January 2026
Black Bear Hunting | Alaska
Story By: Thomas Kelly
I’m drawn to the vast wilderness of southeast Alaska; it holds a certain alure of adventure and some last remaining wilderness. It all began with trips to the southeast for black bear that soon turned into a yearly trip. This is the story of one of those hunts, the story of a bear hunt, where exhilaration takes on a whole new meaning: face to face, an eight-yard distance separating me from a formidable black bear. The air is filled with anticipation as the bear rises to its back legs, emitting a loud huff and a jaw-snap that echoes off the rock walls. This is the moment I had been preparing for, a spot-and-stalk bow hunt like none I’ve experienced before.
Unlike other methods that rely on calls, lures, or bait, our approach is to rely solely on our own skills with a bow. We spot the bears from our boat, silently drifting closer to the shore, and then embark on our stalk. The goal is simple—to get as close as possible to these magnificent creatures. The draw of this method is every step taken in stealth, every breath held in anticipation; it reminds me of the difficulty of survival and the raw power that nature possesses. The thrill of the chase intertwines with the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It is a tale of perseverance, respect, and the unbreakable bond between man and nature. Of diving into the depths of the Alaskan wilderness and uncovering the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing dangerous game.
In any remote location there are always logistical challenges. To get to our hunting location, we travel by plane, vehicle, and boat. The security of a solid base camp is always comforting, and—once we are established—we settle in. When it comes to hunting, there's something truly special about the taste of camp food. Whether it's the simplicity of Mountain House freeze-dried meals, savoring hot dogs by the fire, or in a variety of snacks, the culinary delights of the wilderness add an extra layer of satisfaction to the hunting experience. In the vast and remote landscapes of Alaska, where solitude reigns supreme, any campsite away from civilization can feel like a slice of paradise. As we embark on our hunting expeditions, the daily conversations revolve around tactical strategies for the night's hunt, with map discussions and location planning taking center stage.
We grow accustomed to the wind on our faces and the random splash of sea water; it serves as a constant reminder of the untamed wilderness that surrounds us. In these moments, it's easy to daydream and reflect on those who sailed under far more challenging circumstances in the past. The connection to history becomes tangible, and we find solace in knowing that our experiences, though different in nature, are part of a similar narrative of exploration and resilience. The wind whispers tales of bravery and adventure, inspiring us to embrace the challenges and relish in the rewards that hunting in Alaska offers.
During our hunting expedition along the coastline, we encounter several bears, and a similar story unfolds. With utmost caution, we skillfully make our way to the shore, ensuring we remain undetected. We execute a carefully planned stalk, silently closing the gap between us and the bear. Finally, we get into a prone position, fully prepared to observe the bear. As we cautiously peer over the last obstacle that conceals us, we are disheartened to discover that the bear has vanished. This scenario repeats itself multiple times, adding to our frustration. Additionally, there are instances when we spot a bear in a wide-open grass flat, only to have both grass flat and bear disappear with the tide.
Then there are moments when everything comes together. We are blessed with good weather, enjoying a slow pace up a section of coastline. As we navigate our way, we come across a small island situated about twenty yards from the main coast. The island is partially wooded, with a small beach area nestled amongst steep rock faces. It is a serene and picturesque sight, common throughout Southeast Alaska. We had originally planned to portage around the island, as our previous hunts on similar small islands had yielded no bear sightings. However, this moment is different.
As we approach the island, we spot a bear of good size. We quietly glide our way to the opposite side of the island. The island measures about thirty yards across and fifty yards long, providing us with a strategic vantage point to observe the bear without disturbing it. Lewis drops me off and assures me that he will stay and hold the boat, a decision he will come to regret later.
I swiftly make my way up and over the small island, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I reach the top, I am greeted by a seven- or eight-foot shelf of rock that abruptly drops down to the small beach area where we had spotted the bear earlier. Across from the beach, a rock face of the same height juts up, creating a miniature canyon. The surroundings feel both awe-inspiring and daunting, as if nature itself has set the stage for an intense encounter.
As I cautiously descend, bow in hand, the gravity of the situation suddenly dawns on me. It's just me and the bear in this small, secluded arena. I take a moment to gather myself, my senses heightened and focused. With a few steps, the back of the bear comes into view a mere eight yards away. My foot comes to rest on my final step, and, in that instant, the bear lifts its head, sensing my presence. It becomes acutely aware that there is no escape, no place to run. The tension hangs thick in the air as the bear communicates its intention clearly—it has no intention of retreating into the water. In an instant, the bear swiftly rises to its hind legs, emitting a powerful huff that reverberates through my chest. The sound alone is enough to send a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. With a sudden clack, the bear snaps its jaws together, a display of aggression that echoes in the air.
In that moment, there is no time for conscious thought. All the hours of practice, meticulous preparation, and countless repetitions of sending arrows down range kick in, almost as if on instinct. I draw my bow with practiced precision, anchor it firmly, and aim; the arrow is released with a blur of motion. A resounding thwack fills the air as the arrow finds its mark, striking the bear with lethal accuracy. In a swift reaction, the wounded bear turns and attempts to flee, scrambling up the rock wall. It makes a futile attempt at climbing a nearby tree, but its strength wanes and it tumbles to the ground. The forest falls silent once more as the bear lies motionless, a testament to a swift and merciful end. I am grateful that I did not miss my mark, though at that distance it would almost be impossible—more likely to have never gotten a shot off at all. The entire sequence of events unfolds in what feels like the blink of an eye, leaving me in awe of the intensity of the encounter.
As I recount the story to Lewis, who patiently maneuvers the boat, I find myself struggling to capture the essence of the encounter. I repeat the tale over and over again, each time unearthing a new detail as it comes to my mind. As we work together to harvest the meat and carefully store it away, the coolness of the air begins to invite a sense of reflection. In these moments, I search for the words to express the purpose I find in hunting—the act of providing sustenance and embracing my place in nature with reverence and respect for all living beings. It is a sentiment in the thoughts that race through my mind and the profound feeling that resides within my heart. This connection to the natural world is something I cherish deeply, knowing that it is impossible to fully convey its magnitude. As the hours pass and my nerves gradually settle, my heart rate slows, and I find myself drifting into daydreams that transport me back to that unforgettable experience. I long to etch it into the depths of my memory, to preserve it as a cherished fragment of my journey. In that moment, with a freezer full and a sense of accomplishment coursing through me, I find solace in knowing that I have overcome adversity and embraced the profound beauty of the hunt.