location, you begin your stalk. That may sound easy, but remember walking on the tundra is not the same as walking on hard ground.

My Hunt
We hunted hard for 8 days before we got a good opportunity. We saw multiple bears that we tried to get to, but for a variety of reasons those stalks did not work out. We also saw several sows with cubs. I was really glad to see them (from a distance). It’s an indication that the population is healthy and growing. On day 8 we tried to get to a bear that was about 3 miles from our tent. By the time we got to that drainage, the bear was gone, but we did sight another bear about 1 mile back towards camp. It was late in the evening so we had to move quickly. We were able to get within about 600 yards, but were really having a tough time getting closer. The guide said our only option was to walk towards the bear and hope for the best. We walked single file keeping an eye on the bear. There was one small willow bush that we used as cover. We did close the distance to 160 yards. I told the guide I could hit the bear from that distance. We both got ready and I shot. The bearclaw ammo did its job. The bear dropped and did not move. To say that I was a little relieved would be an understatement. I know that it isn’t a Boone and Crockett bear, but the fur is incredible, and I think I earned this bear. I’m having a life size mount made of it. I can’t wait to get it!

Hunting Equipment
Binoculars and waders are the two most valuable pieces of equipment. Make sure that you have good quality in both. I used hit waders, but if I had to do it again, I would bring the light weight chest waders that you can place hiking boots over (sorry, not sure of the technical term for them).
A .416 is probably too much gun for this hunt, but it was the only adequate caliber I had with a synthetic stock. Synthetic stocks are important. I would not go to Alaska without one.

Other Game
We saw several moose and 1500 or so caribou. I had a tag, but really didn’t want to get side tracked with the caribou. In the end, I’m glad I did concentrate on the bear.

http://i568.photobucket.com/al...285.jpg?t=1251849218

Here's a picture of the bear.

Congrats on a great hunt! I love the color. Sounds like you earned him. If I get another crack at grizzly, I'm going to go Brooks Range because of those great color phases. Well done!

TRL, nice bear and great report on your experiences. The country is almost worth the trip and the nice color phased bear is certainly a plus.

Congrats. It sounds like you made the most of your opportunity.

Congratulations, that is a great looking bear.

Way to go. Congrats on a well earned bear.
I hope to do that someday.

10 Days in the Brooks and you only post one picture! Come on now, don't hold back.

Beauty of a bear.

StormsGSP:

I'm not much of a photographer. None of my pictures do the Brooks justice. It was a really hard hunt, but it was worth it. That is truely a wilderness. I wish I would have gone sheep hunting there 20 years ago!

Looks like a good bear. I believe the high arctic bears like the ones found in the brooks are some of the most beautiful in the world. What they lack in size is made up in the beauty of the hide and experience of the hunt.

I am amazed that more folks don't hunt these guys as a primary animal like you did. I think the Caribou/Griz hunt is one of the best experiences in the Brooks.

Congratulations on an exceptional life experience and wonderful trophy. The Brooks is the best.

Thank you for the report.

I must have a crack at those bears one day.


Regards,

GH

congrats - beautiful bear and sounds like a real adventure...

great bear and it sounds like a wonderful place to hunt!