Alaska vs. Canada - Bear & Caribou

[Yazoo Bowhunter]

Thinking of possibly taking a trip in the next few years to either ALASKA or CANADA for bear or caribou, or a combined hunt.  So, here's the big debate:  Which is better?  Why?  Where would you go?  What's the selling points for each location? Pros and Cons?  Prices - how do they compare? AND OF COURSE == the animals!!!  How do Alaskian bear and caribou compare to those found in Canada?

Thanks.

[R.W.]

What species of bear, and which species of caribou?

The American bears, I am told, speak with an accent, which the Canadian bears don't have!        

I think that Canada has the edge for caribou, just because of the land mass that these herds cover.

If you are after black bears, I think Canada gets the edge there, too, just because of the area where this species can be hunted, in Canada.

Grizzly Bear, I don't know. Alaska may have a longer season, or more animals which may be harvested. Grizzly in Canada would require a guide, and trophy tag, so it gets plenty expensive.

[Paul Mattson]

I lived in AK for 15yrs. until my wife decided it was time to leave.    .  So, I will have to say Alaska.  You can DIY and have a great time.

[R.W.]

Good point, Badgerarrow.

If you hunt in Canada, you will need a guide anywhere you decide to hunt. There may be areas where you could hunt on private land, with permission, and not require a guide, but you would have to contact each Province's environment Ministry to find that out.

I didn't know you could do a D-I-Y hunt in Alaska, just took it, that like Canada, you would need a guide.

[John3]

Canada is the best "value" for your money. If you want quantity of game and quality of wild places, Canada cannot be beat.
There are more people in the state of California than every Canadian province combined. 90% of all Canadians live within a 100 miles of the US border. Get north to a game paradise.
I crunched all these numbers years ago when I got mad at myself for not doing the things that really mattered. I became serious about going twice every year on a bowhunt "somewhere". I wanted to hunt game that I couldn't in Missouri. What a great decision I made. In my research your money will go farther in Canada.
For a combo hunt for sure it will. Most years the conversion rate is in an Americans favor. A combo bear/bou hunt to Quebec for example the flights are much cheaper to go north vs. way way west and north.
Everywhere I've been in Canada is beautiful and the people exceed expectations.
I learned the hard way that you do get what you pay for. By all means spend the money to go; but do it smart and with value.
Call or email Mark Buehrer at BSC (bowhunting safari consultants). He has always taken great care of me.