Jim River Guide Service

Jim River Guide Service is run by Willie Dvorak, a Master Guide who personally guides every hunt himself. This isn't a typical outfitting operation where you get handed off to staff—the guy cashing your check is the same guy in the field with you.

"If hustle, honesty, integrity and professionalism is important to you, you've found what you are looking for. I provide the names of ALL of my clients/numbers from last season."

• •Owner-guides every hunt - Most Alaska outfitters use hired hands for efficiency. Willie does all his own guiding, which means he has direct skin in the game for your success. He makes his living on repeat business, not one-time commissions.

• •Spike camp positioning - Instead of base camps or river camps, Willie uses spike camps positioned directly where animals are. Heavy pre-season scouting determines exact placement. You'll glass game from your tent in the morning.

• •Extra camp staff included - Most outfitters skip this to save money. Willie brings a second person in camp as extra eyes, hands, and legs for your hunt and meat processing.

• •Verified client references - Willie provides names and phone numbers of ALL previous season clients. Call them directly. This is unusual in the industry because the risk is high—other outfitters could poach his clients, or a bad review tanks everything. He takes this risk because he's confident in his operation.

• •Combo hunts available for hunters wanting multiple game species.

• •Fishing trips - Guided fishing also offered.

• •Getting there - Fly into Anchorage, then charter flight to Iliamna, then bush plane (Piper Super Cub) into spike camp. Flat rate of $1,500 round trip covers all flights plus meat/trophy transport back to Anchorage.

• •Spike camps - Tents positioned to glass game right from camp. Start hunting at sunrise while you have coffee. Camps have satellite phones for safety. Willie provides cots and all major gear; you bring personal items within 60-pound limit.

• •Food - Willie provides all meals. His cook handles camp meals. He accommodates special dietary needs with 30 days notice. "A camp runs on its stomach"—he doesn't skimp on rations.

• •Guided hunts - Willie is in field with you, reading wind, glassing, making decisions. Unguided hunters are fully outfitted but on their own.

• •Binoculars required - Hunting Alaska means constant glassing of vast areas. Bring quality waterproof binoculars, minimum 8x40, preferably 10x50.

• •Rifle caliber - Any legal Alaska weapon permitted. Recommended minimum is .30-06; .300 Win Mag better. Bring 20-30 rounds of quality bullets (Sledgehammer, Trophy Bonded Bear Claws, Barnes X, A-Square, etc.). Willie emphasizes practice: "You may need to make the shot while you are out of breath, getting rained on, leaning into the wind."

• •Gear restrictions - 60-pound personal limit on bush planes. Pack in mid-sized waterproof duffel bags (no hard cases allowed). Willie provides pack frames in camp for day hunting and meat hauling.

Willie is direct about expectations: "Your success can depend greatly on your mental and physical readiness." Alaska's wilderness is unforgiving. He's seen experienced hunters get overwhelmed and quit early. Arrive in camp physically fit and mentally ready.

• •50% non-refundable deposit reserves your dates. First-come, first-served basis—money across the desk gets the dates.

• •Balance due 60 days before hunt start.

• •Book extra days at deposit time if desired (last-minute additions rarely possible).

• •Travel insurance recommended—protects non-refundable deposits against injury, family emergency, or Act of God.

• •Phone: 605-887-3561 (landline) or 605-228-8162 (texting/cell)
• •Email: Available on website
• •Note: August–September Willie is off-grid guiding in Alaska. Use landline; it forwards to satellite phone. His wife Julie handles messages.

Willie's philosophy: "When booking a hunt, use the same rule as buying a scope. Buy the best you can afford. The sweetness of low price is short-lived but the bitterness of a poor guide lasts a lifetime." He operates "above board," follows all Alaska Board of Game regulations strictly, and won't cheat the state or clients.