Just six months and a long awaited hunt will begin. Hunt is via ship/boat out of Sitka.

What is normal for the last week of May as to bear movement? I expect it to be weather dependent but what is "normal" activity for this time of year? Bear is expected to be between 8-9 ft, does this sound normal for the territory? What kind of fishing can be found in the area this time of year?

By the end of May, all the bears should be out and about. Earlier, around the end of April, the chances are better that any bear you see would be a boar.

I think you'd be a lucky dude if your shoot a nine footer. It happens, but I suspect 8 foot is much more likely.

Good luck!

I had to look a the regs again. It looks like you can hunt all the outside drainages until May 31. I'm used to a May 20 deadline.

If we have a winter like last year, the bears didn't really start coming out until the end of May. Beaches in Tenakee Inlet (Chicagof Is.) had 10 FEET of snow in April.

The outer coast is milder. I'd say you'll be hitting it during the tail end of Prime Time. BW could be right in that things may be a few week earlier on the outside. Not sure what he know about the Sitka area, tho.

Fishing in Sitka sucks! ha ha ha ha

Top 1 or 2 saltwater ports in all of Alaska - Craig is also pretty damn good also. You shouldn't have any problem catching some finfish and shellfish.

My Spring 07 Brown Bear Hunt outta Sitka

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3411043/m/842109476


https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8521043/m/632105576

just curious, whos your guide?

Mike thanks for the link to your hunt and the other on gear, etc. Looks like a great hunt you had.

I will be a happy camper on anything 8' or greater.

I am booked with Scott McLeod and already planning the trip. Seems like that is a lot of the fun in these excursions and of course getting to see the beautiful country outside the great state of Texas.

Thanks to all for sharing.

Hey MG,

I just saw this thread!! You will be living one of my dreams!! I look forward to your hunt report and photos. Our gang will be chasing black bears up in Canada at the same time.

Good Hunting,

Bob

Both my brwonie hunts started about May 10, the rut seeming to start about the 15th. Some hides were rubbed. An early spring might leave you with many hides rubbed that late in May. Suspect you will see lots of bear, some of which will be sow with cubs. Have a great hunt; it will be a lifetime of memories. May I suggest you consider gatting to Sitka 2 days in advance of your boat trip? Lots to see in Sitka; be sure to visit the Raptor Center. Stay in a B&B and get a chance to meet the residents. Alaskans are really great people/ Chaz

i think your gonna have a real good hunt

You should have a great hunt . The later the hunt the more bears you will see and boars are looking for sows that time of the season . Most big bears are taken the last couple weeks of May. Scott hunts the lower southeast side of Baranof for the late season excellant salmon fishing and you will not have any company. Eight foot bear should be the expectation.So far winter in Sitka has been mild snow at fifteen hundred feet.

Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge of the hunt/area. I am really looking forward to seeing the beautiful country and any bear over 8' will be a big plus for the trip.

I am thinking about taking a 35 Whelen w/250gr partitions, however just back from the range and they appear to be keyholing at 100 yards. If I can't get this problem solved may have to take the 375 H&H which I am certain is the hands down favorite in any event.

Muygrande,

Either the Whelen or the 375HH are obviously fine. I would shoot the one with the most nostaglia.

Some other gear things. I would buy an waterproof day pack stuff just gets wet. A bore snake is a useful item.