I'll begin my review of available opportunities with the bear hunts on offer through Al Kuntz of Al's Worldwide Adventures. Seems one of Kuntz outfitters offers bear hunts in a part of the world correspondent Ken Nowicki writes about elsewhere in this issue - namely, the Queen Charlotte Islands along British Columbia's coast. This outfitter has exclusive guiding rights on an entire 2,500-square-mile island that is sparsely populated and has few roads. The terrain is diverse, ranging from snowcapped peaks to old growth rain forests and tidal flats bordering scenic Pacific fjords. This habitat is perfect for large black bears - sorry, no color phases other than coal black - and Sitka blacktail deer.
Let's look at his fall bear hunts first. These hunts run from October 15 through November 15, while the bears are on the streams eating salmon. Hunters must be in fairly good shape for this one, as this hunt involves walking the riverbanks and covering ground on foot. It's worth the effort, however, because it's possible to see up to 30 bears a day! Biologists estimate that there are between 6,000 and 7,500 bears on the island, or nearly three bears per square mile. It's no wonder the outfitter offers a second bear on a trophy basis. However, hunter success on a second bear is only about 20 percent because the outfitter urges clients to hold out for a larger bear.
While looking for a big bruin, you can also take up to three Sitka blacktails for a combo bear and deer hunt. Kuntz says there are hundreds of deer here, including some trophy bucks,........(continued)
