2026 SE Alaska Spring Bear Hunt

[Rack Daniels]

Oh my Lord how incredibly exciting! That is badass man I’m excited for you and your boy, Jon!!!! Will, you too buddy!!!! DANG Alaska is absolutely on my bucket list even if to just be a packgrunt for someone else

This will absolutely be my favorite thread of 2025-26, I wish both of you guys luck and I look forward to photos!

 

[Schutzhund]

I’ve decided to book a week at one of the lodges. Is there a better time of the season to hunt? I have noticed watching videos on YouTube that many times the bears are rubbed out. Does this happen later in the season?

Does your lodge come with access to a skiff to cruise around on?

 

[Southern Elk]

Does your lodge come with access to a skiff to cruise around on?

I don’t think so. I’m going to make some calls, but most of the websites say lodging and a truck are included.

 

[Schutzhund]

I don’t think so. I’m going to make some calls, but most of the websites say lodging and a truck are included.

I will be doing it similar to you. I'm staying with a friend who lives there but doesn't own a boat. He seems pretty confident about getting me into bears via truck/day hikes. He is going to arrange a boat for a couple days but plans on driving places we can hike in for the day.

 

[LCH]

First Black Bear

I truly enjoy bear hunting, despite previous failures to punch a tag. I've done two spring hunts in Montana now and was in good ground with lots of sign both times, but only had one fleeting opportunity during that period which I was forced to pass on. I also added a CA bear tag to a Columbia...

www.hunttalk.com

 

[Southern Elk]

Thought I’d post a bit of an update. I booked us a cabin at a lodge. We will have access to a truck and a skiff. My biggest concern is that we have to go in June. I’m interested in hearing any info about hunting late season. It’s my understanding that the bears move off the beaches, so having the truck could be key.

We will also do some fishing, which is equally as exciting as the bear hunting. I would love to hear any tips on fishing, both rivers/streams and from the skiff on salt water.

 

[44hunter45]

Following

I have this tag too. Trying to decide if its going to be a truck hunt or a boat hunt. I'm kind of itching to take Red Green on the Stikine out of Bellingham for a two week knockabout.

I'm following the Sitka Blacktail FB page and outsider hate is on the upswing. For those unaware, there is a proposal to make all of Unit 2 subsistence only all year. This applies to Blacktails only.
From previous trips I've learned to stop wearing camo everywhere I go on the island. I put it on at the trailhead.

No faster way to get panhandled at the Klawock liquor store than be wearing Sikta Gear.

 

[Movemonger]

My son and I were lucky enough to draw Unit 2 (Prince of Wales) black bear tags for the spring of 2026. Having never done this, I’m looking for tips from those who have.

My preference would be to stay at a lodge or cabin and hunt from there. Is this feasible? Should I be looking into a float plane to get somewhere more remote?

Some of the lodges offer a truck with their hunting packages. Would having a truck even help on a bear hunt? All of the videos that I’ve seen show hunting from boats? Where’s a good place to rent boats?

We would love to do some fishing in our down time. Any tips on fishing methods, tackle, species, ect.

If there are specifics that you don’t want to discuss on an open forum, please PM me. It seems like I have a ton of time to plan, but I’m sure things book up fast.

I haven't read entirely through this string so some may have already been said. I've tented and had a cabin the times I've been there and was thankful the time I had the cabin. It rained all 9 days there. I've flown and taken the ferry. Ferry definitely cheaper. I would highly recommend a set of waders and wading boots. Lots of guides on the Island that have everything you need to fish if not there's a great Sporting Goods store in Craig. Make sure you get all of your licenses and tags. If you forget something the F&G is across the street from the grocery store and are very accommodating. Also a good pizza joint in the same mall. If you fly into POW the air carrier will (or did) have freezer use. If not you better secure freezer space before you go. Also get a list of names and numbers of people that will lock your hide and skull.
Speaking of calling, POW has terrible cell service. I went to AT&T and got a one month plan.

Oh, and there are bears everywhere so be selective.

 

[44hunter45]

Look for me if you are there in May or June.

Make sure you go to The Dockside Cafe in Craig at least once for breakfast.

POW threw out Verizon. It's ATT or nothing now. I've had coverage most places on the road system