SPRING BROWN BEAR HUNT
By Jeffrey Stewart

I am writing this hunt report after enjoying a phenomenal trip to Alaska with Wild Alaskan Guides, Inc. While attending a spring Safari Club International Banquet in Columbus, Ohio, I purchased at auction a Brown Bear hunt donated by Wild Alaskan Guides, specifically by Michael Mroczynski. After purchasing the hunt and preparing both physically and mentally, I enjoyed the finest event in my brief but intense big game hunting experience. The entire experience was extraordinarily professional from the bush pilots, Doug & Dave, to Michael's knowledge of game and specifically of the Alaskan Brown Bear. The food was balanced, well prepared and of excellent overall quality. The tent accommodations were adequate once I adjusted to the time change, temperature, and 19 hours of daylight. Not once were any of my expectations anything but exceeded and I had the opportunity to witness some of the greatest wildlife scenery in the world. This scenery included 7 or 8 different brown bears, cubs and a large boar we nicknamed Elvis. Elvis lived high on the mountain and after hibernation was unwilling to give us a stalking opportunity. On one of our "recon" trips Michael spotted a large boar situated high on a ledge sunning himself out of the bitter cold temperatures and over 40 mph winds. We slowly post holed in hip deep snow in a effort to remain silent, for over two hours to get an angel down wind "just to take a look" Michael said. I was thrilled with the opportunity to be in such close quarters to such a magnificent animal. We approached and settled in for what could have been a long wait, about 170 yards downwind directly below the bear's ledge. Around 1pm he became uneasy, I believe he sensed our presence and moved off the ledge briefly giving Michael the opportunity to fully view the bear. He was unblemished and to me a classic representative of the species. Michael estimated him at 8.5 to 9 feet. At that point, and fairly early in the hunt the decision was difficult but there may not be another opportunity to be so close to such a magnificent trophy. My 338 MAG found its mark and shortly we were examining a gorgeous bear that measured 9'6". After packing out the hide as far as we could physically that night, we returned the next morning to finish the job. With seven days remaining and having purchased a black bear tag, Michael made arrangements with our bush pilot to move us to a better black bear area and move another client into our canyon because of our numerous brown bear sightings. We set a trophy standard and in spite of the economic gain associated with taking an inferior animal, Michael never wavered in his desire to "show me" a quality trophy. On my last day we had taken down camp and were preparing for departure when the weather turned ugly and the bush pilot was unsure if he would be able to make a return trip. Without hesitation, Michael put his client's interest first and I boarded the Super Cub for the flight back to Kenai. An attitude of under promise and over deliver was typical for Michael and enjoyed by this hunter. I can't recommend strongly enough for value and experience the Wild Alaskan Guides. My phone and fax numbers are available for anyone who has questions regarding Wild Alaskan Guides. My experience was simply spectacular.