Vetted Outfitters
We’ve been on these hunts ourselves and they have our stamp of approval. If you're ready to plan your adventure, contact us for personalized packages.
At Outdoors International, we rigorously vet our outfitters through a multi-step process that includes in-depth background checks, on-site evaluations, verification of licenses and insurance, and references from past clients to ensure they meet our high standards for safety, ethics, and success rates. Annually, we require detailed reports from each outfitter covering operational updates, hunt statistics, and compliance with regulations, allowing us to maintain transparency and adapt partnerships as needed. Additionally, we collect post-hunt feedback directly from our clients via automated surveys sent immediately after their trips, aggregating this data to refine outfitter performance metrics and inform future recommendations—helping us build a data-driven business that minimizes risks and maximizes client satisfaction.
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Excellent Hunting Experience
At 70 years old I managed fine and my guide was superb and very thoughtful to make sure I was doing okay. I got a record book grizzly on the second day of the hunt. I highly recommend this hunt.
Kim Kutsch
/ OI Client
Fabulous Bear Hunt
This is a bear I am proud of and a great memory. I gave thanks for being allowed to take such a fine animal, and broke out a pint of Bulleit Bourbon to celebrate. The bear weighed about 800 pounds and squared 8 feet!
Manny Reichek
/ OI Client
The Heritage of Grizzly Bear Hunting
Man has been grizzly bear hunting for centuries, dating back to prehistoric times. It is part of our heritage as hunter-gatherers, where early humans relied on these powerful animals for food, tools, and survival. In North America, indigenous peoples like the Inuit and First Nations have long incorporated grizzly hunts into their cultural practices, viewing the bear as a symbol of strength and resilience. Today, regulated hunting continues this tradition while supporting conservation efforts through license fees and population management. By participating in these hunts, you're contributing to wildlife sustainability.
Understanding the Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears are actually a large subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos), distinguished primarily by their inland habitats north of the 60th parallel in Alaska. Coastal brown bears, often larger due to protein-rich diets from salmon and marine life, differ from the more aggressive inland grizzlies that forage for berries, roots, and smaller prey. Adult males can weigh 400-1,500 pounds, with shoulder humps, long claws, and thick fur adapted to harsh climates. One of the most popular big game species in North America, grizzly bear hunting can be dangerous due to their speed (up to 35 mph) and protective instincts. Knowing these traits isn't just educational—it's practical for selecting gear and tactics that minimize risks and maximize success rates.
Prime Hunting Locations
Whether you’re looking to go inland grizzly hunting in Alaska, hunt mountain grizzlies in the Yukon, barren ground grizzly bears in Nunavut, or Arctic grizzly in the Brooks Range, we have the hunt for you. Alaska stands out as the premier destination, with remote, rugged landscapes offering high bear densities—especially in the Alaska Peninsula and Wrangell Mountains. Yukon's mountainous terrain provides spot-and-stalk opportunities for trophy boars, while Nunavut's barren grounds in the Northwest Territories emphasize endurance in vast, open tundras. For Arctic pursuits, the Brooks Range delivers extreme adventures with potential for combo hunts including caribou, reindeer or wolves. We recommend starting with Alaska for non-residents, as it requires licensed guides, ensuring compliance and safety.
Seasons, Methods, and Regulations
Grizzly hunts typically span spring (April-May) and fall, with spring focusing on post-hibernation boars emerging in higher elevations, and fall targeting bears fattening on salmon runs or berry fields for better fur quality. Methods include spot-and-stalk (climbing ridges to glass for tracks across snowfields), baited hunts (legal in parts of Alaska and Canada, more affordable than fly-in options), and boat-based spotting in coastal areas. Hunts last 10-15 days, covering up to 15 miles daily, so physical prep is non-negotiable—aim for cardio and strength training 3-6 months out.
Regulations vary: Non-residents in Alaska and Canada must hire licensed outfitters (except close relatives in Alaska). Grizzly hunting is prohibited in the Lower 48 (e.g., Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem) due to endangered status, but Alaska offers nearly 100% opportunity rates in guided hunts. Always check ADF&G or local wildlife agencies for permits, bag limits, and bear ID courses to avoid grizzly-black bear mix-ups.
Safety Tips and Preparation
Safety is paramount—bears are unpredictable. Stay calm in encounters: Back away slowly with deterrent ready (firearm, bear spray). Avoid approaching feeding bears, and store meat properly to prevent attractants. For hunts, pack essentials like binoculars for glassing, scent control gear, and a reliable rifle (e.g., .300 Win Mag). Bear hunting is 90% patience and 10% excitement, so mental prep matters.
Featured Podcast: Insights from the Field
Dive deeper with our Live Like You Mean It Podcast episode: "All Grizzly Bears Are Brown Bears, But Not All Brown Bears Are Grizzly Bears." Hosted by Cory Glauner with guest Kyle, we break down subspecies differences—grizzlies as inland aggressors vs. coastal browns—plus real stories from Alaska (e.g., 8-ft boars on backpack hunts) and Russia (10-ft+ trophies). Tips include spring rut hunts for aggressive bears, baiting for archery, and combo options.
Why Choose Our Hunts?
Our trips prioritize success, safety, and value. With near-100% opportunity in Alaska and affordable baited options, we handle logistics so you don't. Russia adds exotic appeal for top trophies at lower costs.
Ready to book? Contact us for customized itineraries.
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It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!
Tyler Kirk
/ OI Draw Winner
I couldn't believe we won!
We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.
Brandon Ball
/ OI Draw Winner
I'm so grateful for the opportunity!
Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.
Brye Mangum
/ OI Draw Winner
My most memorable and rewarding experience.
This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.
Dason Lasater
/ OI Draw Winner
I didn't think an experience like this was possible.
This trip, was, for me at least not just a trip, for me it was a real adventure, a real experience. I love the wilderness and this trip afforded me the opportunity to connect with the Alaskan wilderness in ways very few people do. It was an experience I will never forgot in a place I can’t wait to get back to.
Oliver Fischer
The outfitter handled everything perfectly.
We were thankful that Outdoors International hooked us up with a great outfitter because they were able to find us an acceptable alternate on short notice. Overall the two year process to get this float in was seamless and worry free. Just like it should be.
Thank you,
Stan Masneri
What an amazing experience!
The lodge was out of this world! Our rooms, the delicious food, the incredible wildlife and the scenery were amazing. Our photo safari guide was truly exceptional and had us on animals almost constantly. We saw over 30 different species and had some incredible up close experiences. Africa is amazing!
Scott Navares
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