Black Bear on the Kenai

[Matt in AK]

Termination dust on the hills above Anchorage!!!

I've got a buddy here from Hawaii (he's gonna freeze ) Monday afternoon through Friday afternoon and he's looking for a black bear.  I'm the camp cook and packer for him -- not ready to hunt again just yet.  Wife says the only reason I hunt is 'cause I like to cook over a campfire -- yummy dutch oven blueberry pie.  When we were stationed in Kansas together he took me on a couple good duck hunts and I'm returning the favor.  Last time out we saw a few bears and made one unsuccessful stalk on one.  All night at the campfire all my buddy could say was "I can't believe I'm actually hunting in Alaska."

Any suggestions?  Are the bears still gorging on the berries above treeline?  I was considering Palmer Creek road, Crescent Lake Trail, Skyline Trail, etc...

[bearhuntr]

Matt,
After today (last day of regular moose season), Skyline will be a good spot; however, I would concentrate on going around the peak to the west and checking out the valleys and cuts there. I have always seen more bruins there than on the south side and one won't find any conflicts with day hikers. (Meaning the day hikers won't be going around that side and putting their scent everywhere.) If I can ever get some time off I'll be looking for #2 myself. There is still a good 3 weeks of hunting to go!
best,
bhtr

[Matt in AK]

Thanks Bearhunter.  I'll give that area a try Tuesday.  We'll likely camp at the small campground on Jean Lake with the tipi.  If you're in the area one night, the coffee's on.
Matt

[Yukon Jack]

Hey Matt,
No ideas for blackies, but we got snow on the ground in Girdwood.

[Daveinthebush]

No ideas for blackies, but we got snow on the ground in Girdwood.

Yukon:  Keep it!  Only down to the 2,000 level over here!

Put the A-frame over the camper today and have to do the boat yet.