Papa Bear Adventures — Attraction in Bethel

Using my wife's account, I typically uses Papa Bear Adventures for fishing trips each summer. I have used the 4 times for fishing trips and love the company. After the second trip, a few of us that are regulars decided that we would try a moose hunt through them. We planned this out 3 years before. We couldn't wait for the summer of '24. Each year before '24, we would have discussions with Justin to prepare while getting ready for the fishing trip. Justin would readily answer our questions. This continued each winter. Communication was always awesome.

When we finally got to the hunt, we arrived at the airport. A Papa Bear rep was there to pick us up as always. We showed up to the lodge and found our food that we shipped up there in our tent for packing purposes. We spent the evening prepping. Justin met us in the morning and we discussed all paperwork, how things would work, communication, meat prep, and all other logistics. It was fantastic and made our trip easier out in the field.

We ended up being rained out day 1. Breakfast was provided and the day in the lodge was good. We had fantastic conversations with PBA staff that day and was consistent all other days. Day 2 came and we were told we would go out later that day. Where we were going, Justin had to organize multiple flights that day for us and it went smooth.

When we arrived, we set up camp. PBA's gear was top notch. While there was wear and tear as expected with shared gear, there was no issues with the gear at all. For future hunters, extra tarps (not 1-2 more, more like 4-5), and paracord are a must and make your life much easier setting up rain protection.

We ended up hunting the area for 6 days before we started to float out to our pick up. We were able to get 3 nice moose out of 4 hunters during that time. The fourth had chances and did not pull the trigger on some decent moose. We were able to in reach Justin each time we got a moose to discuss logistics for takeout. Once we got to the take out, Justin wasnt able to get to us due to weather. This shows his safety for his team. The following day, they picked us up with his crew and were very organized.

Back at the lodge, we eagerly met hit the lodge's shower which was amazing. We ordered some burgers from one of the shacks in town. That evening we ended up prepping some meat for shipment back to home and prepped antlers. The rest of the meat, we gave to the community. It was amazing to see how Justin works with the community to provide meat to those in need. Within arriving 30 min into the lodge, I watched my meat that i was donating get picked up by a community member. It is one of the highlights of my trip. Knowing that I worked so hard to get the moose, process the moose, keep the meat good, and that it went to a needy family was something ill never forget.

For the antlers, Justin had all the supplies to prep the antlers for shipment. He worked with us on options to get the antlers home. This was flawless. Within 1-2 weeks, the antlers arrived home.

There were no hidden fees that were not discussed with us. While Justin couldn't get us exact shipment cost for meat and antlers, his estimate was well in the ball park of actual costs.

I cannot stress how organized PBA is. I consider them my Alaska family as i use the company almost ever year. The are an amazing company, with great staff and pilots. Thanks so much for all the adventures you have provided me...

We did a 12-day float on the Kanektok in mid-July. We experienced a superb trip. The pre-planning and communication went very well, especially all the food and equipment preparation with Tawny. She was friendly and informative and gave us excellent advice on getting and procuring food and camp items.

The onsite Bethel team was extra personable and competent. We were able to get turned around quickly on our first day and actually hit the river a day early. Airport transportation was smooth and easy. The float plane trips were efficient and of course, fun. Both pilots were terrific.

Abbi was very accommodating at the end of the trip and helped us get showered (!) and transition back to the real world.

The rental gear was first-rate. I’ve done a lot of DIY river trips and Papa Bear’s equipment was of the highest quality and in the best condition. The raft frames were awesome, easy to assemble and adjust. The boats were clean and in good shape. The tents and the bug gazebo were topnotch, and sheltered us well from rain, wind, and especially -- bugs.

The kitchen gear was just the right amount, and it suited our needs perfectly. We could tell the setups were done with first-hand experience.

Our team of four commented every single day, “Papa Bear sure outfitted us with quality gear!”

We had one glitch at the take-out, but it got resolved. We recognize that are a LOT of logistics involved in getting us on the river and Papa Bear’s team and organization were great. We had an extraordinary adventure, and we could not have done it without their help and guidance. I would not hesitate to use...

I have hunted Moose with Papa Bear 4 times now. Each time the experience has been outstanding. PB does such a great job getting you safely (Bush Plane flying is no joke) to your hunt location and ensuring you are prepared for success. The gear you rent from them is top notch and is supplemented with additional supplies like an extra gas hose for your propane tank, long spoons for your dehydrated meals and a patch kit for your boat. Their accommodations back at the lodge are also best in class. Clean rooms and baths, nice eating area. What I like most about the lodge is the meat processing station that is fully equipped to get your horns and meat home – no need to pack Saran wrap, foam and duct tape. My favorite thing about PB is the concern and care they place on proper meat handling in the field and how conscious they are of quickly retrieving that meat to get back and in the cooler. While I did witness for the 1st time a hunter processing his whole moose to ship home, most hunters end up donating 80%~ of their meat to the grateful and needy people of Bethel. It feels great to make that donation and know all the care and emphasis that went into making that happen. I highly recommend PB, Justin, Seth and the whole crew. I look forward to hunting with them again in...