I did an almost identical hunt just last May.. Last year was a bad year for Black Bear in SE Alaska.. mild winters caused a lot of Bruins to stay inland around spring time. They STILL came out to the beach, saw about 6 or so.. but they promptly ran off and that is not all together typical in May. I have seen guys walk up litteraly within 20 yards or closer of several black bears and seen so many it was like they were growing on trees. I bet this year is EPIC.. you should enjoy yourself.
Basically what we did is glass from a skiff and cruise the beaches.. you can see them quite easily if they are out.. look like big bowling balls on the beach. Trick is for the ones I found is that they were NOT for the most part spooked by the skiffs cruising by.. BUT.. if you cut the motor and stop and stare they would get nervous..
SO... what we did is if we saw one we would slow down and one guy would look to see if he was a rug candidate.. if he was, we would keep going to the far side of the beach or around the next point if we could to let em think we were just passing by.. then we would pull the boat up the shore and get out and start our stock.
Everything is about wind.. there smeller is everything.. noise and sight mean little to them.. if you can play the wind, you are pretty much half way there. Once you start getting into range and if you see them looking at you, freeze.. they cant see much and their sight is based on movement.. you can do the walk and freeze technique into bow range sometimes.
Other than that.. you will need good hip waders.. the tide comes in and out and you will need to cross some pretty good mush. Invest in some that fit right as you will be walking in them plenty.
I got within 50 yards of a big sow last year doing this up in SE Alaska.. too bad she was rubbed almost bare on one side so I let her go.
Best of luck to you!
