Alaska Wilderness Charters & Guiding

Alaska Wilderness Charters & Guiding was founded by Brad Saalsaa in 1990. Brad has hunted and fished throughout remote areas of Alaska and built a reputation for fair chase, spot-and-stalk hunting that's been featured in magazines and TV outdoor shows. The operation is based in Ketchikan with hunting camps in Kotzebue and the surrounding northwest Arctic region.

• •Caribou Hunts - Northwest Alaska is home to the Western Arctic Herd, with approximately 225,000 Barren Ground Caribou. Hunts are based out of Kotzebue and run late August through September. Hunters typically see 20 to 500 caribou per day depending on migration patterns and weather. Both fully guided and unguided options available.

• •Brown Bear & Grizzly Bear Hunts - Alaska brown bear hunting is their primary focus. They offer multiple hunt options based on your physical ability, trophy expectations, and budget. Brown bear hunts require a .338 Magnum or larger rifle with premium bonded ammunition (20-30 rounds). Arctic grizzly hunts are conducted north of the Arctic Circle in the Kotzebue area, where bears range from 7' to 9'2" with light blonde coloring being predominant.

• •Moose Hunts - Available in the Kotzebue area alongside caribou operations.

• •Salmon & Halibut Fishing - Ketchikan is known as the salmon capital of the world. Fish for four species of salmon, halibut, and cod. Ketchikan has the largest salmon runs in Alaska.

• •Unguided Hunts - All equipment, food, and logistics are handled. You get picked up at the Kotzebue airport, gear orientation at the operations base, then flown to a remote camp with all necessary equipment. Everything is provided—Cabela's 6-man tents, cots, cooking gear, food. You hunt on your own and are picked up at hunt's end with your meat and trophies. Perfect for bonding trips with friends or family.

• •Fully Guided Hunts - Professional guides handle all camp duties, skinning, packing, hide/cape prep, and cooking. Guides are first aid and CPR certified with satellite phones in camp. You focus on hunting while they do the work. Many guides carry video cameras to document your hunt.

• •Zero Accident Safety Record - Pilots are among Alaska's best bush pilots. Weather delays happen in Alaska; they manage them with experienced field staff.

• •Equipment Standards - Gear is cleaned and checked before every hunt. Recommended brands include Cabela's Dry-Plus Breathable Waders (waist-high), Helly Hansen Impertech rain gear, and quality sleeping bags/pads. 70 lb. gear limit on charter flights.

For moose/caribou/grizzly hunts: Framed backpack, rifle (30-40 rounds), quality binoculars, sleeping bag/pad, waders, boots, rain gear, insulated clothing, wool socks, satellite phone (recommended for unguided—rentals $35-90 for 10 days).

For brown bear hunts: .338 Magnum or larger rifle, 20-30 rounds premium bonded ammo only, high-quality 10x binoculars, same clothing/gear as above.

They work with Alpha Fur Dressers in Anchorage for tanning and shipping trophies. Do not ship green capes to the lower 48—risky and expensive.

• •Getting There - Fly into Anchorage, overnight, then Alaska Airlines morning flight to Kotzebue. Their staff picks you up. Return flights depart Kotzebue in the evening.

• •In Kotzebue - Small native village of ~3,000 people on the Chukchi Sea, north of the Arctic Circle. Limited hotel/dining options (Nullagvik Hotel, Bay Side Restaurant). Kotzebue is a "damp" village—no alcohol sales unless you bring your own.

• •Travel Partners - Iliamna Air Taxi (907-334-9845) and Penn Air (1-800-448-4226) handle flights. Nancy Wickstrum (907-571-1709) handles Iliamna lodging.

Arctic conditions vary. September highs range 40-65°F; lows 0° to 40°F. Expect wet, very windy, cold, sleet with occasional sun. Success and enjoyment directly relate to your physical fitness before arrival.

Brad Saalsaa 907-247-HUNT (4868) 907-247-1317 (Fax) [email protected] P.O. Box 9382, Ketchikan, AK 99901

"Brad has not only met but exceeded all my expectations." - Repeat client since 2005