It is that time of year again! Time to apply for black bear permits for Fall 2017 and Spring 2018. The application period is open from November 1 until December 15, 2016 at 5pm AKST. If you are interested in hunting the famed black bears of Prince of Wales Island, be sure to apply. Drawing a permit is not a guarantee, so start applying now. There will once again be 100 Spring and 30 Fall permits available this year. The Spring 2018 season runs from Jan 1-June 30 and the Fall 2017 season runs from Sept 1-Dec 31. Typically the Spring hunt is best in April and May and the Fall hunt is best in September. Both hunts offer amazing experiences. A Spring permit can give you the opportunity to also fish for halibut during your bear hunt. Likewise, a Fall permit can provide you the incredible opportunity to hunt black bears, hunt blacktail deer, and fish the fall silver run all at the same time! You may apply individually or two hunters may apply together as a party, meaning if one draws a permit both get a permit. You will need to purchase an Alaska big game hunting license in order to apply. Licenses are accepted for the current year or for the year in which the drawing hunt takes place. You can both purchase a hunting license and apply for a permit online. Our area, Prince of Wales Island, is Hunt Unit 2. The Fall black bear hunt is Hunt Number DL027 while the Spring hunt is Hunt Number DL028. You can find all the application information and the online application on the Alaska Fish and Game website. Draw results will be available online by February 17, 2017. Feel free to call us or email us if you are interested in applying or have any questions!
