POW Island bears

[Karl Blanchard]

I am doing some research on Prince of Wales Island and I have some good data on charter planes and USFS cabins and all that good stuff but what I am having trouble tracking down is what region of the island I should focus my magnifying glass on.  I can't find anything on bear densities, hunting pressure or habitat.  Is the whole island pretty much the same?  If anyone has any info they would like to share or a place where I can find some reading material on the subject I would appreciate it.  Thanks in advance!

                                                                 Karl
                                                               

[Austrian Hunter]

I've been told the whole Island pretty much is full of bears There would be a thread about POW on here some where. 

[blindpig]

Hunted bears there in 05.  We literally fished with rifles on our backs and were able to shoot three bears, one with a bow.  There are some big bears there so don't shoot a small one.  We hunted from the center of the island north and didn't find any glassable areas; we found most of the bears on the roads and rivers.  Good luck.

[Karl Blanchard]

blindpig, did you go in the spring or fall?  You can no longer drive on POW during the fall if it has to do with bears transport hunters or gear or bear parts or anything, so I am aiming for spring for my hunt.  What were you fishing for,coho or pinks?

[callonetta]

Headed over there for the second time May 6th to the 21st, this time I am taking my time, do some fishing and relax some since I know the area better.
My first time was in June 2009 and it was a blast too but we stayed only for a week so it was all a blurr, we went 3 for 3 on bears, mine was the second biggest and the oldest (14 to 15 years old) came back with about 125Lbs. of boned out meat.
I heard that Alaska F&G will implement a draw only bear hunt starting next year so I want to go now.

[Chad Berry]

I've taken 3 bears on POW.  It is a fun hunt, but it is not an easy hunt.  I enjoyed hunting there because it offered a very neat experience and there is always the chance of tagging a world class bear...they definitely grow them there.  I know several other hunters who have been successful at hunting bears on POW and I don't believe there is one spot that is better than another.  Good luck and I look forward to seeing some pics.

[D-Rock425]

nice looking bear chad.  is that kill on video?

[Chad Berry]

Yes, I shot this bear on the "Bear Action 3" dvd.  This bear officially scored 19 7/16".  On the same dvd I also arrow a bear that squared 8' and officially scored 21 11/16".  That bear was a beast.  I wish I had better pics of that bear.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Good place to hunt, only thing I can tell you, is one part is no any better than the other. Hunt it hard but hunt it smart and you will do just fine. Good luck and have fun...

Joe

[whacker1]

We stayed in whale pass in 2004 if I recall correctly.  fall hunt.  Pretty much hunted the north end of the island.  we went 4 for 4.  I would like to go back with my bow next time.

[Karl Blanchard]

Thanks for the advice guys. Got everything figured out and I was surprised at how affordable that hunt really is!  Grand total is gonna be just over $1,400.  I want to go this year but both my brothers are active military one is getting ready to go to ranger school and the other is learning to fly Apache's (colokumelk) so they are a no go and my dad is on the fence.  I have to wait to see if I draw Montana before I make plans because I only get 2 weeks of vacation a year.  No Montana than POW here I come!  Beautiful bear Chad!

                                                                                  Karl

[Karl Blanchard]

Is it necessary to rent a zodiak and motor or is hoofing it everywhere sufficient?  What do most guys do in the spring?  Also does anyone have any recommendations on taxidermists in ketchikan or is it better to ship the hide home and do it locally?

[whacker1]

I set myself up as a known shipper with AlaskaAirlines and they froze the hides and sent them back in cold storage. it worked our really well, but the process is a bit of a pain.

[Karl Blanchard]

LOL!  Right after I posted I found out we drew montana deer.  So bear will have to wait until next year   Its gonna be permit only next year on POW too

[Decker]

I wished I'd known it was going to permit only next year. I'd love to chase POW bears with my bow. Great looking bear Chad.