The Aleutian Islands make up the extreme southwest portion of Alaska and extend almost entirely to Russia. Most of the larger islands have small communities and airstrips but amenities will be very limited. Most hunts in this area are conducted out of outfitters lodges but DIY hunts are possible but very expensive and logistically complicated. Caribou were introduced into this area, namely on Adak Island, in the early 50’s and the herds have done very well, partly because of the lack of predators. Brown/Grizzly bears can be hunted only on Unimak Island but the bears tend to reach enormous sizes. This can be a difficult hunt from start to finish but the islands offer a hunting experience unlike any other and can make memories for a lifetime.

Great hunting here but reaching the island and successfully tagging an animal can be an expensive and stressful endeavor. This hunt is much more about the adventure than anything else.

The islands can be largely characterized as rolling grassy plains with large snow-capped peaks periodically rising from the landscape, many of which are ancient volcanoes. Thick vegetation can cover small isolated portions of the landscape at times but can generally be avoided for navigation purposes. Bogs and small lakes or ponds are found throughout the region but will not generally impede travel too terribly. Covering ground throughout the remainder of the unit will be fairly straight forward and simple. Glassing opportunities are excellent throughout the islands and will be the best method for initially locating game.

Accessing each island as an individual is generally easier than most would expect, albeit fairly expensive. Several of the communities throughout the unit do have vehicle and ATV rental options but an extremely limited road system will not grant hunters a ton of access options past that. Off road travel is prohibited in some areas and hunters will need to pay close attention to this. Most hunters in this area are generally using outfitters where planes and off-road vehicles will be used almost exclusively from lodges and the hunting grounds.

Most of the islands in this unit will see large expanses of tundra and native grasses. Patches of alder, willow, and crowberry will grow in abundance in areas but will generally not impede travel or glassing efforts too much. Grass and rock primarily exist in the higher elevation areas and can make for excellent glassing points.

There are a few options for modern lodging in the islands but these are generally very limited and far removed from the primary hunting areas. Most hunters in this region will generally be hunting with outfitters who will have supplied lodges and cabins but primitive camping options are possible. Weather can be brutal throughout the season here, though, and primitive camping can quickly turn into a miserable existence.