What Is Polar Bear Hunting?
Polar bear hunting is a rare, regulated, and culturally significant expedition conducted in the Arctic Circle—primarily in Nunavut, Canada. It combines age-old Inuit traditions with modern outfitter safety, offering elite hunters a once-in-a-lifetime pursuit.
Quick Facts:
- ✅ Legal only in Canada under quota-based systems
- ✅ Must be guided by Inuit locals (1-on-1)
- ✅ Most hunts are 10-day expeditions
- ✅ Starts at $44,500 USD
Where Can You Legally Hunt Polar Bears in 2025?
The only place in the world where non-residents can legally and ethically hunt polar bears is Canada’s Arctic—specifically:
- Nunavut
- Northwest Territories
These regions operate under CITES guidelines and work with Indigenous communities to ensure sustainable harvests.
Polar Bear Hunting Season (2025)
| Region | Spring Season | Summer/Fall Season |
|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | March – May | August – October |
- Spring Hunts: Often done on snowmobiles, sleds, or ATVs over sea ice
- Fall Hunts: Boat-based, along rocky coastal areas or fjords
How Much Does a Polar Bear Hunt Cost?
| Package Type | Price (USD) | Duration | Guide Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Spring Hunt | $44,500 | 10 Days | 1-on-1 Guided |
| Summer Combo (Bear + Walrus) | $58,000 | 10 Days | 1-on-1 Guided |
| 2027 Advance Booking | $44,500 | 10 Days | 1-on-1 Guided |
Add-ons:
- Wolf/Wolverine Tag: $700 CAD each
- Rifle Rental: $650 CAD
- Observer Fee: $900 CAD
- 5% GST applies to all costs
How Does a Polar Bear Hunt Work?
Your journey begins in Iqaluit or a similar base city. After a bush flight to your Arctic hunting area:
- Camp in heated tent setups with full logistics
- Travel by dog sled, snowmobile, or boat depending on the season
- Hunt with expert Inuit guides using spot-and-stalk or ice tracking
- Once harvested, your trophy is prepared for export under CITES permits
Hunts typically conclude once the target bear is taken.
Do Polar Bears Hunt Humans?
This is not a myth. While rare, polar bears will hunt humans in the wild—especially:
- When food is scarce (starving bears)
- If threatened or surprised
- Near camps or cabins without protection
Polar bears are apex predators that do not fear humans. This is why all guided hunts are heavily armed and safety-focused.
How Do Polar Bears Hunt in Nature?
Polar bears are specialized seal hunters. They:
- Wait silently near seal breathing holes
- Detect prey with smell from up to 1 mile away
- Use powerful forelimbs to crush ice and capture seals
This makes them one of the most stealthy and efficient predators on the planet.
Do Humans Still Hunt Polar Bears?
Yes—but only in:
- Canada (legally through Inuit quota systems)
- Greenland (rare cases with Indigenous exemption)
Other countries like the U.S., Norway, and Russia have banned recreational polar bear hunting. Ethical hunting helps fund local communities and maintain conservation practices.
Ethical Hunting: Tradition Meets Conservation
Each licensed hunt:
- Follows strict quotas based on wildlife population surveys
- Involves Inuit communities, providing income and cultural preservation
- Includes CITES documentation to ensure legal international transport
Outfitters typically limit tags to ensure no overharvesting.
What’s Included in a Polar Bear Hunt?
✅ CITES Export Permit
✅ Field trophy prep
✅ 1-on-1 Guide (Inuit)
✅ Camp lodging & meals
✅ Snowmobile/dog sled transport
✅ Sleeping gear & safety support
❌ Exclusions:
- International/domestic flights
- Alcohol (prohibited)
- Taxidermy & trophy shipping
- Tips, observer fees, rifles
Real Experience: What to Expect
- 🔥 24-hour daylight (in spring)
- 🧊 Freezing temperatures (-30°C possible)
- 🐾 Wildlife: Arctic fox, wolf, walrus, muskox
- 💬 Storytelling from Inuit elders
- 📸 Bucket-list photos + lifelong memories
FAQs About Polar Bear Hunting
Q: How long does a hunt last?
10 days. The hunt ends once your bear is harvested.
Q: Can I bring my own rifle?
Yes, or rent one from the outfitter.
Q: Is it safe?
With an expert guide and gear—yes. But it’s still a high-risk hunt.
Q: Will I get a CITES permit?
Yes, all licensed outfitters handle it for legal trophy export.
Final Thoughts: Should You Book a Polar Bear Hunt?
If you seek a true test of skill, endurance, and respect for nature, polar bear hunting is the summit. It’s not just a hunt—it’s a journey through one of the most powerful environments on Earth, guided by the wisdom of the North.
✔️ Legal
✔️ Ethical
✔️ Culturally meaningful
✔️ Absolutely unforgettable
Start planning your 2025 Polar Bear Hunt with Hunt Nation today.
