Alaska Koyukuk Guides
10 Day Grizzly Hunt on Boat or Snowmobile
We hunt the Nulato Hills which is part of our home country. The rivers draining this area have some of the largest salmon runs in Northwest Alaska. This helps to grow very big bears. About 75% of our clients make the Boone & Crockett record list.
We have very high success during deep snow years with our April snowmobile hunt. We don't try to book this hunt unless favorable conditions arise. This hunt can be fairly strenuous as some snowshoeing(3-4 foot platform attached to boots in order to walk on top of the snow) is sometimes required for the final stalk. We hunt the Nulato hills in late August on a spot and stalk that has produced very big bear, with most making the Boone & Crockett record book minimum. This is a strenuous hunt. We climb up to 2,000 ft. to access spike camps placed strategically in resealable barrels in the hills. Grizzly can also be taken during fall moose hunt for trophy fee or added for mixed bag hunt. We also use river boats during May for combination Black/Grizzly Bear hunts. Unless special circumstances (that clientele request) prevail we do not book more than two hunters at a time for the same area.
Costs: April 10-20 $20,000
August 10-19, Aug. 21-30 and Sept. 1-10 Nulato hills spot and stalk $20,000
May 20-31 Boat Hunt $20,000. Trophy fees: Moose $8,000 during Sept. 5+ dates only with prior tag purchase $800
State of Alaska Hunting/Fishing License/Tag fees:
Hunting $225, Fishing $85, Grizzly $1,000, Black Bear $500, Wolf $30.
Alaska Professional Hunters conservation fee; $150
Equipment list for fall hunts:
Fall hunts for Moose and/or Grizzly are conducted out of open riverboats. The weather at this time can be freezing or close to it. Combined with the chill factor created by moving at moderate speeds produces winter-like conditions. Hunters must be prepared for very cold traveling at times. Most of the actual hunting is done by walking to likely habitat and calling or sitting for extended periods. So one must be able to add or remove layers as needed.
The first layer of long underwear should be poly or the lick for wicking (at least 2 pair) some include a liner sock in this category and a balaclava to cover the head and neck. 3 pair of heavy and 3 pair of medium socks. (Important if you have newer boots) Insulated Gore-Tex hunting boots. Wool or similer pants for quiet stalking. Please don't expect to stalk with cotton or nylon! Heavy wool or poly field shirt. At times you will be hiking with only these layers on, so they must be excellent quality. We still have not found any pants better than the old wool hunting pants. An insulated camo wool or fleece jacket. Some hunters from more southern climes have found it necessary to add an insulating layer of fleece pants for a third layer. The outer layer should be waterproof and large enough to fit comfortably over the other two or three layers. The camo parka with attached hood and bibs of Gore-Tex or similar material are critical to withstand the common wind, rain, or snow. An insulated 'musher' or 'Yazoo' type hat that straps under the chin or a baseball cap and fleece cap if you have the balaclava. Insulated Gore-Tex Gloves. Insulated hip boots.
Spring snowmobile hunts require the same basic gear with the added exception being a quality pair of pac-boots.
Other items needed are common things like a small flashlight and a headlamp. (Both) A katodyne water treatment bottle (nice when you can just add water from any creek or lake) and a simple water bottle.
Your day-pack must be large enought to add your extra clothing on top of your personal hunting items.
(Ammo, knife, camera, water, lunch, etc.)
Not unlike siting in your weapon, your gear should be fitted before your travels. It's surprising how many times hunters have shown up and tried their gear for the first time. Remember that there is no place to buy replacement equipment in Galena.
