Guided & DIY black bear Hunts
Track massive black bears deep in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. With exceptionally high population numbers, you’ll frequently spot multiple bears from a single ridge line. This is a high-adrenaline, high-success hunt built for those who want a real backcountry adventure.
Duration
7 Days – Guided or DIY spike camp hunt.
Species
Alaskan Black Bear – High-density coastal and interior populations.
Difficulty
Moderate – Requires extreme patience and stealth over raw physical endurance.
Season
June & August – Prime spot-and-stalk and baiting windows.
hunt Overview & experience
This hunt is a fantastic opportunity to pursue one of Alaska’s most sought-after species: the Alaskan Black Bear. If taken seriously and executed in an educated and thoughtful manner, the trip can be an experience of a lifetime.
Our hunting area includes river corridors, active salmon runs, and open alpine ridges loaded with wild berries. Hunts primarily take place based out of our lodge in Iliamna or remote spike camps accessed by bush plane, with final camp locations determined through pre-season scouting.
Our hunting style is primarily spot-and-stalk, requiring hunters to use their eyes and binoculars to scan the environment for their target animal from a vantage point. Once the animal has been spotted, the hunter uses stealth and the natural terrain to get close enough for a successful shot. Baiting is also available with advance notice for June hunts.
Choose the experience that best fits your hunting style:
Fully Guided Hunt
Hunt alongside an experienced registered Alaskan guide who handles hunting strategy, field judging, camp operations, and trophy care while maximizing your opportunity for success.
DIY Drop Camp Hunt
Ideal for experienced hunters seeking a self-guided adventure. We’ll fly you into a remote area with high population numbers, provide essential camp logistics, then return for pickup at the conclusion of your hunt.
sEASONS & availability
Black bear hunts primarily take place during the first couple weeks of June and August, but they can be hunted successfully all season long. Both our Fully Guided and DIY Drop Camp hunts operate during these premier windows, with final camp locations selected based on current scouting and bear activity.
June & August Black Bear Hunts
June offers prime opportunities targeting bears on green hillsides or via active baiting setups, while August focuses heavily on river corridors during peak salmon runs. Hunters spend their days glassing, patterning, and spot-and-stalk hunting across diverse Alaskan terrains.
2026 / 2027
Contact us directly for current seasonal availability.
2028
What's Included
Fully Guided Hunt
Professional field guiding
Bush plane transportation to and from spike camp
Fully equipped spike camp accommodations
Daily meals, snacks, beverages, and cookware
Trophy care and field preparation
Meat retrieval assistance
Lodge accommodations during transition days
Bushwhack staff support throughout your hunt
DIY Drop Camp
Bush plane transportation to and from your hunting area
Fully outfitted spike camp with tents, cots, tarps, and camp equipment
Daily food allotment including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, cookware, and utensils
Camp fuel and essential supplies
Trophy and meat logistics assistance after your hunt
Lodge accommodations during transition days
not included
Fully Guided & DIY Hunts
Non-Resident Annual Hunting License ($160)
Non-Resident Black Bear Metal Locking Tag ($450)
Note: Black bear registration permits/harvest tickets are not required
Commercial airfare to and from Iliamna
Personal hunting gear, firearms, optics, and clothing
Trophy shipping and taxidermy services
Meat shipping from Iliamna to your final destination
Travel insurance (recommended)
Guide, pilot, and lodge staff gratuities
Logistics & Transport
Your hunt begins upon arrival in Iliamna, where a Bushwhack Adventures staff member meets you at the airport. Before heading into the field, you’ll stop at our 9,000-square-foot lodge on the north shore of Iliamna Lake to organize gear and verify licenses, tags, and paperwork. Any gear not needed in camp can be stored safely at the lodge.
From there, you’ll board a light bush aircraft for the 15 to 60-minute flight to your remote spike camp. Due to Alaska’s same-day airborne hunting regulations, hunting begins the following day.
Guided Hunts are conducted alongside an experienced Alaskan guide who manages camp operations and hunting strategy throughout your stay.
DIY Hunts place you in a fully outfitted spike camp, allowing you to hunt independently before returning to the lodge at the end of your adventure.
gear / preparation
We provide the camp infrastructure, food, and essential field equipment. Hunters are responsible for bringing their personal hunting gear, including a reliable rifle or legal archery equipment, quality optics, chest waders, waterproof clothing, and layered insulation suitable for Alaska’s unpredictable weather.
For DIY hunters, you are responsible for setting up and taking down your own spike camp and should arrive prepared to operate independently in the field
FAQS
Do I need to worry about bears?
No. Bears should be respected, but no client or employee has ever been injured or killed by a bear. Furthermore, no bear has ever needed to be shot in Defense of Life and Property (DLP). Unlike the bears in the American West, these bears are hunted and generally fear man. Enjoy seeing bears- you’re in one of the world’s last wildernesses.
What other animals can I shoot
Black bears, wolves, and wolverines can all be shot in addition to bears. Tags are required for each of these, except wolf. DO NOT shoot caribou, as there currently is no non-resident season.
Do I need a water filter?
Bringing a water filter is a personal choice. I don’t use one, and out of the thousands of hunting and fidhing clients who have drank water, only three have ever gotten sick. Drink from fast-moving water, not stagnant ponds and avoid beavers.
What is the best advice for the hunt?
Be quiet! Bears hear very well and are shy animals. Whisper with your hunting partner(s) the entire hunt.
Reserve Expedition
Choose between a fully guided Black Bear hunt or a self-guided DIY adventure in Alaska’s premier game territory.
Review current availability and reserve your hunt today.
GUIDED BASE PRICE
$8,500
DIY BASE PRICE
$5,000
Start Your Adventure
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you plan the right adventure.