2025 Season Hunters
2025 marked our 30th year of guiding hunters under our Federal Use Permit and we are proud of that accomplishment! We have seen a lot of changes over the years and have learned to adapt and roll with the punches. With the low numbers of Sheep across the State, there has been an increase in hunting pressure on Mountain Goats and we are feeling it. Despite that, we were 100% on our Mountain Goats this last fall although one was hit and not recovered. We are expanding into new areas to get away from some of the pressure which is both exciting and challenging at the same time. No matter what, it is an adventure for everyone.
Our Brown Bears continue to improve, but the Black Bears continue to struggle. We are not sure why this is, but all game populations fluctuate between abundance and scarcity. Unfortunately Alaska seems to be closer to the scarce end of the spectrum on many game populations, and a lot of working groups are trying to find answers. The State did implement some intensive predator management on the calving grounds of the Mulchatna caribou herd and hopefully it will help them recover. I guided hunters on this herd in the early 1990’s and there were caribou everywhere with hunters being able to take 2 bulls. On a side note, I was able to accompany my 10 year old Grandson, Zeph on his first caribou hunt along with his Dad, Jacob. He drew a very coveted youth caribou tag (30 tags for 4572 applicants) and we headed north of Fairbanks for the August 1 opener. He shot a very nice bull on the first day and we saw tons of caribou.
The State did reauthorize the non-resident moose hunt in our Bering River area, so that opportunity is available after being closed for 8 years. Please get back to me if you are interested in applying. The deadline is December 15. There is also a proposal before the Board of Game in March to make goat hunts a drawing for non-residents in much of our goat country, which would be devastating for your opportunity and our business. The proposal is very broad without much justification, and I will be adamantly arguing against it. If passed it would not implement until 2027.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone who came up and hunted with us and also give a big shout out to our incredible crew! We could not do any of this without the fantastic team that works for us!
