You will not find a big game outfitter with a finer reputation in Alaska! This outfitter produces some of the finest Alaskan brown bear hunts from their luxury yachts. Their new cabin is a wonderful addition to their already exceptional hunts. It is rare to have a cabin hunt for brown bear in Alaska, making this a high demand experience.
Each day of hunting begins on 16-18 ft skiffs where you will cruise the shoreline looking for brown bear. Bears in the spring come to the shore looking for food and love….often the rut kicks in during the month of May and hunters will see at least a few different boars paired up with sows, or traveling to look for a sow in heat. This can allow for access to boars that are otherwise more secretive.
Hunters arrive into Juneau, AK to catch a prearranged charter float plane for a 45 min flight to the Hidden Bay Retreat Cabin. They will be greeted by their guide and staff.
Hunts are 10 days in duration. At the conclusion of the hunt or upon harvesting your brown bear, the float plane can return for a pickup from the cabin to take you back to Juneau, Alaska.
Hunting
Spring Brown Bear Hunts:
The spring brown bear hunts usually span 10 days and can often be paired with a black bear hunt. The Southeast Alaska spring hunting season kicks off in mid-April and wraps up at the end of May. This period is an ideal time to experience Alaska, as the woods and waters come alive with flora and fauna awakening from their winter sleep, brimming with the renewed energy and growth that spring brings. During this time, bears emerge from their winter dens and head to beaches and grassy flats, searching for the various food sources that will sustain them throughout the season. A typical spring diet for a brown bear includes fresh plant growth, sedge grass, kelp, small crustaceans, and any carrion they can scavenge from the surf-tossed shores.
A spring hunting day is all about adventure without the stress. The laid-back vibe of the spring season, along with the long daylight hours, allows for a relaxed start to the day. Mornings begin with a satisfying breakfast, served between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., giving you time to soak in the serenity of Alaska’s grandeur. After breakfast, there’s time to rest and get ready for the day’s hunt. Lunch is usually packed to go, so you can take it with you as we head out into the field. In some cases, depending on the weather or other factors, we might enjoy lunch before setting out. The hunt usually begins between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., with the late afternoon and evening being the prime time to track the large bears, which are more active as night approaches. We often return after dark, between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, where a delicious dinner is served between midnight and 2:00 a.m.
Fall Brown Bear Hunts:
The fall brown bear hunts are typically 10 days of hunting in September and October, focusing on areas where salmon are spawning in the streams and rivers. These spawning grounds attract bears as they fatten up for winter hibernation, offering a unique and exhilarating hunting experience. Your base camp will be the cabin.
The hunting strategy involves trekking along the streams, glassing, and setting up near the fishing spots favored by the bears. This method of hunting allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Tongass old-growth rainforest, known locally by the Tlingit Indians as Kootznoowoo, or the Fortress of the Bears. Hunters should be prepared for two-mile hikes in chest waders through challenging terrain, including slippery, moss-covered rocks, logs, and uneven ground. Close-range encounters with bears are common, often requiring shots within 50 yards, so being well-practiced in various shooting positions—such as sitting, off-hand, and prone—is crucial.
The day kicks off with a hearty breakfast around 9:00 a.m. Depending on the weather, you’ll either take a packed lunch for the field or eat on board before heading out. Departure times usually range from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but if the weather is unfavorable, we may leave later in the afternoon. As large boars are more active towards dusk, the most productive hunting usually occurs in the late evening, continuing until the last light fades. After the hunt, you’ll return for a well-deserved dinner, typically served between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Travel Details & Location
You will fly into Juneau, AK where you will then take a 45min float plane ride to Hidden Bay.
Internet & Communications
There is spotty cell phone service and no internet service at the cabin.
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 90 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 90 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!
