Kodiak Island, Alaska has everything you need to know right in the name. There are Kodiak bears found across the island. Kodiak bears are a unique sub species of grizzly bear that live exclusively on Kodiak Island. The bears found on Kodiak Island are similar to Grizzlies found on the mainland of Alaska, however Kodiak brown bears are unique in that they reach enormous size due to their secluded lifestyle. Due to their large size and uniqueness, Kodiak brown bears are a targeted trophy for hunters around the world. Thankfully, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game offers yearly permits for Kodiak brown bear hunts on Kodiak Island.
How do I book a Kodiak Island, Alaska Bear Hunt?
In order to book a Kodiak Island brown bear hunt/trip, the first thing you need to do is read all the information found here. This information will get you started on all the different permits, guide information, cost, and general information about Kodiak brown bear hunting. Make sure to read all of the information found on this page because the bottom includes very important information about bear sealing.
Are there special requirements/permits needed to book a Kodiak Island, Alaska Bear Hunt?
Yes. “To hunt Kodiak brown bears you need a valid Alaska hunting license, a Big Game Tag Record, a brown bear locking tag, and a registration and/or drawing permit for the area you plan to hunt. If you are not an Alaska resident, you also need proof that you will be guided by a registered guide, or a relative within the second degree of kindred. We strongly urge non-residents to make arrangements with a qualified big game guide prior to applying for any Kodiak bear hunts.”-ADFG. This is why we said it is best to read all the information written on the provided link.
How much does it cost for a Kodiak Island, Alaska Bear Hunt?
“Costs are dictated by the distance you are from your hunt area, how you plan to get there, what gear you need to purchase, and a variety of other factors unique to your situation. Here are some of the “fixed costs”:
Hunting license-
Alaska resident = $45
Nonresident = $160
Nonresident Alien = $630
Bear tag-
Alaska resident= $25
Nonresident (Alaska military) = $25
Nonresident= $1,000
Nonresident Alien= $1,300
Land use fees-
Public land = no charge
Private land = $200 – $1,200
Guide fees-
$10,000 – $22,000
Taxidermy fees-
$1,000 – $7,000
Access to hunt area-
Aircraft weight includes passengers and gear. Floatplane (varies by type of aircraft) 800lbs=~$400/hour, 1,200lbs=$500-$600/hour. Boat (daily rate) $500-$1200/person
How do I go about scheduling a Kodiak Island, Alaska Bear Hunt?
Nonresidents should contact one or several of the guides who are registered to hunt in the areas they wish to hunt prior to submitting a drawing hunt application. Individual guides are limited in the number of guide-client agreements they may submit per area and must be registered in the hunt area at the time of signing the agreement. Many of the hunt areas in the Kodiak Archipelago are within exclusive guide areas which may already be booked years in advance. Current information on guides is available here.
In conclusion, if you want to participate in a successful Kodiak brown bear hunt on Kodiak Island, Alaska, read and execute everything in the Kodiak Bear Hunting Guide from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. After getting all the necessary equipment, permits, and finding a guide that you want to use, you will know what area of Kodiak Island is best for your sleeping accommodations. It is best to book one of the hunting lodges, like Olga Creek Lodge, located around the island. However, Kodiak brown bear hunts are popular and lodges quickly fill up their vacancies when permits/tags are issued by the ADFG.