Spring bear hunting in Alaska is an exciting time of year! As the winter break up season transitions into a blooming Spring, Alaskan hunters take to the field. This year we pursued black bears in Alaska’s Kachemak Bay State Park on the Kenai Peninsula.

We pursued spring black bears on sea kayaks within Kachemak Bay. During the weekend trip we witnessed stellar landscapes, sunsets, and wildlife interactions. Sea kayaking is a unique method for glassing bears feeding along the sea coast. If the weather is fair, you can cover good distances and stealthily approach wildlife. While more limiting than a motorized watercraft, our sea kayak hunt offered plenty of adventure.

A highlight of the hunt was the opportunity to stalk and observe a beach cruising coyote from our sea kayak. While we could have harvested the furbearing coyote, we elected to hold out for an opportunity at a black bear. A few moments later while paddling along the beach, we bumped a young black bear.

Being our first coastal hunt, the scale of the beach boulders and terrain distorted the black bear. It took a moment for us to judge his distance. We ended up approaching too abruptly, being within 70 yards by the time we spotted him. The black bear stumbled on to a large log and began crawling up a steep coastal hillside. Black bears ability to manuever cliff-like terrain is always surprising and impressive.

We made a hasty attempt to put a stalk on the bear, delayed by our requirement to safely beach our kayak. While the stalk ended in our disappointment, we learned some valuable lessons. Notably, the shooter needs to be prepared to quickly manipulate the firearm to a firing position. Additionally, our kayak movement should remain offset from shore. We needed to be far enough from the beach to leave us flexibility to beach without spooking the game.

Overall, our weekend trip in Kachemak Bay, despite being unsuccessful, was a great adventure. We sat beside the warm glow of a driftwood fire and observed the tranquil beauty of Alaska’s coastal landscape. Another adventure to remember.

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