first time bear hunter
 

Hey guys,

I am a first time bear hunter, in fact a first time hunter. I have a bear hunt scheduled for May 16 in Alaska. I have always wanted to go hunting and this trip came up and couldn't resist for the price.

Now, I do not know what I need for the trip. I was hoping people could help me put a complete list of gear needed. Any help is greatly appreciated and assume I have nothing (including underwear.....wait I think I just started the list.....underwear - check :woot:)

A gun might be nice!!! first off what is the outfitter going to provide??? you might just have to bring gun, clothes and lots of money!!!!!

If you are serious...most folks start preparing for a hunt of this nature literally years in advance...
A well sighted in rifle, as previously mentioned, would be first, with quality glass on it, and appropriate ammo. A guide might be able to help you with this, if you dont have one. Start talking to him now, not in a week or two! Will you need a sleeping bag?
Next, what are the extremes of weather you are going to run into? A down sweater is a good idea, they pack very small. Most likely a couple pairs of synthetic long underwear (NEVER COTTON!). A pair of waterproof boots appropriate for the climate...well broken in, without exception, with several pairs of appropriatly fitting cold weather socks (NEVER COTTON). A quality goretex rain suit, top, bottom and hat, which you will probably live in. A good quality bug suit, probably a Thermocell bug repeller with refills. A good qualiity day pack with your essentials, (canteen, first aid kit, snacks, firestarter matereials, spare ammo, etc.) A good quality knife. Spare eyeglasses and medications, if you need them. A very good quality solid walled gun case.
In your pockets: quality folding knife, dependable lighter and firestarter, and a good quality compass. GPS goes in your bag if you have one, but the compass and knowing how to use it is more fail safe. Many details for clothing, but your guide is your best recourse. of course, you have your list of outfitter references you contacted also, who can fill you in.
Do you have your hunter safety class done? Most states and Canadian provinces require proof of one.

I figured I would hear rifle - I am very comfortable with shooting and am looking to borrow a rifle or purchase one, leaning towards the Remington 770 in 30-06. I am not going with an outfitter, but we are staying in a lodge at Baker Point, Alaska and renting a boat to go to the island for the hunt. I have been researching the following and will be purchasing soon:

-Rubber boots
-gore-tex jacket and pants (miltary surplus)
-rifle :fighting0007:
-backpacks
-Satellite phone
-knife

I will be putting together a survival kit including firestarting equipment, first-aid kit, compass, and bug spray.

I have my hunting license purchased and per Alaska website hunter's safety course is not required.

Anything else I might need or should think about?

You indicated "we" will be staying at a lodge. Are others in the party experienced hunters? You will need to know what to do with an animal once you have killed it. Are you hunting over baits, spot and stalk...? Read everything you can come across related to bear hunting and hunting in Alaska.

It was already meantioned, but a clean pair of dry socks really make your feet feel better.

Yes, the guy putting the trip together is very experienced. We will be spot and stalking.

And I will make sure I have some good quality socks. The lodge had laundry so I do not need to over-pack, which is good since I have a 240lbs limit on the way in and I weight 180, guess no more weight lifting :s4:

I assume your experienced hunter has done this type of hunt before? He should be your best source for what to bring.

Brown or grizzly?

#1 rule.....Don't get eaten. They get pissed when you shoot them.

We will be shooting black bear, and I have no intention of being eaten. I do not have to out run the bear, just the slowest guy in the group :)

Oh ok. Most hunters go to Alaska for big bear.

We would love to go big bear, but the Tags are quite expensive for them and we are trying to do the trip on the cheaper side. This trip was a little last minute because we got a great deal on airfare and lodging. Who knows what will happen when we get up there, might just have to pay the extra money for a big bear!!!!

I shot my first black bear a couple years ago on a DIY hunt, very fun and exciting. The meat is very good if you clean it up good and prepare it right. Actually, it is some of the best I've had. Good luck.

I moved to AK last summer and although I haven't been able to hunt up here yet, I've been doing my own research and figured I'd pass along some of the things I've learned. You mentioned that you are going with someone with much more experience, my first comment is to talk to him/her and ask all of your questions. He/she will be able to give you some of the best advice.

• If you haven't already bought a rifle for the hunt, consider the stainless/synthetic option as saltwater will absolutely ruin/rust the finish on a blued barrel. In the least, have an oily rag to wipe the barrel down frequently to minimize damage.
• You didn't say what region you were hunting in, but read the regulation book regarding meat salvage, flying, and boating. Different areas have different salvage requirements; you are not allowed to hunt the same day you fly in at all; and the rules regard shooting from a boat vary by region, especially in the southeast. Knowing the regs beforehand can save you trouble down the road.
• A guide is required to hunt brown/grizzly bears if you are a non-resident (plus most coastal hunts are by lottery), so you won't be able to hunt them on your trip.
• Expect to encounter a lot of rain, so waterproof gear is a must. Look into waterproof bags and duffles ("Sea to Summit" is a good starting place), especially to keep stuff dry in your boat.
• Pay attention to high/low tides. The tide shift is huge in SE AK and you could end up with a beached boat for many hours waiting for the tide to return.
• If you are hoping to mount your bear, talk to your taxidermist before the trip to fully understand what he needs/expects to be done with the hide to ensure a quality mount. Although I've never used one, many people rave about the Havalon Pirhanta knife for skinning/caping. Also inquire with your experienced friend regarding sealing/shipping of the hide.
• Reqarding gear, you've already said rubber boots and waterproof outer garmets, so that is good. Weather can change fast, so be prepared to adjust accordingly. I prefer layering in fleece as it is quiet, warm, and quick drying.
• Unless you are going to be doing a lot of remote hunts in the future, purchasing a satellite phone is probably a little over the top. If you truly feel you need one, I would suggest renting one for you trip, it will be much cheaper that way. The boat you are renting may already come with some sort of emergency beacon.
• First aid/survival kits should be catered to your individual needs, there are some good recommendations already listed.

That's probably more than you were looking for, but hopefully it helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
-Steven

This is all very helpful thanks!!!!