The Arctic grizzly is a special bear — by far the prettiest grizzly bear subspecies in the world, with big color variations from dark brown to silver tipped to almost fully blonde. Its long soft hair is in perfect condition when they come out of hibernation during the spring hunts.
Arctic grizzly bears are one of the most restricted and controlled populations of bears in the world. More tags are given out per year for polar bears than these grizzlies. This outfitter holds access to only a handful of tags per year, which is a sizable percentage of all the bear tags on Nunavut’s mainland.
The Hunt
The hunt starts in Cambridge Bay and travels nearly 200 miles by snowmobile down to Bathurst Inlet — it’s not for the faint of heart. This hunt is high on adventure. Hunting takes place in early to mid-May with almost 24 hours of daylight and comfortable temperatures, some days above freezing.
Hunting is done by snowmobile, and renting your own snowmobile for the duration is highly recommended — it greatly improves the hunt experience versus being pulled in a sled. Bears are easy to spot as they contrast against the white snow when coming out of hibernation. Hours are spent glassing from tall hills around camp and along the Kent Peninsula and Bathurst Inlet.
Success & Trophy Potential
This hunt has a remarkably high success rate, and if the weather is right, you could see multiple bears per day. Arctic grizzly bears are not excessively big — a seven-foot bear is considered a shooter. If you can pass on some good bears, there is always a chance of finding something near that eight-foot mark.
The Camp
Camp sits on the southwest end of the Kent Peninsula, just over a hundred miles from Cambridge Bay (about seven hours by snowmobile). The camp consists of three insulated cabins heated by oil stoves. Only 2 hunters in camp at a time. A second camp near Bathurst Inlet is also used. Beds and foam mattresses are provided — bring a sleeping bag.
Your Schedule
The morning after arriving in Cambridge Bay, you pack onto sleds and ride all day to camp at Parry Bay. The following days are spent hunting from camp. On the day before your departure flight, you snowmobile the 200 miles back to town and fly home the next day.
Additional Opportunities
Wolf, wolverine, and Arctic fox tags are included. A seal hunting permit can be purchased for five dollars (seals are not currently importable to the United States). Additional grizzly bear tags can also be added to a muskox or caribou hunt during the fall season.
Pricing
- Spring Arctic Grizzly Bear Hunt (10 days): $25,000 USD
- Wolf: Included
- Wolverine: Included
- Arctic Fox: Included
- Optional snowmobile rental: $450/day
What’s Included
- 10 full hunting days
- Accommodation and meals while in camp
- One guide for every hunter
- Field prep of trophy and hides
What’s Not Included
- Grizzly bear tag ($1,150)
- Wolf tag ($170, optional)
- Wolverine tag ($170, optional)
- Hunting license ($60)
- Fox hunting license ($70, optional)
- 5% goods and services tax
- Meat processing
- Canadian firearms import fee (if applicable)
- Travel to Cambridge Bay and all associated costs
- Accommodations in Yellowknife or Cambridge Bay before/after hunt
- Optional snowmobile rental ($450/day)
Important Notes
- Weather is the biggest factor that can impede your hunt — be prepared to lose a day or two
- Canadian cash required for tags and licenses
- Hunt typically runs May 4–14, arrive Cambridge Bay May 3, depart May 15
- Government export fees are currently free
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
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