Hunting trip in Alaska's pristine wilderness

After many years of dreaming, our planned hunting trip to the untouched wilderness of Alaska finally came true. It was a journey into some of the most spectacular nature has to offer, and we, a group of four with Gerdt Roger Olsen, Arve Vole, Kjell Tore Solvang and photographer Helge Haukeland, had set off for Fairbanks, Alaska. Our goal was grizzly bears, and we had chosen to set the trip for the end of May and beginning of June – the ideal period for this.

Meeting with the guide

In Fairbanks we were met by our guide for the next three weeks, Audun Endestad. Originally from Rimstaddalen in Nordfjord, Sogn. Audun settled in Alaska in 1974. Here he followed his passion for hunting, specializing in bear hunting. Audun could tell us that he had been involved in the killing of around 50 grizzly bears and he knew everything there was to know about hunting in these areas.

Weapons and equipment

Due to stricter gun restrictions in the US, all weapons were rented from guide, Audun Endestad. The calibers used were 30-378 Weatherby and 300 Rem Ultra Mag Remington XCR rifle, with Swift-A-Frame bullets of 180 and 200 grains respectively. This equipment gave us the necessary precision and power for the demanding hunt.

The journey to the mountains

The day after our arrival, we began our adventure. We drove about 250 kilometers southeast from Fairbanks and arrived at a dramatic mountain landscape that would become our base. Here, daily challenges awaited us in the form of demanding terrain, with daily stages of between four and fourteen hours on foot. With a pack of about 15-20 kilograms per person, we had to be in good physical shape to keep up. The overnight stays were mostly in tents, and despite the spring thaw, we experienced frosty nights.

The hunt begins

The hunt was no easy task. The inland grizzly bears were difficult to spot in the vast landscape. Tracks in the snowdrifts were often the first indication of a bear's presence. This is where the binoculars came into their own, and many hours were spent scouting for movement on the horizon, especially in the afternoons and into the evening, which is the best time to see bears. In addition to grizzly bears, we observed a rich variety of wildlife, including wolves, wolverines, coyotes, moose, and caribou. After five days, we finally saw our first grizzly bear. The excitement was palpable, but we knew that patience and strategy were essential.

Organized and sustainable hunting

Hunting in Alaska is strictly regulated and organized. Many areas prohibit motorized vehicles, and everything must be brought in and out on foot. This made the experience even more authentic and demanding. The grizzly bear population in Alaska is estimated at between 35,000 and 40,000 animals, and around 1,000 bears are killed annually as part of sustainable management. The hunt focuses mainly on male bears, as females with cubs are protected. The results of the hunt During the three weeks we spent in the mountains, we managed to bring down two grizzly bears and one black bear. In addition, we observed dozens of grizzly bears and several black bears. The grizzly hunt took place mainly in the high mountains, while the black bears were found in lower, dense areas. It was fascinating to learn about the differences between inland and coastal grizzlies, the latter growing significantly larger due to their salmon-rich diet.

Challenges with the rails

The trip was demanding, and we did not have the opportunity to bring many kilograms of salt to pre-preserve the bear skins in the field, as there were many day trips into the wilderness. The bags were heavy enough with only the most essential things like food, tents and clothes. That's when my knowledge as a taxidermist came in handy. I had the skin on the head and paws skinned, the ears, eyes and paws split open, and as much fat and meat residue as possible removed. The skins were then placed on glaciers to be kept cold and air-dried over two weeks in the field. Despite the challenging conditions, we managed to save the skins. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued CITES certificates for export to Norway. The two grizzly bears were mounted for Arve Vole and Kjell Tore Solvang, as a reminder of an unforgettable trip.

An experience of a lifetime

This hunting trip was not just a hunting experience, but also a deep connection to the magnificent nature of Alaska. We got to experience the raw wilderness, test our limits, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska turned out to be everything we had dreamed of and more – a celebration of the power and magnificence of nature.

Grizzly bear hunting in Alaska

Grizzly bear hunting in Alaska´s untouched wilderness