Thank you for inquiring about Red Bear Guides.  We are a honest and hard working outfit, that will do everything we can to help you get your trophy of a lifetime.  Hunting in Alaska is quite different from hunting in the lower 48 states.  There are many factors that can affect your hunt in the wilderness of Alaska.  Hopefully this letter will give you the information you need to understand what you will encounter and what you can expect, so your hunt can be planned and enjoyed.  And most of all, successful!

Deposit on Hunt
A 50% deposit of the hunt price is required upon booking the hunting dates.  The balance is due 60 days before the start of the hunt to confirm your hunt date.  Deposits can be made by cahier's check or bank draft.  You will receive a confirmation letter confirming all hunt details upon deposit.

Cancellation
When canceling 60 days prior to hunt date you will receive 50% of your deposit.  Any cancellation after 60 days your deposit is non-refundable.

Weather
Weather is one of the biggest factors affecting your hunt in Alaska.  Unfortunately, we cannot control it but we can help you work with it.  When you plan your flight to and from Anchorage, we suggest you book one or two days before your hunt date and after your hunt date.  Sometimes the jets cannot land in the designated village due to weather conditions and many times you will be "weathered in" camp until the Super Cub airplane or Beaver can get into camp to take you to the village or vice versa.  This can cause you to miss your scheduled flight in Anchorage.  Trip insurance is also a good recommendation in case of cancellation due to undetermined circumstances that are man made or caused by nature.  

Air Travel
It is your responsibility to book your own flight from your home to Anchorage and then a connecting flight to the designated village for the hunt.  The flight from the village to the hunt camp will be arranged by Red Bear Guides at the client's expense.  Keeping in mind the "weathered in" probability, book the extra days needed.  Check with your airlines for Gun Regulations.  Check with your airlines on the restrictions of bringing back your antlers as baggage on the airplane.  Many airlines will not accept antlers or they have certain packaging instructions and added fees involved.  Do your homework so you can make the decision in the field on how to ship your antlers, hides and meat.  There are times that you and your trophy will not get out of camp at the same time due to weather or weight.  If you do not or, cannot take your trophy home on the airplane, Anchorage has expediting businesses available to prepare your hide and crate your antlers/hide to be shipped to you or to your taxidermist at the your expense.  After the hunt, in the nearest village, you should be able to purchase a wet lock box or a 33 gallon plastic garbage can that make good shipping containers.  Your meat will be flown to the nearest village.  It is your responsibility to arrange shipping of meat to Anchorage.  There you can take it with you, have it processed or donate it to the Food Bank.  Ask for details.  Some meat processors will pick your meat up at the Anchorage Air Cargo terminal, process it and arrange shipping to your home.  See information numbers at the end of this letter.

Physical Exercise
There are many types of terrain in Alaska.  From boggy sloughs to steep, rocky mountain tops.  It is highly recommended you begin an exercise program that will prepare you for your hunt in Alaska.  Include in your program, climbing 3 flights of stairs, 10 times a day with your pack, to build your stamina and muscles.  By doing this prior to your hunt, not only will you be able to better your chance of success, but you will also enjoy your hunt much more.

Meat Shops (Anchorage)
Indian Valley Meats......................................(907) 653-7511
Alaska Sausage & Seafood..........................(907) 562-3636
Trappers Creek Smoking Co........................(907) 561-8088
Glenn's Wildlife Game Processing...............(907) 337-1278

Expediting Hides/Antlers
Knight's Taxidermy Inc.................................(907) 344-5501
In Alaska......................................................1-800-478-7358