Alaska Black & Glacier Blue Bear Hunts

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Black Bear and Glacier Blue Bear Hunting

The Glacier Blue Bear is one of the most unique and sought-after color phases of the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Found primarily in parts of Southeast Alaska, these rare bears are known for their distinctive coats that can range from silver and blue-gray to charcoal and black with shimmering silver-tipped guard hairs.

Because Glacier Blue Bears are classified as a color variation of the American black bear, they are a legal and highly sought-after Alaska hunting opportunity. They represent only a small percentage of legally harvested bears in Alaska, making an opportunity to pursue one a truly special experience.

Barela's Alaskan Outfitters is fortunate to operate in areas where hunters have the opportunity to pursue these rare bears in some of Southeast Alaska's most spectacular wilderness. Combined with our experienced guides and exclusive hunting areas, a Glacier Blue Bear hunt offers an adventure few hunters will ever experience.

Ranch Review and Outfitter Connection!

Ranked Barela's Alaskan Outfitters as one of Alaskan's BEST Outfitters!

Spring Bear Hunting runs from April 15th through June 30th. The gear you need for a Spring Bear Hunt whether it is a Black Bear or Brown Bear your hunting gear should include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm hat, ball cap, sunglasses, bug dope, long johns to layer up, wool sweater or similar, warm coat, wind proof coat, raincoat, rain pants, pair of socks for each day, hiking boots, camp shoes, Gortext chest waders, gloves, water bottle, hygiene care (personal stuff) medications, vitamins, sunscreen, hunting pants, hunting shirts, skinning knife, journal, book to read, weapon of choice rifle or bow, arrows, blunt/judo, sidearm if so desired, hunting license, bear tags, hunting regulations. During spring hunts for Brown Bears and Black Bears the temperatures can range from the mid 20 degrees up to 55 degrees with a 5-10 mph coastal breeze.

Spring Bear Hunting Gear List

Fall Bear Hunting Gear List ~ Alaska Bear Hunting Packages and Pricing

Fall Bear Hunting is September through November and generally your gear will be the same for a Brown Bear and Black Bear Hunts. Bug dope and heavier rain gear are a must. At the beginning of September temperatures are in the 40-to-50-degree range then cool in November down to 20-degrees range. May get a little colder; however, the wind will make it feel like it is in the teens, so a wind proof jacket is almost a must. Late October mittens are recommended and a few hand warmers to keep you comfortable on chilly days. It's common on Brown Bear hunts to only walk 50 yards and start glassing for bears with your chair and coffee in hand.

Hunting Licenses, Fees and Tags are not included in the package prices listed above. All hunters are required to purchase a Nonresident hunting license: $160.00. You will also be required to purchase a Nonresident Locking Brown Bear tag for $1,000.00 or a Nonresident Alien Locking Brown Bear tag for $1,300.00. Additional Big Game animals that can be added to your hunt include:

Mountain Goat Hunt
Alaskan Glacier Bear Hunt (April-May 15th only)
- The highlight of this hunting experience is that you are inside the living domain of the Glacier Bear. There is a very small topographical and ecosystem area where these unique and rare animals live. Barela’s Alaskan Outfitters has the legal ability to hunt them through a National Forest concession. A combination Glacier Bear Hunting trip is truly a hunt of a lifetime.
Wolves are huntable in the fall and in the spring, but the season ends April 30th. The locking tag is only $60.00. No charge if harvested, just tip your guide in the field for taking the time of calling it in, stalking and skinning.

Spring Black Bear Hunting

Ranked as one of the Top Alaskan Bear Hunting Destinations by Ranch Review and Outfitter Connection!

A Bear hunting trip with Barela Outfitters will be one of the most exciting and exhilarating hunting experiences you may ever experience. We offer you a hunting adventure so the weapon you choose whether it is a rifle or archery equipment. However, I do suggest you bring a rifle for yourself in case the bow does not work out. We want you to go home with what you came for. All our guides are archers themselves, so we have no judgement if a rifle or bow.

~ Very Limited number of Hunts!

The Glacier Blue Bear is one of the rarest types of bears on the planet, however, since they are technically classified as a subspecies of black bears, we are allowed to hunt them which are mainly found in parts of Southeast Alaska where we operate. The only estimate is the number of bears reported as killed by hunters, who have long sought the bears for their rare fur. According to Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game, 0.4% of all bears killed lawfully by hunters in Alaska are of the glacier variety. Glacier bears, also known as blue bears, are uncommon color variants of black bears (Ursus americanus) with fur that ranges from white to grey to black with silver-tipped guard hairs.

Black bears are animals that you can hunt anywhere in North America. What makes Alaskan Southeast, Prince William Sound and the North Pacific Gulf Coast Black Bears so different and sought after is the quality of their coats. These are by far some of the best Trophy Bear Hides found anywhere. The Trophy Black Bear genetics are fabulous, we average 6-to-7-foot Bears and occasionally see a 7 ½ to 8-footer.

Black Bear hunting starts April 15th through June 30th. It starts with your arrival in Cordova or Yakutat through Alaska Air. From there you are flown out to a spike camp. After breakfast you will take your lunch for the days hunt. It is important to make sure your backpack fits you well. You will also put your rain gear and extra clothes, so make sure it fits well and is large enough for your extra gear for the day. You and your hunting guide will hike to the area we have scouted for Black Bear hunting. Usually, these hikes are not more than one mile, but you still need to be in good physical condition.

We offer you a Black Bear hunting adventure. The weapon you choose whether it is a rifle or archery, we will run with what you choose.

All our guides are archers; we bring our rifles in case our bow doesn't work out, so I suggest you bring a rifle for yourself in case your bow does not work out. We want you to go home with what you came for!

Fall Black Bear Hunting

Fall Black Bear Hunting season begins September 1st until they den up in November. We offer combination hunts in the fall with mountain goats. Clients can purchase a Fall Black Bear tag to accompany their Mountain Goat hunt.

Bear Hunting Weapon Recommendations

It's important to Bear hunt with the right weapon. For all our Bear hunts I recommend a .300, .338, .375, or a .416 caliber. Most important is you choose a weapon you are MOST COMFORTABLE and PROFICIENT WITH. Shot placement is especially important when hunting dangerous game i.e. Brown or Black Bear. We try to get within 50-200 yards of your Bear and no further. You need a good quality, low power scope, in some situations we are relatively close to the target. If you are a bow hunter, then I suggest a draw weight no less than 65 pounds. When Bear Hunting with archery equipment we want you to have the heaviest arrow and broadhead combination as possible so you get the highest kinetic energy for deep penetration or pass through shots. Your shots on a mature Brown or Black Bear will be from ten to twenty-five yards.

Hunting Licenses, Fees and Tags are not included in the package prices listed above. All hunters are required to purchase a Nonresident hunting license: $160.00. You will also be required to purchase a Nonresident Locking Black Bear tag for $450 or a Nonresident Alien Locking Black Bear tag for $600.00 Additional Specific Big Game animals that can be added to your Black Bear hunt include:

Spring Black Bear Hunt Combination Glacier Bear Hunt (April-May 15th only)
Spring Black Bear Hunt with Spring Brown Bear Hunt
Fall Black Bear Hunt with Fall Mountain Goat Hunt
Wolves are huntable in the fall and in the spring, but the season ends April 30th. The locking tag is only $60.00