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Dave Marsh has been hunting professionally in Alaska for nearly 30 years. As a fully insured and licensed master guide-outfitter, he runs remote wilderness hunts across some of North America's most rugged country—the Brooks Range and Bristol Bay. He doesn't oversell the experience: these hunts deman...
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Dave Marsh has been hunting professionally in Alaska for nearly 30 years. As a fully insured and licensed master guide-outfitter, he runs remote wilderness hunts across some of North America's most rugged country—the Brooks Range and Bristol Bay. He doesn't oversell the experience: these hunts demand that you're well-equipped, in top physical shape, and mentally prepared for conditions that are often wet, windy, and unforgiving.
"You would be hard pressed to find a better outfitter for hunting big game in big country." — Dave Marsh
13-Day Backpacking Treks | August 10 - September 20
Dave hunts Dall's sheep in an exclusive 795,000-acre guide use area in the heart of ANWR. Access is by Cessna 185 or Helio Courier out of Fairbanks—about 3 hours flight time—which tells you how remote this country is. Bush flight costs are included in the trip price.
You'll establish a base camp at a landing strip near a water source with a large dome tent serving as kitchen and sleeping quarters. Food is primarily freeze-dried meals and high-energy snacks, with more substantial meals when the whole crew is back at camp.
Hunting happens from the bottom up. You'll follow drainages, scrutinize terrain, and hunt from spike camps for the duration. The big rams prefer dead ends and country where you'd swear sheep couldn't survive. A legal ram must be full curl or broomed on both horns—age eight or older. Each hunt is led by a long-standing assistant guide with additional staff support.
11-13 Day Base Camp | Spring (May-June) and Fall
Inland grizzlies in the Arctic don't reach coastal sizes, but they make up for it in attitude. These bears fight as often as they run. Dave hunts them in his exclusive 795,000-acre ANWR area with the same remote setup: dome tents, freeze-dried meals, and daily glassing from vantage points overlooking valleys.
A typical day starts with hot coffee and simple breakfast. After packing a lunch, you'll glass for bears digging for squirrels on lower slopes, foraging on tundra flats, or grubbing roots on willow bars. If a bear suits you, a stalk is executed based on success probability—wind, distance, time of day, your determination.
Each single bear older than 2 years is legal. Mature males often have dark hides; females are typically smaller and commonly blonde with dark legs. Nearly every hunter specifically pursuing grizzlies as primary game has had at least one opportunity to kill. Those taking them as secondary trophy most often succeed.
10 Day Spike Camp | Mid-September to Mid-October
Dave maintains permits covering over 2 million acres in Game Management Unit 17B in Southwest Alaska. Access is via Cessna 206 or Piper Pacer (floats or bush wheels) out of Dillingham. Bush flight costs are included.
The spike camp setup includes a large dome tent for staff and field kitchen, plus four-season tents for clients—warm, dry, comfortable. Food is hearty and varied: hot and cold cereals for breakfast, meats and cheeses for lunch, one-dish mains with dessert for dinner.
Brown bears are abundant in this area (two-bear bag limit) with a population that continues to increase. You'll find color phases ranging from deep coffee brown to wheat straw yellow. Bears are usually found in open glades feeding on berries, on brushy hillsides grubbing roots, or at kill sites. Weather is typically overcast, wet, and windy.
Clients must be in very good shape and willing to carry heavy loads—often multiple trips. This hunting style mirrors the intensity of remote sheep hunting.
13 Day Base Camp | Fall (August through mid-September)
You'll hunt the Porcupine herd—currently 230,000 animals and growing—in Dave's exclusive ANWR territory. Same remote logistics: 3-hour bush flight, base camp with dome tents and freeze-dried meals, daily glassing from vantage points.
Carbou hunting is physically harder than grizzly hunting. You'll spot singles, pairs, or small groups moving through valleys or feeding at rest. When a bull suits you, a stalk is executed based on distance, wind, time of day, and your ability.
In August, bulls sport slight white manes and dark velvet-covered antlers. By mid-September, they've shed velvet and sport impressive dark racks with white beards. Trophy criteria focuses on overall configuration and how he'll look on your wall.
Dave is clear: these hunts aren't for everyone. You need to:
He expects hunters to begin (or continue) conditioning programs before arrival. Only the hardiest and most dedicated should consider hunts of this magnitude.
Dave Marsh has personally guided dozens of successful hunts. Recent client references are available from hunters across the US—from Ohio, Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, and beyond—all with direct contact info on file.
Dave Marsh - Master Guide-Outfitter
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (859) 338-4710
Service Areas: Brooks Range (ANWR), Bristol Bay (GMU 17B), Alaska
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