I am thinking of planning a hunt in Alaska. I have never been there , nor has the Mrs.I was wondering about how much would a week long hunt for moose or brown bear cost? Also what a good length of time to visit the state would be? If I had a weeks hunt should we come up a week or two early? Are these hunts welcome to a non-hunting companion? I dash off to hte west for a hunt and she is glad to see me go, however I think she would love to accompnay me to Alaska. Biggest rifle I have is a 300win, Do I need to get something bigger to go? Thanks

chain,

See the last part of my hunt report here - https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8521043/m/141109626. It's still on the first page down below.

First, the cost/logistics is prohibative for non-hunting companions. This is not Africa with lodges, side trips, gourmet meals, and en suite toilets; this is small tents, freeze dried food, going where there may not even be any bushes, and the growing odor of F.A.B (Feet, @ss, and b@lls) after a few days without a shower. That doesn't count the extra bush plane flight if it's a Super Cub sized plane.

However, that should not prevent your wife from visiting with you. Just have her either fly home early, if you decide to tour around before the hunt, or fly in after your hunt. My hunting partner's girlfriend flew up after our hunt was over. You'll never regret the wife going along - and neither will she. If you kill anything, there are places in Anchorage that will keep your meat and cape for just a few dollars a day - then your stuff will be well frozen for the trip home.

The break point is 15 September - the "official" close of tourist season. You won't find as many tourist traps open, but you will find much lower rates on rental cars, hotels, etc. Tip of the week - the Motel 6 in Anchorage is nicer than many than I've been in. Downtown Anchorage is worth a day, but be advised that the prices aren't cheap on trinkets. Eat a halibut sandwich at the White Spot cafe' - just follow the direction of the "sandwich lady" or there'll be "no sandwich for you" - best halibut sandwich in Alaska.

I'm planning on taking my wife up there on a tourist trip this year or next and flowing somewhat the same route as my hunting partner and I took. Rental car travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks (this time north to the Yukon River) then back south and east before heading back to Anchorage. Please schedule a week for this trip to give plenty of time for stops. I found the best prices for furs in Fairbanks. You might also consider a day of guided salmon fishing down toward Kenai or halibut out of Seward or Homer.

Afterward, you can start planning your "next" trip.

For a brown bear hunt you'd be legally required to use a guide, and I don't know who, but I'd think you could find one to accomodate your missus quite nicely. The .300 is very good for moose and adequate for bears, but if you felt so inclined you could go a little larger in something stainless/ synthetic. I think the .338 is widely considered good bear medicine. If I were to hunt moose with a .300 I'd load 180 or 200 g Barnes TSX and be prepared to sharpen my skinning knife.

...........Of course you need a better rifle than the 300 .,., #1 recomendation is the 375 Ruger Alaskan ......# 2 would be a 338 win mag , Ruger Hawkeye .......But the 375 Ruger with 270 gr factory loads or a 200-270 gr hand load is the perfect all around Alaskan rifle .....

depends on the wife - mine loves it in alaska - in fact we're going back up in june fishing. sicker shock on prices there if you are really green on going to alaska. Base price on a moose hunting is probably going to plus or minus 10000, brown bear 15000 add airfare & a couple grand for wife. then add 500 or so for hotel/food in and out.

chain,

Butchloc is a client of mine and not to be trusted but his info is pretty close. A good moose hunt with an expectation of high 50's low '60's and 100% shooting opportunity is $11,000-$13,000. A brown bear $14,000-$16,000 with expectation of around 8.5'-9' and again 100% shooting opportunity. Your wife's fee as an observer would be negotiable.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by chain:
I am thinking of planning a hunt in Alaska. I have never been there , nor has the Mrs.I was wondering about how much would a week long hunt for moose or brown bear cost? Also what a good length of time to visit the state would be? If I had a weeks hunt should we come up a week or two early? Are these hunts welcome to a non-hunting companion? I dash off to hte west for a hunt and she is glad to see me go, however I think she would love to accompnay me to Alaska. Biggest rifle I have is a 300win, Do I need to get something bigger to go? Thanks

I brought my wife here on vacation in "95" 6mo later we lived here!! Your 300wm W/220g will be fine

I hope I'm not raining on anyone's parade, but the prices quoted above are for guided hunts. Do It Yourself (DIY) hunts can be much cheaper - I do suggest a hunting partner. Most transporters quote everything according to 2 hunters on a per person basis. It's also unwise to tackle Alaska alone.

Non-residents must have a guide for Dall sheep, mountain goats, muskox(?), and brown/grizzly bears. You do not have to have a guide for caribou, moose, black bear, black-tailed deer, or for small game/birds. You must familiarize yourself with the convoluted Alaskan Game & Fish regulations.

I would suggest a caribou hunt to start or a black bear hunt, then if you like it, take on something more challenging. I think caribou makes for the best odds of hunting success. If you can fit one into your weight limit, a lightweight shotgun will put some ptarmigan in your bag along the way.

Two transporters that I would trust (I used one) arePa Pa Bear and Renfro's out of Bethel. Renfro's is also a guide service and has, in my opinion, some of the best prices on brown/grizzly hunts.

A good book to start on is Hunting Hard in Alaska by Marc Taylor. You'll also want to get an Alaska Atlas and Gazetteer

I appreciate all the info. I was just thinking I should get my ass to Alaske before I am too old. I am guess maybe 2010-11 I might have to take the plunge. Thanks Guys