Introduction: The Majesty and Myth of Polar Bear Hunting
Few hunting experiences on Earth rival the awe and adrenaline of a polar bear hunt in the high Arctic. Set against the stark, icy wilderness of Nunavut, Canada, polar bear hunting is not only a test of endurance and precision but also an ancient tradition closely tied to Inuit culture and survival.
While polar bears hunting for seals is a common sight for locals, humans engaging in polar bear hunting is highly regulated and controversial, often raising questions like: Do humans still hunt polar bears? Or will polar bears hunt humans in the wild? This guide explores all of that—with facts, ethics, and expert insight.
Is Polar Bear Hunting Legal?
Yes—but with very strict regulations. Polar bear hunting is permitted in Canada (particularly Nunavut and the Northwest Territories), under the following conditions:
Only licensed outfitters and Inuit communities can guide hunts.
Permits are issued by local wildlife departments, often tied to conservation quotas.
Most hunts are conducted in spring (March–May) or late summer (August–October).
Non-resident hunters must be accompanied by licensed Inuit guides.
This system ensures sustainable harvests and protects the polar bear population while also supporting Indigenous livelihoods.
Do Humans Hunt Polar Bears Today?
Yes, but primarily in Canada—specifically Nunavut—where it is legally allowed under strict quotas. The practice is:
Deeply rooted in Inuit heritage
Performed in a controlled and ethical manner
Essential for economic sustainability in remote Arctic communities
Hunting polar bears is banned in countries like the U.S., Norway, and Russia (except for Indigenous exemptions). In Canada, it’s monitored carefully to prevent overharvesting and maintain ecological balance.
Will Polar Bears Hunt Humans?
Polar bears are apex predators and are known to hunt humans in rare cases, mainly out of hunger or territory defense. Unlike black or grizzly bears that may bluff charge, polar bears will stalk their prey—including humans—with intent.
Documented cases show polar bears:
Following humans silently for hours
Attacking camps for food
Being unpredictable in behavior during times of food scarcity
This is why guided hunts are conducted with armed experts, constant vigilance, and emergency plans.
How Do Polar Bears Hunt in the Wild?
Polar bears rely on:
Stealth and patience: Waiting near seal breathing holes on sea ice
Powerful sense of smell: Can detect prey from over a mile away
Silent swimming: To ambush seals resting on ice
Their primary prey is the ringed seal, although they occasionally hunt walrus calves or carcasses of whales.
This solitary and calculated hunting strategy reflects why polar bears are considered the most efficient land predators.
What’s Included in a Polar Bear Hunt Package?
Hunts usually last 10 days and include:
✅ Inclusions:
Guide services (1-on-1)
Field trophy preparation
Lodging (Tent camps)
Meals & gear support (snowmobiles, sleds, boats)
CITES export permit for international travel
Sleeping bags, meals, tag fees, and transport in/out of camp
❌ Exclusions:
Flights to/from Ottawa or Winnipeg
Taxidermy shipping or trophy exportation
Weapon rental (if needed)
Observer fees, gratuities, and personal insurance
Cost of a Polar Bear Hunt in 2025
Base price: Starts at $44,500 USD
Premium combo hunts: Up to $58,000 USD (e.g., Polar Bear + Walrus)
Trophy fees:
Wolf: $3,000
Wolverine: $3,000
Gear rental:
Rifle rental: ~$650 CAD
Observer fee: ~$900 CAD + 5% GST
Tag for wolf or wolverine: ~$700 CAD each
Note: A 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) applies to most prices.
Trip Logistics and Duration
Most polar bear hunts are operated from remote Inuit villages and involve:
Travel via ATV, snowmobiles, dog sleds, and boats
Camping in traditional Arctic tents
Spot-and-stalk tactics in frozen fjords or on pack ice
Hunt Duration:
10 Days total
Ends when a bear is harvested (typically 3–7 days in)
Hunting takes place in regions far beyond the Arctic Circle, making it one of the most remote and physically demanding big-game hunts in the world.
Ethical Considerations and Conservation
The hunting of polar bears is a controversial topic. However, ethical hunting plays a critical role in Indigenous stewardship, with quotas based on:
Scientific surveys of population size
Local knowledge from Inuit hunters
Sustainable harvest guidelines per hunting zone
Canada reports a stable polar bear population across most regions, and ethical outfitters limit their tags to prevent ecological disruption.
FAQs About Polar Bear Hunting
Q: Can anyone hunt polar bears?
No. You must book through a licensed outfitter and be accompanied by a certified Inuit guide.
Q: Is it dangerous?
Yes. Arctic weather, isolation, and predator behavior make this a physically and mentally demanding hunt.
Q: What weapon is recommended?
.338 caliber rifles or larger are commonly used for humane, ethical harvests.
Q: Can I bring the hide home?
Yes—with a CITES export permit and proper taxidermy prep.
Final Thoughts: A Legendary Arctic Experience
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, polar bear hunting in the Arctic delivers unmatched wilderness, challenge, and cultural depth. With guided, ethical hunts through trusted Inuit outfitters, it’s possible to engage in a powerful conservation partnership while experiencing the pinnacle of extreme hunting.
Whether you’re fascinated by how polar bears hunt seals, concerned about polar bears hunting humans, or eager to explore a remote and responsible hunting tradition, this is one expedition that goes beyond the trophy—into the heart of the North.