The world-renowned ABC Islands of Southeast Alaska (Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof) are home to tremendous numbers of Coastal Brown Bear.  Population densities exceed 1 Brown Bear / square mile in many drainages.  Many of the mature boars living on Baranof Island are near jet-black in coloration.  These are the SHIRAS BROWN BEARS OF THE Alexander Archipelago.  South Baranof Island is a very large, very lonely and very rugged stretch of country.  This part of Baranof Island (including the federally designated SOUTH BARANOF WILDERNESS AREA ) with it’s many bays, inlets and countless salmon streams is the area Baranof Expeditions hunts.  Brown Bear are plentiful and seldom do we encounter another hunter in the field.

Spring Brown Bear are heavily-furred, sport lighter colored guard-hairs and, although not as heavy as a Fall Brown Bear, make excellent trophies.  Spring Brown Bear are especially suited for those that would like to display their trophy as a rug.  Spring Brown Bear are hunted using a spot and stalk technique.  In order to efficiently hunt our large area, we spend many hours cruising and glassing the many beaches in our guide use areas.  Once a suitable Brown Bear is spotted, the stalk is continued on foot.  We strive to place the hunter in a shooting position within 100 yards of the bear.  This allows our guides to more accurately judge  the Brown Bear’s trophy potential (overall size and hair quality).  Stalking close also lessens the chance of a misplaced shot.