Bear Safety and Defense
Training program certification meets the requirements of many local entities, State of Alaska, and insurance requirements.
Bear encounters are part of life in Alaska. Most are harmless, but the ones that go bad happen fast. That is why bear safety is not about fear. It is about awareness, preparation, and knowing what to do before you need it. Our Bear Defense Classes give you clear, practical training for real conditions. Whether you hike, hunt, fish, work outdoors, or just want to feel more confident on your own land, these courses help you make smart choices and respond effectively.
You will learn how bears think, what their behavior means, and how to avoid problems before they start. You will also build a plan for what to do if avoidance fails. The goal is simple: help you stay calm, stay legal, and stay alive. We teach real skills, not internet myths. We also keep the tone grounded and useful, because bear safety training only works when you can remember it under stress.
Bear Safety and Defense Courses Overview
Our bear safety and defense courses are built for people who live, work, or play in Alaska’s backcountry and want real, practical skills. Together, Bear Safety Foundations and Firearms for Bear Defense give you a clear path from understanding bears to operating a defensive firearm with confidence.
Bear Safety Foundations is a 3-hour in-person or digital multimedia course that builds your foundation. You learn bear identification, biology, and behavior, plus how to spot warning signs early and avoid negative encounters. The course covers situational awareness, do’s and don’ts in bear country, and practical pepper spray use, including live fire practice with an inert canister, along with a brief overview of reporting processes and relevant state laws.
Firearms for Bear Defense is a 4-hour live fire range course that focuses on tools and technique. You review Alaska law, basic ballistics, shot placement, and what makes an effective “bear gun,” then work on stance, safe handling, recoil management, and confident function with shotguns, revolvers, and pistols. Unless specified (most agency training is specified “shotgun only”) you will be given the opportunity to shoot several common bear defense gun platforms in a safe, monitored environment. Our instructors can proctor bear guard firearm proficiency tests, though participation is not required. This training meets the requirements of many state and local entities. Please check with your employer for certification parameters
Both training segments are offered to independent individuals as well as to private groups or corporate entities.
Not sure where to start? Reach out and we will help you choose the right course for your experience level and goals.
