Alaska Hunting Guides

Choosing a Hunting Guide

If you're not a resident of Alaska, you don't have a second-kindred family member who is a resident of Alaska, and you want to hunt bear, Dall sheep, or mountain goat, by law, you will have to secure the services of a licensed Alaska guide service. If you're not a U.S. citizen, and you want to hunt big game of any kind, you will have to secure the services of a guide. Even if you aren't legally required to be accompanied by a registered guide, it's not a bad idea, considering the cost of getting to Alaska, the unpredictability of the weather, and the inherent dangers of wilderness terrain.

Alaska Professional Hunter's Association maintains a list of its members, color-coded by master and register guides: http://www.alaskaprohunter.org/professionalmembers.htm

Most experienced Alaskan hunters recommend a hunting trip of at least five days in order to be successful. This isn't a quick weekend activity. A typical price range is from $8,000 for a five-day caribou hunt to $15,000 for a 10-day hunt for Kodiak brown bear. Airfare to Alaska and all permits and licenses are in addition to these prices, which cover meals, equipment, travel to the field, meat/trophy care, and the cost of the guide.

It's important to make sure your guide is registered, in order to comply with the law, and for peace of mind in knowing that the person you may come to depend on has been vetted by the state of Alaska.

You may obtain a list of registered guides and transporters for $5.00 from:

Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Big Game Commercial Services
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0806
Telephone: (907) 465-2543

Wild Game Meat >>>