Can we bring back the fish we catch?
We strongly advise you catch and release, apart from any fish you may cook as a meal while on the adventure. We do not have a fish freezer or dry ice to keep your fish fresh during the shipping process back to your home.
What rivers are open or closed to King Salmon fishing?
The only three rivers that currently allow you to fish King Salmon are the Arolik, Kanektok, and Goodnews. You cannot target Kings on all other rivers. Don't forget to grab your King Stamp when getting your fishing license if you are going to be on one of these three approved rivers.
What do I do with the meat from the moose that I hunt?
You have several options on handling the meat you collect on your hunt:
You can store the meat in a cooler and bring it home with you as a checked bag.
You can ship it via air cargo to many Lower 48 cargo hubs. Alaska Airlines has information on this option here.
You can donate the meat to the local community.
You can have it shipped via a trucking company – Alaska Trophy Express.
In addition, please note the following meat-handling rules:
All meat has to come out on the bone, such as the quarters.
Rib meat can be removed, but the rib bone must be cleaned of all edible meat.
Remove the backstraps.
Neck and brisket meat can come off the bone.
The sex of the animal must stay attached to one of the quarters.
Antlers are the last thing to come out of the field.
Can I keep some moose meat at camp to eat?
Of course, and we encourage it. However, the antlers must remain in camp until all edible portions of the animal are out of the field.
What type of weather should I expect?
Pack for rain, wind, and temperatures down to the mid 20’s. If you pack using that info, you won’t get yourself into a pinch. A High quality rain coat and pants are a must as well as some good water proof boots. More than likely you can expect low 40’s to mid 50’s during the day and a few frosty mornings. Rain is a given.
Can I do my laundry at your lodge?
Unfortunately not. We have a limited water supply, and therefore laundry is not an option.
Is there Internet access?
As we are in a remote wilderness location, Internet access is not reliable. We strongly recommend you print your licenses and handle any administrative tasks before you arrive.
Is there cell phone service?
Yes, but only through Verizon or GCI, and there is no data, just texts and calls. Papa Bear’s office has a landline, but it can only be used to receive calls, or place outgoing calls within Bethel. We do not allow visitors to make long distance calls.
Do restaurants in Bethel deliver?
Yes! All restaurants in Bethel will deliver to our lodge free of charge.
Is there taxi service in Bethel?
Yes, there are taxi cabs available. Please note, taxis charge per person, and not per trip.
Do you have gear I can rent while I’m there?
Yes we do! Other than your personal gear, such as clothing, waders, jet boil, fishing poles and tackle, sleeping bag, etc., Papa Bear has most of the camping and rafting equipment covered. Please visit our Gear Up page for detailed options.
We strongly recommend contacting us in advance if you don’t see something on our gear list that you will need.
Please note that you can’t fly on the large airlines with propane or other hazardous materials – those will need to be purchased through Papa Bear Adventures.
Can I ship my gear to you so I don’t have to bring it with me on the plane?
Yes! However, we have found it’s not cost effective to ship your gear versus renting from us. Contact us, and we can walk you through the equipment rental process.
If you prefer to ship your gear, you can send everything to us in advance, and we will store it safely until your arrival. We can also assist with shipping everything back to your home at the end of your adventure.
How long are your adventures?
Each river system and the time you spend on the river can be specific to a certain species at different times of year. The minimum trip, however, is six days, and they can last as long as you please. If you are looking to fish for a specific species, please contact us as we can tell you what time of year to come, and which river will best suit your needs.
Likewise with hunting adventures, you can tailor your trip to your preferences and needs. Contact us to make full arrangements.
How do I get to Bethel?
There are two airlines that fly into Bethel: Alaska Airlines and Ravn Air. We recommend purchasing refundable tickets in case you finish your adventure early and want to move up your departure flight.
Papa Bear Adventures recommends arriving the day before your adventure is set to begin. If you are planning on flying out on the last day of your adventure, your flight must be after 7pm local time, or you will need to stay the night at our lodge. Please plan for extra time to properly clean and prepare your meat, antlers or anything else you’re bringing home with you.
Be sure to book a departure out of Bethel after 7pm if planning to leave the same day as coming off the river. Moose hunters need to plan the extra time on the back end of their trip to care for meat and antlers (extra time is not required for fishing adventures).
Can I ship my gear to you so I don’t have to bring it with me on the plane?
Yes! However, we have found it’s not cost effective to ship your gear versus renting from us. Contact us, and we can walk you through the equipment rental process.
If you prefer to ship your gear, you can send everything to us in advance, and we will store it safely until your arrival. We can also assist with shipping everything back to your home at the end of your adventure.
Can I ship my meat and antlers home?
No. If you’re shipping to the Lower 48 states, you can only ship gear and personal belongings through the United States Postal Service, not FedEx or UPS.
If you’re shipping it within Alaska, you can do so via air cargo through Alaska Airlines, Northern Air or Everts.
Can we bring back the fish we catch?
We strongly advise you catch and release, apart from any fish you cook as a meal while on the adventure. We do not have a fish freezer or dry ice to keep your fish fresh during the shipping process back to your home.
Can I buy alcohol in Bethel?
No, however, you can pre-order through Gold Rush Liquors. They box and ship liquor, or you can order in advance, and we pick it up and have it ready for you.
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to address the order “ATTN: to Papa Bear Adventures/ Justin Essian” and use the 907-545-1155 phone number so the air freighter can call Papa Bear Adventures upon arrival.
To ensure the timely delivery of your spirits, we recommend ordering and shipping 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival in Bethel. Please be sure to follow up with us after you have placed your order so we know when to expect it.
Do restaurants in Bethel deliver?
Yes! All restaurants in Bethel will deliver to our lodge free of charge. There are also taxi cabs available. Please note, taxis charge per person, and not per trip.
Can I buy supplies in Bethel?
Yes, however being that we are in a remote location in Alaska, prices can be up to three times higher than what they might cost elsewhere. In addition, it may not be possible to buy supplies with your travel schedule. We recommend coming prepared and work with us in advance to ensure you have everything you need.
When camping overnight, will I encounter a bear? What precautions should I take?
While the chances of encountering a bear are low, it is the Alaskan wilderness, and bears are in the vicinity. However, you can greatly reduce the chance of a bear encounter by keeping a clean camp. The following precautions should be taken:
Take your cooler out of your raft at night, and store it away from your camp and away from your raft.
Rinse your raft daily upon setting up camp. Make sure there is no trace of blood, or even the scent of blood, from that day’s catch.
Clean your catches in the river away from camp.
Throw any fish carcasses into the middle of the river.
When cooking, do so away from camp. Clean up any spills with water. Rinse your dishes in the river.
Throw any excess food into the river, not into the woods.
If you plan to leave camp, have a safety plan, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
If you should still encounter a bear, make lots of noise and create a commotion. Do your best to scare it away.