Has anyone used Gardner Hunting? They offer Grizzly hunts in the Alaskan Range. Can anyone give me any information about hunting grizzly in the Alaskan range? How's the bear populations in that area of Alaska?

Is there a better area of Alaska for spring grizzly hunt? Prehaps the Brooks range or the
Talkeetna Mountains?

I'm just starting to look at a spring bear hunt so any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I have lived and worked at the foothills of the Alaska Range for the last 3 years and yes there are a lot of bears in the Alaska range, not all huge but there are definately some good ones out there. I would say that you have a better chance at a bigger bear in the Alaskas than in the Brooks, the Brooks bears are much smaller by average. Dont know what bear numbers are as far as the Talkeetnas go but I know that generally the further south in the state you go the bigger the bears get. I bear bait just north of the Alaska Range for black bears and have had some dandy grizz stroll into the baits, as you probably know its not legal to harvest griz on black bear baits so all we can do is watch them and there are some real biggins out there.I just did a quick search on Gardner hunting and although I dont know him, I have used the aircharter services he does(M&M charters, I live in Delta Junction) and those guys know these mountains in the Delta area very well , so I have no doubt they'll put you on griz, they fly into these areas regularly and know where bears are most dense. Good luck.

Alaskacub:

Thanks for the help. Any grizzly would be a good grizzly in my book. I've hunted mountain goat in Alaska a few years back (unsuccessful, really bad weather) and would really like to try hunting Alaska again. For someone from the lower 48, it's easy to get confused by all the different areas to hunt in the state, so your help is greatly appreciated. I'm not too worried about getting a record book bear. It would really be nice to hunt in an area were I would have a chance to see a couple bears during the hunt. I hunted in BC about 15 years ago for grizzly and spent 16 days (2 trips) before I saw a bear. I did get one,(female that squared about 7'6") but it was 16 hard days of hunting before we even saw one. I didn't mind the hard hunts, it made me even more greatful to get the grizzly, but it would be nice to see a few more on this trip.
Thanks again.