In the planning stages of a spring black bear hunt, preferrably boat based but this is not a neccessity. Really looking for outfitter/guide suggestions that would offer a quality enjoyable hunt with a very good chance at a large black bear(7ft range). I went last year, and had an enjoyable time, despite not taking a bear. The outfit I went with is still in consideration, but looking for other options, don't want to hit 2 completed black bear hunts with no success, so just looking to see what else is offered out there. I had also considered a inland grizzly hunt if not too much more expensive if anyone knows of a reasonably priced outfitter, just don't want to spend 15k on a coastal brown right at the moment.

Thanks for any suggestions/advice

PM sent.

For boat based I have had great hunts with Brad Dennison of Alaska Coastal outfitters out of Sitka. One of the best outfits I've been with.

jcarr,

I hunted with Bill Stevenson of Alaska Outfitters a few years ago for Interior Grizzly. The hunt was everything and more that he said it would be. I am sure he also does black bear hunts also. You can contact him @ 907-232-8115

Good luck

Tom

I've hunted three or four times with Baranof Expeditions out of Sitka, and namely, James Boyce. I took a great brown bear with Jim in May 2007 and have hunted wolf and black since then in the spring and fall. They have two 34 foot aluminum boats for hunting all of the coves and inlets and they are extremely professional, experienced and dedicated to providing a great hunt. It is a fair chase hunt, so you are subject to weather, game movement and luck, but that is hunting. You fly to Sitka and take a float plane from there, usually. There are other good outfitters, but some are not. You need to be vigilant and good luck.

http://www.baranofexpeditionsllc.com/

To hunt black bears in Units 1,2 and 3 they are now draw permits for non-residents. So if you plan on hunting better put in the draw deadline is 31 December.

jcarr/ PM sent