Hunter’s Choice Brown Bear Hunt Permit:

The winner will choose ONE of the following brown bear hunt permits: Afognak Island all zones brown bear (SB161-163), Unimak Island brown bear (SB377) or Chugach Mountains brown bear (SB470).

Legal animal: Any bear except cubs or a female accompanied by cubs.

Afognak Island (SB161-163) Season Dates: October 25, 2024-November 30, 2024

Unimak Island (SB377) Season Dates: October 1-December 31, 2024, or May 10-31, 2025

Chugach Mountains (SB470) Season Dates: September 1, 2024- May 31, 2025

Afognak Island Brown Bear Hunt (SB161-163):

Neighboring famous Kodiak Island, Afognak Island produces some very respectable brown bears. You can hunt all zones of Afognak Island, Marmot Island, Shuyak Island, and Raspberry Island. Build the hunt you want with the options of fly-in, boat-based, or lodge-based.

Unimak Island Brown Bear Hunt (SB377):

Unimak Island offers some of the most amazing brown bear hunting in the state. It’s not uncommon to harvest a 10+ foot bear there. You are likely to see over 15 different bears per day. Fall hunts are focused around areas where the bears are harvesting salmon. Spring hunts are usually beach based, since dead gray whales often wash up due to killer whale predation nearby.

Regardless of season, you will have to fly to Cold Bay and likely pay for guide or transporter services to get to the hunt zone. *Due to its location, this hunt can get quite expensive (>$20,000), especially if a nonresident guide is required*.

Chugach Mountains Brown Bear Hunt (SB470):

If you’re looking for a less remote and expensive brown bear hunt, the Chugach Mountains can provide just that. Located in Anchorage’s backyard, the Chugach Mountains host many brown bears, some of which are over 8+ feet.  This is a great local hunt with low pressure and a very long season.

Note: Non-resident hunters are required to have a guide or must be accompanied by a resident relative 19 years or older within second-degree of kindred. A GUIDE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIZE SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

**WAITING REQUIREMENTS FOR BROWN BEAR HARVEST ARE WAIVED FOR PERMITS WITHIN THIS PROGRAM. IF YOU HARVESTED A BEAR ON UNIMAK IN 2023, YOU ARE STILL ELIGIBLE TO WIN THIS GOVERNOR’S PERMIT AND HARVEST A BEAR IN 2024**