I have been to Alaska 26 times and traveled most of the state. There are no Brown Bears on Prince of Wales Island. The biggest black bear I encountered (350 pounder) was in a tidal pool catching Salman. He let me know it was his pool with a couple of false charges. The first time I traveled to Alaska was to build a cabin on Lake Illiamna where there were real live Brown Bears. I carried a Smith and Wesson Model 29 44 magnum. Jack Foldagger (Master Guide) laughed at me and called me a fool. I agree with him after having a couple of close encounters. He carried a 375 H&H every where he went, even to the [bleep] in his yard. I started carrying a 375 H&H or a 12 Gauge pump everywhere I went from then on. Two years ago while fishing at Prince of Wales Island I carried that same 12 gauge pump with a sling over my back.
My suggestion is leave your pistol home.
Nat Lambeth
