All proceeds will go to benefit the Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The winner will receive two permits for P Block, August 6th-9th, 2027. Transportation will be provided from Homer to the McNeil River sanctuary by Katchemak Air Service via float plane with a maximum allowable weight of 540lbs between passengers and baggage.

Second Prize will receive a guided float tripfor two on the Porcupine River in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife refuge June 18th-25th, 2027. The float is provided by Double Shovel Outfitters and Charlie Jagow (of The Last Alaskans).

A third prize winner will receive an exclusive access tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center during the Summer of 2027​, with the opportunity to look behind the scenes and experience what its like to care for some of North America’s most incredible animals.

-About the McNeil River Sanctuary-

The Alaska State Legislature designated the McNeil River area as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 (and enlarged it in 1993) to protect the world’s largest concentration of wild brown bears. As many as 144 individual bears have been observed at McNeil River through the summer with as many as 74 bears observed at one time!

The sanctuary protects about 200 square miles of wildlife habitat and is located approximately 250 air miles (400 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage and 100 air miles (160 kilometers) west of Homer. In addition to brown bears and salmon, red fox, arctic ground squirrels, harbor seals and bald eagles are commonly observed. Other wildlife that may be observed in the sanctuary includes moose, caribou, wolves, wolverine, various furbearers, waterfowl, sea ducks and sea birds. McNeil River and nearby Mikfik Creek drain into Kamishak Bay in the shadow of Augustine Island, an active volcano. This is a roadless area with no modern amenities and it is virtually undisturbed by human development.

No one has ever been injured by a bear at McNeil River and since the permit program was initiated, no bears have been killed by visitors who felt threatened. To maintain this record, visitor activities at the sanctuary are closely managed and evaluated. However, it is always important to remember that the McNeil bears are wild animals with all the potential for aggressive behavior, so visitors are accompanied by armed department staff. Visitors are encouraged to maintain respect of the brown bear’s home, follow the rules of the sanctuary and your guide, and to have a truly memorable experience.