Klutsch's Katmai Guide Service  

King Salmon,  AK 
United States
http://www.joeklutsch.com/
  • Booth: 3416


Come, enjoy the wonders of Alaska hunting with us. Est. 1976

We offer Alaskan Big Game Hunting at its finest.  And the reputation to back it.

What distinguishes me, my wife Carol, and my son Joey is that we are year-round residents of the Bristol Bay region for over 40 years. We do not base our operations out of state or claim residency only to spend most of the year elsewhere. We really live here, understand and care about the resource, and want to see it preserved for future generations. I truly enjoy the opportunity for every future season as does my son. It is my goal to give you the best experience possible and teach you about our amazing area and way of life.

Katmai Guide Service also offers fully guided hunts on federally permitted lands for Brown Bear, Mountain Goat & Sitka Black Tail Deer on Kodiak Island. Brown Bear and Moose hunts are available in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge (located at the southern border of Katmai National Park) and Aniakchak National Monument & Meshik River Valley of the Alaskan Peninsula. Joe became a Registered Guide in 1980 and earned his Master Guide License in 1992. He has served as president of Alaska Professional Hunters Association for eight years and is the recipient of the Safari Club International Professional Hunter of the Year award (1996), the Dallas Safari Club Professional Hunter of the Year award (1998), and the Wild Sheep Foundation Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award in 1999. If you are looking for the first class fishing or hunting trip that the limited access of federally permitted land offers or to simply experience the wildlife and wonders of remote Alaska, Joe Klutsch and Katmai Guide Service is the operation you want to book with. Exposing family and youth to outdoor activities in Alaska will provide an experience which insures life long respect for nature, personal bonding and special knowledge that cannot come from the television alone. Sharing an experience with us will do far more than just provide entertainment; it will establish a life long memory that will shape a person's perception of nature and of being.

For many years we have provided strong support for the world's leading hunting and conservation organizations. Such as the Dallas Safari Club, Safari Club International, Wild Sheep Foundation, Weatherby Foundation International & Conservation Force, IPHA and more.  These organizations represent who we are and what we beleive in.

Brands: Brown Bear, Alaska-Yukon Moose, Mountain Goat, Sitka Blacktail Deer, Dall Sheep, Grizzly Bear


 Videos

Kodiak Brown Bear hunt
Big, Impressive Moose taken
Dall Sheep hunting in the Alaskan Arctic Regions

 Press Releases

  • We realize that you may have many questions about traveling for your hunt, or perhaps you may be apprehensive about even booking a hunt because you think travel will be too difficult.  Fortunately, travel to Alaska is very easy for those living in the United States. Under current guidelines, you will need a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to traveling, and you will need to submit a State of Alaska travel declaration. More information can be found by following the link https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/.

    If you do not have access to a rapid test center in your area, don’t worry. You can use the Covid Consultants, which fedex a self-test kit, and guarantee results in 48 hours. Nearly all of our clients in the fall of 2020 used the Covid Consultants because at the time, it was nearly impossible to find rapid test centers in the lower 48 that could get results back in less than 72 hours. Follow this link for more information. https://thecovidconsultants.com/product/sars-cov-2-covid-19-rt-pcr-test-kit-sputum/. This process is fast, easy and painless.

    If you have any questions do not hesitate to call us. It might seem intimidating to travel, but with the proper precautions it is quite simple. We suggest that if you are planning on coming to Alaska, you should be extra cautious 2 weeks prior to their travel day. Minimize your contact with other people and going out in public places. Basically, stay at home as much as possible. We know this is difficult but there is a chance that you could contract the virus before your hunt, which would prevent you from traveling to Alaska. You have a lot of money invested in your hunt, and we have a lot invested in it too, with jobs promised to guides, packers and pilots. It is important to us that you show up. We want to see you have a successful hunt, and that starts with you at home prior to your trip.

  • Thank you to everyone visiting our booth during the Sheep Show and the DSC virtual conventions.  These were completely new formats and it was awkward for us to adjust to not attending the actual conventions which I have been doing for over 30 years. As you probably learned, we have hunts on the Alaska Peninsula for Big coastal Brown Bears, Moose and Wolf. We hunt on Kodiak Island for Big Kodiak Brown Bears, Mountain Goats and Sitka Blacktail Deer. We also offer Dall Sheep, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Wolf combination hunts in the Brooks Range, in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 
    These are prime hunting areas on Federal Lands (National Park Preserve and National Wildlife Refuges) where we have sole use guide permits. This ensures a high quality experience.  We pride ourselves on our ability to locate and judge trophy class animals and we have the diligence and dedication to see that you have a successful hunt.
    Due to recent restrictions on travelers coming from Europe, imposed by executive order, hunters that we had booked from Scandinavia will not be able to make their Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear hunts this May (hunt dates May 10-25). I need to get these openings filled to make my season complete, and I am willing to work with you on price. We also have openings for Kodiak Brown Bear this fall due to cancelations during the October 25-November 8 period.  We have several openings for Brown Bear (both on the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island), as well as Moose and Mountain Goat in 2022.
    Please contact us directly by email or the following phone numbers:
    Joey Klutsch cell phone: (907) 469-3033
    Joe Klutsch office: (907) 246-3030

 Products

  • Kodiak Island Brown Bear
    Our Kodiak Brown Bear hunts take place on Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge lands where we have a sole guide use area in Barling and Three Saints Bay area....

  • Kodiak Island has consistently produced some of the largest Brown Bears on earth, with skull sizes that are at the very top of Boone and Crocket Record Books. Our Kodiak Brown Bear hunts, like ALL the hunts we do, are completely fair chase. Hunting brown bear is all spot and stalk. We are the only ones permitted to guide hunters in this guide use area. We are permitted 3 hunters every spring and 3 hunters every fall.

    Our brown bear season on Kodiak Island takes place every spring April 20 – May 5 and every fall October 25 – November 8. Our hunts are 15 hunting days – the full duration of your permit. Having a full 15 days to hunt allows us to be very selective with the bears we harvest, going after the oldest age class’s largest boars. Our hunts are guided with 1 guide and 1 hunter, oftentimes 2 guides and 1 hunter.

    Your hunt begins with you arrive at Kodiak. We will meet you at the airport, take you to get your Brown Bear Permit, and any other paperwork you need. We then take you to one of the sporting goods stores to purchase any other gear you need. We usually stay the night in Kodiak at a local hotel and fly to camp the next day. Once in camp, we will orient you and you will be paired up with a guide, and often a second guide as well. Located only 100 yards or so from the sea, our main camp consists of traditional Kodiak style double-walled tents and Weatherport tents, all of which have diesel or propane heaters, generated electricity, and comfortable bunks. This camp is very comfortable and we serve top-notch food, much of it fresh caught from the sea!

    We access our sizable hunt area using 18 – 24 foot ocean skiffs, as well as a small jet boat for accessing small creeks, and a zodiac raft. Each morning we get up early, eat a nice breakfast and utilize boats to get to one of the various bays of the area, where we will go to shore and hike to a glassing hill. Hunting is also superb just a short walk from the main camp. Often times we will see bears from the boats as we cruise to the various bays, and if the situation is right, we are able to put to shore and do a stalk. More frequently we put ashore in one of the bays and climb up on a hill or other high observation point and glass forbears for the day. Once the correct bear is located, we plan a stalk or if the situation is right, wait to ambush him. Large male bears are extremely intelligent and can be very difficult to get close to. They have an amazing sense of smell, good eyes, and good hearing. There are many variables that go into planning a successful stalk and patience is key to making it work out. Like all hunts, bear hunting especially takes great patience and a willingness to work hard in all weather. The hunter must be willing to spend countless hours scouring the countryside with his guide in difficult weather conditions.

    At night we come back to the main camp, usually arriving after dark to eat a good meal and rest up for the next day. We also have the option to deploy satellite spike camps in the different bays or valleys, camping in comfortable 4 men Bombshelter tents with cots and portable heaters if necessary. This can offer a huge advantage over just using the boat, especially if you know there is a large bear in an area, or if you want to access other parts of the area that do not lend themselves to boat access. It gives us additional options, and along with using the boats, helps us give you the best chance at taking a bear. You have your own tent for sleeping and your guide will have his own tent.

    We utilize the same camps and hunting areas for spring bear hunting that we do in the fall. The primary difference between spring and fall hunts is that in the spring we are watching for bears coming out of dens, looking for tracks in the snow, and watching for boars (male bears) traveling in search of sows (female bears) to breed with. Often times bears will be on the beach eating kelp and other carrion that washes up. There is also much more daylight in the spring. During the fall, bears are more concentrated on the creeks and streams, feeding on salmon, and eating roots and berries, preparing for denning. The bear’s main concern in the fall is getting fat enough to survive winter, whereas in the spring their main goal is breeding. Our success rates on large bears are equal during both seasons.

    The experience of taking a large brown bear is unlike any other. The beauty of Kodiak with its amazing marine life, including whales of all types, porpoises, seals and sea lions, crystal clear blue water birdlife, all of which can be seen on a daily basis, will leave a lasting impression. A hunter who is dedicated and willing to accept the challenge of hunting this animal will always rank the brown bear on top of his/her list of hunting experiences.

  • Yukon Alaska Moose
    The area on the Alaska Peninsula where I am permitted to guide is home to some of the very best moose habitat and populations on the entire Alaska Peninsula with animals that consistently attain excellent trophy quality most in the 65-inch range....

  • Alaska-Yukon Moose are the largest antlered game in the world

    Large trophy class bulls can have antlers from the 58 – 65 inch range and some can reach the mid to high 70s. An adult bull can weigh as much as 1600 lbs and gives up to 800 pounds of delicious meat! Most of the moose we take care of in the 65-inch range. A moose rack like this is a sight to behold and is in my opinion the most beautiful trophy a hunter can hope for. The area on the Alaska Peninsula where I am permitted to guide is home to some of the very best moose habitat and populations on the entire Alaska Peninsula with animals that consistently attain excellent trophy quality.

    Moose hunts take place every fall during the September 10 – 25 period. Hunting is spot and stalk, with an emphasis on calling. Glassing is done from a high point overlooking good habitat –areas with plenty of willows, swamps, and cottonwood patches. A great deal of time is spent calling. Done properly and with the right conditions, myself or one of my guides can effectively “blind call” moose from 2 miles or more, oftentimes bringing him all the way to the glassing hill. We often call moose that we do not even know are there. Like all hunting, finding a large bull requires patience. Nothing can compare to watching a large old bull come into a call!

  • Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
    The largest boars can reach sizes in excess of 10 ft and weigh up to 1,200 lbs or more. The Alaska Peninsula is home to some of the largest bears in the world-Brown Bear can be considered the ultimate hunting experience....

  • The Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge supports some of the healthiest populations, due in no small part to its excellent habitat with its massive salmon runs. The drainages of my area flow into Bristol Bay, home to the largest salmon runs in the world. Old boars are highly intelligent with a sense of smell second to none and have what many hunters consider a “sixth sense” for avoiding danger. Taking one of these large male bears is one of the greatest challenges and accomplishments one can take on. It is by far and away number 1 on my list of hunts

    FALL BROWN BEAR

    Fall Bear hunts take place during years ending in odd numbers (2021, 2023, 2025). Hunting is all spot and stalk, glassing from a high point above a salmon stream, travel way, or berry patch. During the fall, daylight is short, and most activity is at dusk or early morning. Hunters should be prepared for many hours of waiting and watching for the right bear to come out. More than anything, mental toughness is necessary. When a bear is spotted there may only be minutes, oftentimes less, to accurately judge plan a stalk, and go after the animal. This is certainly one of the most adrenaline-charged hunts you can experience!Season: October 7 – 18 (12 day hunt period)

    SPRING BROWN BEAR

    Spring bear hunts take place during years ending in even numbers (2022, 2024, 2026). Like the fall, hunts are spot and stalk. Instead of watching salmon streams, we are glassing up in the upper valleys, hillsides, and mountains for boars coming out of dens and for traveling boars in search of sows to breed with. The days are 18 hours long, giving more than enough time to watch for bears. Like the fall, hunters should be prepared for countless hours of glassing. Mental toughness is a must. Spring hunts can be physically demanding, but the results are worth it! Season: May 10-25 (15 day hunt period)  

  • Dall Sheep
    The Dall Sheep is perhaps one of the most iconic big game animals in Alaska. It is by far the most physically demanding of all hunts but the rewards of a successful hunt are immeasurable!...

  • For the hunter who is physically and mentally prepared, fair chase hunting Dall Sheep is an experience that has no comparison.

     I hunt the North-Eastern portion of the Brooks Range, located in the world-famous Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in a designated wilderness area. The area I am permitted to guide in is home to some of the highest sheep population densities in the state. It has historically produced high-quality rams usually in the 33 – 36 inch range, some going larger. The average ages of rams our hunter’s harvest are 9-10, with some going older. This is also one of the most removed areas you can hunt. The sheer vastness and beauty of the Arctic will leave a lasting impression.

    Dall Sheep hunts take place during August and the first week of September. Hunting is all backpack style, spot, and stalk. The walking is surprisingly easy for those who are prepared but hunters should be ready to walk many miles with a heavy pack. We hunt as a mobile unit, moving camp as needed hunting the rugged upper valleys until we find a band of old age class rams to go after. Once we find a ram we like, we watch and wait for the right time to make a stalk on him. This may be a matter of minutes or several days. Patience is key. Grizzly Bear and Caribou may be taken at any time during the hunt on a trophy fee basis.   Joey Klutsch (Registered Guide #1277 of Aniakchak Guide Service)

  • Mountain Goat
    Our Mountain Goat hunts take place on Kodiak Island. We hunt in our sole guide area located within Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge lands where we are the only ones permitted to guide hunters. This is a premier goat area....

  • It is very rugged and holds large numbers of old age class billies. This is a very physical hunt and hunters should be prepared to carry heavy packs with all of their gear up rugged mountains. The more physical preparation you do for this hunt the better your chances for success. Harvesting a trophy Mountain Goat is one of the greatest accomplishments a hunter can hope to achieve. It is certainly one of the most underrated hunts out there.

    The hunt begins when you arrive at our main camp. We will go through your gear and make sure you have everything you need for a 7-day hunt in the mountains, though it should be noted that once we reach spike camp most of our hunters will have a goat within 2 days. Most of our goat hunts are conducted with one hunter and two guides, so we can help carry your food and tent, but you must be able to carry most of your own clothing/gear. From the main camp, which is located only 200 yards from the beach, we hike into the mountains, usually 2 miles, and get into goat country. Our camps consist of small backpack style 2 man tents, and we eat primarily freeze dry food which is easily packable. Once our camp is set we begin looking for large billies, which are generally found in small isolated groups of 2-4 in the more rugged parts of the mountains.

    Usually, it is not difficult to find goats, and we can expect to see large numbers of them on any given day, which enables us to selectively hunt the largest old age class, males. Once we find a goat that we like, we wait for him to move to a location that we can get to safely and efficiently. We then position ourselves on the mountain where we can put an effective stalk on the goat, and where once we harvest him, he will not fall off a cliff and be irretrievable. Goats are creatures of habit so often times we are able to watch them for several days and pattern them before making a stalk. Goats, especially large billies, are generally near the most rugged escape terrain, but a patient hunter can watch them and wait for them to move to areas that are easier to access. The hunter who is able to and willing to accept the challenges of mountain hunting will no doubt have a hunt that they will never forget, and which only those who have experienced mountain hunting can truly relate to.

    • Dates:
      • October 9 – 15, October 17 – 23, October 25  – 31, November 2 – 8  (7 day hunt period)
  • Grizzly Bear
    The Grizzly Bear is the smaller inland cousin of the Brown Bear. The Grizzly’s in my area are mountain dwellers in the true sense. Most bears that we take care of in the 6 ½ to 7 ½ foot range....

  • Due to the lack of protein and very short growing season, these Grizzly Bears are not able to reach the massive size of the bears in southern parts of the state. These bears depend mainly on berries, roots, ground squirrels, and the occasional dead caribou for food. They are plentiful yet can be challenging to hunt. Like the Brown Bear, they have an amazing sense of smell and surprisingly acute eyesight. An Arctic Grizzly is a truly beautiful animal that you will have to see to fully appreciate.

    The Hunt method for Grizzly is almost all spot and stalk. We also hike up and down the valleys looking for them in areas where the habitat is ideal for bears. The best way is to sit on a hill overlooking a small valley with plenty of berry bushes and watch for bears. Caribou may be taken on a trophy fee basis. Dall Sheep may also be added.

    • Season: August 7 – 19 and August 19 – 29
  • Sitka Blacktail Deer
    We hunt Sitka Blacktail deer in the same area we hunt goats and bears on Kodiak....

  • Quite often our brown bear or mountain goat hunters will choose to take a Sitka deer that they see during their hunt or will spend an extra day or two after they harvest their animal looking for a nice buck to go after. Compared to goat or brown bear, deer are much more relaxing to hunt and far easier. A nice buck can usually be found on any given day and a hunter can expect to get a nice buck in a few days if he is willing to hike around and cover the low alpine terrain that the big bucks favor.

    Most of our deer hunts start out each day from the main camp. We will either hike directly behind the main camp or take one of the Boston Whaler skiffs to a bay, put to shore and begin hiking, watching for deer as we go. Generally, we will run into deer as we walk. The larger bucks are up at higher elevations, in the alpine where feed is best, and that is where we get most of the trophy animals. As the rut nears toward late October and early November, bucks will be actively seeking females and can oftentimes be seen at lower elevations.

    This hunt is a great way to experience Kodiak for the first time. Hunters should be prepared to hike to find a good representative buck.

    • Hunt Dates: October 9 – 13, October 15 – 19, November 2 – 6 (5 day hunt period)