guided Alaska peninsula brown bear hunting

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Alaska Peninsula (e.g., GMU 9E)

• Population density: Highest brown bear density in Alaska (~1-2 bears/mi² in prime coastal areas); ~4,000-5,000 bears statewide in Peninsula GMUs.
• Size potential: Largest hides. Recent 11'2" squared boars; weights up to 1,500+ lbs. 8 of top 10 B&C entries (2007-2017) from Peninsula. Averages 24-25" skulls; hides often 10-11+ ft.
• Hunting success: 90%+ for 8.5-10+ ft bears in low-pressure areas. Registration hunts (1 bear/4 years); ~200-300 harvested/year. Fall salmon streams excel.
• Trophy Focus: Edge in hide size/body mass; better fall pelts. High selectivity due to density.
• Access Cost: Supercub - fly in based coastal hunts; $26K-$38K guided (registration permits in even/odd years). Spike camps in remote GMU 9E.
• Habitat/Experience: Vast Peninsula; river/stream stalks amid salmon runs. Less regulated, more bears visible daily.

Kodiak Island (GMU 8)

• Population density: ~0.7 bears/mi² overall; spikes to 1 bear/1.5 mi² near streams/tidal flats. ~3,500 total bears.
• Size potential: Largest skulls: World-record B&C score of 30 12/16" (1952, Karluk Lake). 8 of top 10 B&C brown bears from Kodiak. Averages 25-26" for boars; hides 9-10+ ft squared.
• Hunting Success: 75% for guided non-residents (spring slightly better). ~180 harvested/year under lottery permits.
• Trophy Focus: Edge in skull size (wider heads); ideal for B&C records. Hides can be "rubbed" in spring.
• Access & Cost: Boat/plane to islands; $25K-$45K guided. Exclusive guide areas.
• Habitat/Experience: Isolated archipelago; spot-and-stalk in tundra/meadows. Stable, growing population.

Key Takeaway:

For overall "better" hunting (density, hide quality, opportunities): The Alaska Peninsula edges out, offering higher bear concentrations, bigger-bodied boars, and more consistent fall success in areas like GMU 9E. Recent B&C trends favor Peninsula entries, and outfitters report 90%+ success on 10+ ft bears.