Thank you for your inquiry. Red Bear Guides is owned and operated by licensed, registered guide, Creig Butler. We are an Alaskan, honest, hard working outfit, who will do everything we can to help get your trophy of a lifetime. Creig and his assistants will be helping you with the logistics of your trip as well as guiding you in the field. Though we have large areas to hunt, we hunt in small groups. There is generally one guide and one hunter in the field at one time. This allows us to be more personally involved in your hunt. Mobility is the key element to our success. We make use of boats and airplanes to give you the best opportunity for a successful trip. All hunting is done in accordance with both State and Federal Fish and Wildlife regulations. Hunting in the wilderness of Alaska is quite different from hunting in the “lower 48” states. This letter will provide some of the information you need so your hunt can be planned and enjoyed. And, most of all, successful!

DEPOSIT: A 50% deposit of the total hunt price (including observer fee, if any) is required to reserve your space for the hunt dates. To confirm your hunt dates, the final payment must be made no later than 60 days prior to the start date of the hunt. Deposits and payments can be made by personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or bank draft. Once the deposit has been paid, quarterly or monthly payments may be arranged.

CANCELLATION: If canceling 60 days, or prior to the start date of the hunt, you will receive 50% refund of your deposit. If canceling less than 60 days before the start date of the hunt, the deposit is nonrefundable. If you do not arrive in the base camp as scheduled, any refund will be at the sole discretion of Red Bear Guides.

WEATHER: Weather is one of the biggest factors affecting your hunt in Alaska. Unfortunately, we can not control it, but we can help you work with it. It is highly suggested that when you plan your flights to and from Anchorage and the designated villages and base camp, you make reservations one or two days before and after your hunt dates. Due to weather conditions, it is possible that planes will not be able to land in or depart from the base camp or villages, as scheduled. Trip insurance is also suggested in case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances man made or caused by nature.

AIR TRAVEL: It is your responsibility to make and pay for your airline reservations from your home to the base camp and return. Keep in mind the possibility of being “weathered in” when reserving flights. . Due to weather or weight restrictions, you and your trophy may not be able to fly out of the base camp at the same time. Be sure to check with the various airlines for gun regulations. Also, check on airline policies, fees and instructions for shipping antlers or hides as baggage.


TROPHY/MEAT SHIPMENT: After the hunt, in the designated village, you should be able to purchase wetlock boxes or plastic garbage can containers. Although it is your responsibility to pay for shipping of your antlers/hides and meat, Red Bear Guides will assist you with arranging the transportation from the base camp to Anchorage. Once in Anchorage, if you do not want to or cannot take your trophy home on the airplane, there are expediting businesses available to prepare and crate your hide/antlers for shipment to your home or taxidermist, . There are several meat processors in Anchorage, some of which will pick up the meat at the airport, process it, and ship it to your home. If you choose not to take the meat home with you, it can be given to the guides or donated to the local food bank.

TERRAIN: The wilderness terrain can include boggy marsh, streams, hills, steep, rocky mountains, and alder patches. Because of the terrain and possible weather conditions (rain, wind, cold, snow) you should be in very good to excellent health. You will be walking at least 3 miles a day, uphill.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CAPABILITIES: You will have better success and a more enjoyable hunt if you are in good physical and mental condition. It is strongly recommended that you start an exercise program to build your stamina and muscles in preparation for your hunt in Alaska. Include in your exercise program, climbing 3-4 flights of stairs, 10 times a day wearing your back pack. Be sure to notify Red Bear Guides of any medical conditions and/or medications that we need to be aware of, i.e., allergies, heart/lung disease, diabetes, back, and hip or foot problems. At any time, at their discretion, Red Bear Guides reserves the right to terminate the hunt for anyone determined to be unsafe to themselves or others. Should a termination occur, any refund will be at the sole discretion of Red Bear Guides.

RESPONSIBILITIES/COSTS: Red Bear Guides will provide a fully equipped base camp with a knowledgeable guide/assistant guide, 3 meals a day, bomb shelter, tents, cots, pads, boats, fishing gear, etc. Preparation of and assistance in making arrangements to ship your trophy out of the base camp will be provided, You will be responsible for the cost of travel, meals, and lodging prior to arrival and after departure from the base camp. It will be your responsibility to purchase any required licenses, tags, or permits prior to the start of the hunt. It is strongly suggested that you bring at least $1000 cash for services, not covered by Red Bear Guides, such as lodging, meals, souvenirs, and gratuities. Some places in these small villages do not accept credit cards or checks.

OBSERVERS: Observers, such as spouse, photographer, non hunter, are welcome to join you on the hunt. There is an observer fee of $6,000.00, for which a 50% deposit is also required.

LICENSES/TAGS/PERMITS: www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us  907-465-2376

Airlines

Alaska Airlines............................................800-225-2752  www.alaskaair.com
Penair.........................................................800-448-4226  www.penair.com
Bay Air.......................................................(907) 842-2570  email: bayair@nushtel.net

Meat Shops(Anchorage)

Indian Valley Meats..................................(907) 653-7511  www.indianvalleymeats.com
Alaska Sausage & Seafood.......................(907) 562-3636  www.alaskasausage.com
Tenth & M Seafoods..................................(907) 272-3474  www.10thandmseafoods.com
Glenn's Wild Game Processing.................(907) 337-1278  www.glennswildgame.com

Expediting Hides/Antlers

Knight's Taxidermy Inc.................................(907) 344-5501  www.knightstaxidermy.com