Alaska Bear Hunting Gear List

alaska-bear-hunting-gear-listDownload our PDF Gear List Here. 

Thank you for choosing us for your Alaskan Adventure. Here is a brief list of suggested items to bring with you.

We will be hunting in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, and also the wettest. Proper gear is crucial to making your trip as enjoyable as possible. Some gear can be brought with you, or you can purchase most of what you will need in Alaska. Layering is very important, as we will spend a lot of time sitting in skiffs and on beaches glassing for trophies. Expect temperatures from the mid 30’s to the low 60’s.

I typically wear polypro long johns top and bottom, lite fleece pants, fleece sweater or jacket depending on temperature, Simms G4 guide waders and a rubber raincoat. Days I chose not to wear waders (rare) I wear wool socks and insulated XTRATUF brand rubber boots. This allows me to be warm while sitting in the boat, and shed layers if needed on a stalk.

I recommend warm layers of comfortable clothes; wool and fleece are recommended as well as baseball cap and stocking cap and warm waterproof gloves as well as comfortable shoes for relaxing on boat.

Please Bring:

  • Rubber Rain Gear-
    • Rubber raingear is the best as gortex outer layers get wet easy and don’t dry as fast.
    • Waders- I have recently started to wear chest waders instead of rain pants and rubber boots. The new Simms are amazing, will keep you dry on any stalk as well as while getting in and out of the skiff. Go to www.simmsfishing.com and check them out. I wear the G4Z chest waders, but any of the Gore-Tex breathable waders (Simms or Cabelas), waist high or chest are more than adequate. Look at the Headwater Boot to wear over the waders, but not felt, Alaska has outlawed the use of felt soles.

Please let me know if you have questions on waders, I would not bring neoprene or clunky boot foot waders! They will make you miserable.

NOTE- You do not have to by the G4Z, they are very expensive, but really nice. If looking for more affordable option look at the Headwater Series.

Alaska Bear Hunting Gear that you will also need:

  • Good binoculars with lens covers.
  • Camera, digitals are great and there is 110v for charging batteries.
  • Headlamp
  • Waterproof Daypack.
  • Ball Cap and Stocking Cap.
  • Warm waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes for relaxing on boat.
  • Personal Toiletries, including sunscreen and sunglasses (when it is sunny it is easy to get burned being on the water all day).
  • Scoped rifle, two boxes of shells 180 grain or better, scope covers and dry rag or chamois for cleaning scope. Average shot is 150 yards or less, but maybe out to 200 yards.

WE REQUIRE A MINUMUM CALIBER OF .338 ON BROWN BEAR AND .300 ON BLACK BEAR. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM, WE CAN SUPPLY AN ADEQUATE RIFLE.

ALASKA LAW DICTATES THAT A WOUNDED BEAR IS A TAGGED BEAR. BE SURE OF YOUR RIFLE AND THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE SHOOTING TO 200 YARDS.

Archery Hunters- The state of Alaska requires the following minimums-

Your bow is at least:

  • 40 pounds peak draw weight when hunting black-tailed deer, wolf or black bear.
  • 50 pounds peak draw weight when hunting mountain goat, brown bear.
  • The arrow is at least 20 inches in over- all length, tipped with a broad head, and at least 300 grains in total weight and the broad head is a fixed, replaceable or mechanical/retractable blade type and not barbed.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOUR BOW BE A MINIMUM OF 70 LBS FOR ANY BEAR HUNT. ALASKA STATE LAW DICTATES THAT A WOUNDED BEAR IS A TAGGED BEAR, SO BE SURE OF YOUR BOW AND THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH SHOTS TO 40 YARDS.

Items Available for Purchase or Rent Aboard the Vessel-

At this time we cannot supply hard alcohol or spirits, but you are welcome to bring you own along.

Rifles/Shotguns- We will have a variety of firearms aboard the vessel available for rent. Fees are $25 per day of use. This fee includes ammunition for rifles, shot gun shells will be charged separate. Please let us know in advance if you plan to rent a rifle or shotgun to insure we have enough on board.

Gifts/Accessories- We also have a variety of other merchandise available aboard the vessel including hats, shirts, raincoats and fleeces. They make a great gift or take on home for yourself!

We accept most major credit card, checks or cash aboard the vessel.