Situated on the “quiet side” of the Wrangell Mountains in the greater Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, this family-owned and operated outfitting company remains one of Alaska’s finest for single specie hunts targeting Alaska-Yukon moose, Dall sheep or interior grizzly bear. More than 60 years of outfitting and flying charter services through this spectacular region have earned this family one of the most trusted reputations among Alaskans and in the hunting industry. In-fact, Hunt Nation’s own Derek Amadio has hunted here twice; once in 2010 for Dall sheep, taking a beautiful 9-year-old ram, and again in 2020 for Moose, again successful taking a fantastic 64” bull.
They offer low-volume, intimate and authentic Alaskan big game hunting experiences in August or September of each year. Experienced guides are paired with every client, with the head guide working for this outfitter for more than 20 years! Additionally, they own and operate the aircraft used in every hunt, eliminating the dependency on third-party flying services many other outfitters rely on. This allows them the flexibility to relocate clients, particularly on sheep hunts, to alternate areas as needed during the hunt at no extra cost! All hunts are 12-day schedules with 10-full hunting days and 1×1 guiding unless requested otherwise. Additionally, all charter flights from the main lodge into and out of the field are included with each package.
Dall Sheep
This outfitter has a special concession permit to hunt within the park area, and this area as well as the greater mountain region continues to support one of the largest populations of Dall sheep in Alaska. Tags for non-residents are purchased over the counter. Legal rams must meet one of the three criteria in this area for harvest; they must be broomed, be at least eight years of age or they must be full curl. Typical rams harvested on this hunt will range from eight to 10 years of age with horns measuring from 34” to 37” with occasional trophies hitting 40.” Any legal, mature ram in this area is considered a good trophy and clients are not encouraged to pass on such animals. Dozens of prime sheep areas are scattered throughout the outfitter’s guiding territory and are accessed by modified super cub on tundra tires. Most of these wilderness landing strips are very discrete and offer close proximity to the prime sheep habitat, cutting down on hiking time each day. A few select landing areas are located high up on mountain plateaus, allowing clients to hunt from the top down. Clients still do need to be in good physical condition for this hunt, not only to increase the odds of success but to enjoy this experience to it’s full potential. Shot distances average 250 to 300 yards.
Historically, these sheep hunts have offered very high success rates with the majority of clients getting an opportunity on a mature ram during their 10-day hunt. The 2020 and 2021 seasons had some of the worst weather in decades paired with rams that were “not quite legal” which provided significant challenges for both hunters, their guides and the outfitter. Success rates dropped to 50%, and for that reason, the outfitter reduced the number of sheep hunters to only three for the 2022 season. All three hunters in 2022 took rams, and in 2023, only two sheep hunters were booked. Each of the two hunters had opportunity, but one hunter passed on a legal ram on the first day, and left without a sheep. With that said, those who arrive both physically and mentally prepared who are willing to hunt hard for the full duration of the hunt should have the opportunity to come home with a trophy they can be proud of, but finding mature, legal rams is not as easy as it once was, which is why this outfitter invests significant planning into every hunt.
Moose
This may be one of the most unique, high-success guided moose opportunities we offer. Two of the primary moose locations used by this outfitter have the luxury of small, rustic cabins with wood burning stoves grandfathered into this area before it became a protected National Park and Preserve. More importantly, these cabins are in prime moose rutting areas where bulls come in mid- to late September to rut. During this time of year, it is common for new bulls to show up daily. For that reason, relocation is rarely necessary. Year in and year out, these special locations have produced incredible results, with nearly every hunter having opportunity on a mature trophy.
Glassing and calling are the two most effective tactics when hunting moose, with patience being a very important virtue. Wildlife was abundant, as they encountered Dall sheep, black bear, grizzly bear, lynx and more than a dozen bull moose, including several bulls over 60.” Aside from an occasional stream crossing, this is a hard-ground area. For that reason, it is not necessary to wear hip or chest waders as required on many other Alaskan moose hunts. Opportunity is very high with a long-term average of 60” in antler width, with bulls from 55” to more than 70” being taken on past hunts. Expect shot distances from 75 to 300 yards.
Success rates: In 2020, three total hunters took three bulls. In 2021, three 1×1 guided hunters took three bulls, and two hunters who shared a guide (2×1) took one bull. In 2022, four groups took three bulls with all four having opportunity. And in 2023, three hunters took three bulls between 60” and 65”. That is 14 out of 15 total hunters having opportunity since 2020!
Interior Grizzly
The bear population in this area is stable, and non-resident hunters may take one bear per year, whereas other areas in Alaska only allow non-residents the harvest of one bear every four years. Interior grizzlies are smaller in size than their over-fed coastal brown bear counterparts, but for what they lack in size they make up for in coloration, with beautiful blonde and brown contrasts. Although not typically as physical as a sheep hunt, those who pursue grizzly need to be prepared for long hours of spotting, followed by fast-paced, adrenalin-spiked stalks to get into shooting position before the bear is out of sight. Larger caliber rifles, including the .300, .338 and .375, are recommended, with shots averaging 100 to 150 yards.
Camp and Accommodations
Several moose and sheep areas offer rustic cabins with wood stoves, plywood bunkbeds and a small kitchen area with plenty of room to dry out clothes and relax. All other hunting locations will use portable tented camps that must be flown into the field. These include standard camping items including tents, sleeping cots, camp chairs, propane stove and real food.
Travel
Clients will first fly to Anchorage (ANC) and overnight at a hotel. The following morning, they must take a rental car and drive approximately six hours to the outfitter’s main lodge. The driving directions are easy to follow and scenic. The first five hours are paved highway, with the last 45 miles on gravel road with several small stream crossings better-suited for AWD or 4WD vehicles. Clients should plan their arrival at the main lodge for the early afternoon hours the day prior to the actual start of their hunt. Once at the lodge, the rental car will be parked and left for the duration of the trip along with any equipment items not needed in the field. Rifles will be checked at an on-site 100-yard rifle range before hunters and their gear are transferred into the outfitter’s own plane and flown into the field the same afternoon (weather permitting) to meet their guides to start hunting the following morning. Any accommodations and meals at the outfitter’s main lodge either before or after the hunt are included. Observers are welcome to come along and stay at the main lodge for the duration of the hunt for $250 per day with meals included. The main lodge offers basic WIFI, TV, hot showers, laundry, freezers, and good food, and great conversation with some of the best people you will find in the hunting industry.
Trophy/Meat Shipping
Hunters who are not taking meat and/or horns/capes/antlers home with them on the airlines may donate any unwanted meat to the outfitter. We recommend Alaska Trophy Expediters (aktrophyexpediters.com) for those who prefer to have their trophies shipped, and if needed, the outfitter can assist with trophy transport to Anchorage at the end of the season.
Pricing for 2024-2025
All hunts include 10 full hunting days, 1×1 guiding, all flights from the main lodge into the field, any necessary relocation during the hunt and meat fly out.
Dall Sheep: $32,000
• August 10 – 20 (1 spot)
• August 26 – September 4 (1 spot)
Moose: $ 30,000
• September 8-17 (up to 2 spots)
• September 21-30 (up to 2 spots)
Grizzly Bear: $30,000
• August 26 – September 4 (1 spot)
