2023 marked 4 years since my first Alaska experience with Mike back in 2019 when I hunted moose with my 2 brothers and my dad- a dream hunting trip. After lots of planning and saving I returned this year with two of my childhood friends to share Alaska with them- their first time being in the state- on a moose grizzly combo hunt in the late season. The new lodge that Mike had acquired and fixed up since my last time being there has got to be the finest remote hunting base camp anywhere in Alaska- an historic hunting lodge complete with sauna, large dining area, and expert camp cook- Thom! Our time at the comfy lodge was short lived though as Mike was eager to get us into the field so we could hunt, by the end of our first day I had killed a beautiful bull in a remote drainage usually reserved for sheep hunters (Mike deserves a lot of the credit for landing us safely in a new area that didn’t get moose hunted) and my friend connected on a nice grizzly the next drainage over the same day! After a night regrouping and warming up/drying out at base camp our guide Kelen, myself and Randy headed out across the tundra for a spike camp to try to fill my grizzly tag and Randy’s moose tag. We enjoyed views of Denali on clear days and the warmth of our sleeping bags during all out snow storms, ptarmigan calling around camp, glassing herds of caribou, lots of tundra swans, wild blueberries, and plenty of freeze dried and candy bars. After battling slow rutting activity and low visibility conditions we finally got Randy his moose on the next to the last day. We did see a couple of grizzlies- but miles of country separated us and them. The 3^rd man in our party, Devan, hunted hard all week in a separate spike camp closer to base and, while not getting an opportunity on bull moose on this trip, ended up killing a beautiful boar grizzly on the last day and a very nice representative barren ground caribou. I hope to get back to this part of the world as many times as possible in my lifetime. Thank you Mike for having me and my crew this past fall!

Billy Strimbu

I’ve been blessed to have hunted around the globe, and I can honestly say Mike runs the best operations I’ve ever hunted with. The entire team is hunter focused and committed to getting you a successful hunt. My friends and I did a boat based brown bear hunt in  October 2023, and it was amazing. Great guys, great food, great accommodations, and what a great crew to hang out with. Five stars all the way.

Anthony Dagostino

Fredericksburg, TX

631-834-2569

Bill Tirrill

Caribou 2023

Mike and his team are top notch, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for the experience of a lifetime. This was my second successful hunt with Mike, and I had the privilege of hunting with Shay both times.  I can’t thank him enough for his passion, drive, and professionalism.  There is a lot of history in this area of Alaska and there was no shortage of amazing experiences.  After close encounters with numerous sub legal bulls throughout the week, the last morning was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in the wild and my hunt ended with a remarkable bull thanks to Shay’s persistence.

BJ Lemieux, Albany MN

320-267-0405

Hey Mike,
I can’t thank you enough for giving me the hunt of a lifetime. You and your guides are a top-notch service that I will never forget. The second we landed in base camp I knew we picked the right guide when all your guys ran around the plane and greeted us, and I felt so welcomed. I had a ton of fun and a lot of laughs and memories that I will never forget. You paired me up with your guide Hunter that I also can’t thank enough. This guy worked his tail off and went above and beyond anything I expected. These guys will do anything in their power to have a successful hunt and give you memories to carry forever. Also, I would like to thank the two packers Mike dropped off for us to help get the moose out. Couldn’t have done it without them. I hope I can do another moose hunt one day and if I do I know I’m going through Litzen Guide service and would highly recommend anyone who asks me who to book with. Thanks again for everything Mike!

Jason Noerenberg
612-269-1232.

This was my second trip booked with Mike Litzen. My first trip with Mike was the two week land Spring Brown Bear Hunt that was an absolute experience of a lifetime – three turn downs by me, but worth every moment. I had set very specific guideline for myself to take a very large boar and the one chance I had, I was NOT in the physical condition necessary to stalk the magnificent beast. Mike’s team met EVERY expectation I had and I plan on going back again. My second experience with Mike’s team was just as rewarding and challenging with a chance to take a beautiful and delicious 57″ bull Moose on a week long Grizzly / Moose Hunt. The Grizzly opportunity came with a chance at a beautiful sow .. who happened to be toting around a 21/2 year old cub … No bear for me on this trip, but again worth every moment of time and energy. I have so enjoyed Mike and all his guides, packers and camp bosses. Gentleman, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Bobby Baldock

Tuscola, Texas

John Feucht

Brown Bear 2023

My 2023 moose hunt with Litzen Guide Service was a top-notch adventure and everything about the experience exceeded my expectations.  I truly appreciated their focus on safety as we fought tough weather conditions during our early September hunt.  My time at the main camp and at the spike camp was excellent.  Lots of fun, lots to explore and lots to learn along the way.  The guides and the packers were outstanding and a pleasure to be around.  Shay was a blast to be out in the wilderness with.  Really can’t say enough about the Litzen Guide Service!  Can’t wait to go out in the field with them again.

Brent Yeagy

Lafayette, IN 

765-532-5523

Randy Smith

Brown Bear 2023

When I started looking to book a moose I received 3 phone numbers, one was Mike Litzen, after talking to a couple of his past clients I knew he was the guy I wanted to hunt with. After a lot of sleepless wondering how I was going to afford this, I booked the hunt!! I can’t say enough good things about Mike’s crew they were all great people, I was very appreciative of Mike listening to me on the phone as to what kind of hunter I was, he paired me with the perfect guide to fit how I like to hunt. I killed a beautiful 61-inch bull on my second day of hunting and an amazing grizzly on day 8. I would highly recommend using Mike and his references for your hunt and all your questions. Thank you again Mike for an amazing experience I will never forget I truly feel blessed to have met you and your staff!!

Ryan Lunow

Lester Prairie, MN

952-201-5323

Randy Hogue

Moose & Grizzly Bear 2023

Ryan Smith

Brown Bear 2023

Mark Smith

Brown Bear 2023

I would like to first and foremost thank Mike and his entire crew for putting together the true hunt of a lifetime.  The guide I was paired with (Dayton) as well as our packer/guide in training (Collin) were a pleasure to spend two weeks with and truly made the hunt exceptional.   My expectations were met and then exceeded as we were able to harvest a B & C Moose, an awesome Caribou, and the beautiful bonus Mountain Grizzly Bear.   Not to mention getting 715lbs of cut and wrapped meat back home.  As with all hunting a little luck never hurts and we certainly got those windows of opportunity when we needed them.   This was my second hunt with Mike being fortunate to harvest a Dall Sheep in 2017, when the opportunity came available for this hunt on somewhat short notice, I knew that Mike would have all the ducks in a row and all I needed to do was show up.   The unit Mike and crew get to call home to hunting is second to none in my opinion, the many years of work put into base camp, remote air strips and overall knowledge are what makes a good hunt great!   I look forward to returning to the Litzen camp again real soon to try my hand at the coastal Brown Bear in the pursuit of my next goal, North American 29. 

Cheers!!

Robert Van
Reno, NV
775-770-4420

Mike,

I just wanted to thank you for helping me check a bucket list item off. The camp and guides were awesome. Thom Clay is great. Dayton did awesome job. Shae seemed like a very cool cat. John had good stories. James has heart and joy. Life changing trip for me. I want to come back for a 2nd half hunt….preferably caribou, Grizzly, and moose.

Thank you again.

Chris Johnson
Phone: 208-660-2814

It was a long time coming! The Spring 2000 Bear Hunt was not to be. Alaska Fish and Game cancelled the 2020 season as Covid ravaged the country. Two years of planning and anticipation vanished. Soon after I got a call from Mike. “Fish and Game may allow a spring season in 2021”. Sure enough, to Alaska’s Fish & Games great credit, I was back in Alaska, on the Spirit, Hunting Brown Bear.  According to Mike, the weather that year was the worst he had seen in 20 plus years. We hunted hard and I had a great bear at close range on the last day of hunt. Jason, my awesome guide, said “He is badly rubbed, you can take him if you want or come back next year”. 

Fast forward to May 2022. I was back on the Spirit, with great weather and a ton of bears! On the Sabbath, Friday the 13th, we spotted a giant we had seen the day before coming down to the beach. We were able to get on the Bear and I was fortunate to harvest a true Monarch. He was 10 feet plus and over 29″ skull.

Mike, thanks for your great planning and services. You and your guides were fantastic and such a pleasure to hunt with. This was my 3rd hunt with you and I look forward to spring 2026. Jason, thanks for being such a great guide. Your patience and demeanor made a great hunt even better. Your advice in 2021 made for a incredible 2022 hunt. 

Barry Gleiberman Los Angeles CA.  213 248-5922

I wanted to thank you once again for the hunt provided.  Too often hunts are measured by success in taking the target animal. While that matters, a lot of other things also matter. The hunt you provided me was from my perspective the quintessential Alaskan moose hunt.  The hunt took place in spectacular, game rich country.  The logistics of the hunt were well handled by you.   You provided me with an experienced guide who more importantly is an outstanding person.  Jon and I hit it off and had a great time together.  The camp provided was comfortable and enjoyable.  On top of all those important things I killed a nice moose after two previous failed attempts with other outfitters.  Thank you again for providing me with the moose hunt I always hoped for.

Thom Thom,  Georgetown TX
512 845-0824

Hi Michael,

Wanted to give you a big thanks to the awesome outfit you have and the brown bear hunt I’ll never forget! The hunt was everything and some of what I was hoping. From seeing bears every day and moose, caribou , whales, otters , sea lions , wolves , foxes ,,, it was just an amazing trip !! Took a nice blonde on 10th day and hope to do this hunt again in near future, special thank you to Brock and all his hard work on making a dream come true! Keep up the great work!

Thanks again,

Randy Sain  Texas hunter,  903 253-8538

 My 2022 dall sheep hunt with Litzen Guide
Service was awesome!  Mike Litzen is a seasoned outfitter and great
pilot and handled the complicated logistics well.  He has a beautiful
and excellent hunting area.  Brock Oliver was an outstanding guide
(whom I now consider a hunting buddy) and put me on an old ram opening
morning that I was able to kill cleanly at 480 yards.  Litzen also has
big moose and grizzly and caribou that are worth checking out.  As a
side note, my guide and I saw a number of good bull moose during my
sheep hunt, including one that likely measures about 68″ wide with
deep tines.

Alex Kennedy

Kaysville, UT

801-628-8691

Thanks for everything, this was bar none, one of the best hunting trips of a lifetime, highly recommend to anyone. I’m coming back in two years to do it again!

Ray Gormley

Township, NJ

609 709-2426

Brett Rasmussen

Spring 2022 Brown Bear

Wesley Crow

Fall 2022 Moose

Best hunt I have ever been on! It was truly an amazing experience and I have never felt more alive. Mike Litzen and my guide Don are an amazing group of individuals that are very knowledgeable, kind, respectful and most importantly, always do the right thing. I am 25 years old; I will say it was an adrenaline rush I have never felt before hunting these incredible animals. Look no further than Litzen guide service for an incredible adrenaline rushed experience that you will not get anywhere else!

Frederick Perez

Lindow UT. 801 815-9255

Ryan Beckenhauer

Fall 2022 Moose

Chris McGraw

Spring 2022 Brown Bear

Max Leidenfrost

Fall 2022 Moose

Chris Drazan 

Fall 2022 Caribou

Connor Drazan 

Fall 2022 Moose

Burkhart

Fall 2022 Moose & Grizzly Bear

Ian Child

Spring 2022 Brown Bear

Brad Ward

Fall 2022 Moose

If you are looking for an easy-going brown bear hunt, look no further than Litzen Guide Service. Most of the bears on the boat hunt are killed within 100 yards of the beach! If you want hot cooked meals and a hot shower this is the hunt for you.

Brett (Buda) Berman

Coalville UT.  435 901-1586

Gliatta 

Fall 2022 Dall Sheep

Litzen Guide Service came highly recommended by another outfitter that I used in Arizona. Everything that I was told about LGS was spot on. Mike is a great pilot, and he runs a top-notch guide service. Mike’s attention to detail was exceptional. The lodge was amazing, and the staff was remarkable (Collin and Slim) kept the accommodations clean and well stocked! Came home with a nice inland grizzly.

Thank you, Mike, Collin, Slim!

Nick Suft

970-297-8587

Hunting for Brown bear is truly a hunt of a lifetime. I hunted last spring and the weather was bad and it just didn’t come together every time we saw a good bear. Despite that I had a great time. Mike’s guides are the best and just like hunting with old friends. And the other hunters were just as much fun. The boat Spirit is a true game changer. The food is excellent, Ross is a great cook. No one went hungry. I cannot imagine what it would be like in a tent for a prolonged time in bad weather, but in the boat you are warm dry and well fed. After a wet day you can come back and dry out and relax. This year everything just came together. Weather was sunny, lots of bears. On the worst day probably saw 12 and close to 20 some days. We had hunters from the previous spring and the same guides, so it was a big reunion. So much fun, everyone gets along great, and it was very comfortable. I got my bear on the Sabbath and it was then time to celebrate. Everyone got bear and we left early! Three of us had such a great time we rebooked for 2026 spring hunt, I think that says it all. Truly a hunt of a lifetime Thanks to Mike and his great crew.

 John Smith Castalio, OH.
Phone: 419 217-4570

Kyle Praster

Fall 2021 Brown Bear

This was my first time hunting in Alaska so l a lot of research. Litzen Guide Service seemed to be offering exactly the hunt I was looking for. When looking at testimonials almost everyone mentioned how safe they felt flying with Mike. Not only was Mike a great pilot he runs a top-notch guide service. Mike’s attention to detail was exceptional and his staff was wonderful. I booked with Mike on the phone before I even talked to any references. After talking to a few references, I was very confident with my decision. My guide (Joel) was a very good hunter a true professional. We harvested a moose and caribou. After reflecting on my experience, I wouldn’t change anything. Thank you, Litzen Guide Service, for everything.

Brad Backus

Mt Nebo WV

304-619-7002

2021 Brown Bear Hunt: I have hunted with Michael and his crew multiple times, All have been well planned and safety always a priority. 2021 Brown Bear hunt was no different. Exciting hunt with a bow. I trusted my guide with my life and never questioned it. Obviously it was very successful. The Boat crew were awesome and the accommodations were first class. Thanks again Mike. Will be seeing you again in 2022 .

Wesley Crow

I hunted with Litzen on the 76’ boat the Discovery for the fall of 2021 brown bear hunt. It took the first day and a half for the airline to get all our gear to us. By then the weather turned nasty. Mike said it was the worst weather in his 20 fall seasons hunting the area. High wind and rain. Every day was a test. We went out every day. Three of our group were successful, I was not. The guides and the crew were all as good as I have ever hunted with. Under the worst of condition, they all gave every effort to help with my success. I Highly recommend Litzen, and I did not harvest a bear. That says a lot about how I feel about these people.

Rod Larkin

Fruit Heights, UT

801-721-0930

On a scale from 1-10, Mike Litzen and his team are a 20.   The Litzen crew is nothing short of fabulous!    From start to finish our entire hunt was amazing. A few years ago, I fell 30 feet, which altered my perspective on life. After my recovery, I told my husband Jake that we were going on a sheep hunt. 

Litzen Guide Service came highly recommended, so we made a few phone calls and before we knew it, we were booked for the adventure of a lifetime.

From the initial phone call up until the hunt, Mike was very upfront and honest, even keeping us up to date about the current sheep die off they had experienced in the Alaska Range.  We assured Mike that we were coming to Alaska for the adventure, experience and the challenge, as much as for a sheep. My favorite thing about Mike is that he takes the time to match his clients up with the guide that will best match their personality and hunting style.  Mike’s guides and packers are the salt of the earth, hardworking and fun to be around.  Our guide Brad (the most amazing guy alive) wanted a sheep for us just as much or more than we wanted a sheep.  Brad and Cooper (packer, spotter and guide in training) did an amazing job getting us into and keeping us in sheep. 

During our hunt we saw; 16 grizzly bears, a black wolf, a wolverine, several caribou, lots of moose and so many sheep that we lost count. Going on this hunt was the 2nd best decision that I’ve made in my life, the first was marrying my hunting partner Jake.  Jake and I came on this hunt knowing a hunt would only be affordable once in our lifetime, but after our experience we will figure out how to do this again, even if that means pushing retirement out a couple of years.

Book a hunt with the Litzen team, it will exceed your wildest dreams and be worth far more than what you pay for the hunt.

Bev Hawkins Hailey ID

208 221-2233

This was my third adventure with Litzen guide service. Litzen has always had all logistics covered, great hunting areas, professional and highly trained guides, solid camps, and plenty of game. Mike Litzen and his guides are true professionals and despite the weather being horrible, provided a great experience on this trip with an impressive boat and talented crew, taste meals, great hunting, and amazing sights. Litzen and crew leave nothing to be desired.

Mack Hunt

Broadview, NM

575-973-5172

I want to start with telling you I have never hunted with a more professional guide service in all my years.  Your decision to team me up with my guide Ben was spot on and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide.  I was also very impressed on how well you maintained your base camp, planes, and equipment for being in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.  You truly put your client’s safety first.  I can’t wait to come back and see you for a Dall Sheep hunt in the next few years.  I have also already recommended you to multiple friends and if you have any future client looking for a reference, please give them my cell number 816-985-2047. 

Chris Ross

Kansas City, MO.

After talking to my Son Frank, who has been successful hunting a Brown Bear from a campsite with Michael and guide Ben, I asked him if it was something I could do at my age (71 at the time). He said he thought I could, but, I would have to get ready for the hunt, physically and mentally. Getting ready for the hunt was exactly what I did and it paid off. For me, this was the hunt of a lifetime especially because my Son went with me. The hunt was brutal as my Son had informed me but I was prepared mentally and, for my age, physically. During the hunt I was lucky to harvest a large grey wolf and see two other wolfs, which is very rare, according to Michael and our guide Ben.  I met all of the Litzen Team at Sand Point and I can say he has a great bunch of guys in his team.  Harvesting an enormous Coastal Brown Bear was the icing on the cake and we got to do what I said I would if I was fortunate to harvest my first bear ever; my Son, Ben and I took a polar bear plunge in the north Pacific Ocean. It was cold, to say the least, but did help forget body aches while in the cold water.

Frank Spencer

Caleb Herrema

Dall Sheep 2021

Todd Northcutt

Fall 2021 Brown Bear

Mike,

I wanted to take a second to say thank you for such an amazing adventure.  I appreciate the safety and care that was taken during our flights.  Your staff is filled with knowledgeable professionals that are willing to help with anything needed.  The country we hunted in was beautiful and really no words can fully describe it.  On top of all that, with your help I was able to harvest the moose of a lifetime!  Thank you so much for helping me to fulfill this lifetime dream.  I look forward to when our paths cross again.

Jason Streit
Headwaters Construction Company
639 West 9500 South
Victor, ID 83455
(208) 313-7100

For those of us who hunt, we have all dreamed of taking a bucket-list hunt – that once in a lifetime outing which requires time, planning, blood, treasure and a really understanding Significant Other.    Topping my bucket list was a trek to Alaska to hunt the legendary coastal brown bear (truly one of the most magnificent animals ever to walk the Earth).

 My journey started by talking with fellow hunters and doing research on outfitters who offer this type of hunt.  I came across Mike Litzen’s outfit via the internet.  He is a licensed guide service specializing in the coastal brown bear.  I got his contact information from his website and hit dial.  After a few minutes talking with Mike, I knew this was the outfit I wanted to hire for my hunt of a lifetime.

I really enjoyed my conversations with Mike, especially his candor and his encouragement to reach out and contact others who have hunted with The Litzen team. Wow! What a pleasure to visit with hunters that have experienced one of Mike’s hunts.  It made me 100% sure Litzen Guide Service was for me.

When I got to Alaska, I found myself the sole rookie.  Every other hunter was a repeat customer which spoke volumes on how popular Mike’s team was with previous clients.  The best analogy I can think of for hunting coastal brown bear in Alaska is like going from Pee Wee baseball to the Major leagues.  Everything is just that much larger and more intense.  From the vastness of the land to the awesomeness of the wildlife, until you lived it you cannot appreciate it.  The need for an experienced guide service is critical and Mike’s team of professional hunters as well as his prep sheets were the equivalent of first round draft picks.  It was also spectacular the way Mike and the other guide services helped each other in the field.  I witnessed firsthand the professionalism, courtesy, compassion and helpfulness not just with clients but for the animals and the environment and each other: attributes that inspired my soul…. That level of cooperation is a paradigm too few industries truly share

I’d like to personally thank Mike’s team of Professional Hunter/Licensed  Guides: Joel, Don, Jason, John, Ben and especially my personal guide, Brock.  They were just a few of the many wonderful people who helped make my Alaskan journey epic.  They have earned my respect and admiration.  Gentlemen, thank you for doing a phenomenal job. Thank you also to Captain Ross and his crew abroad the “Spirit”.  Your hospitality and seamanship lived up to her name.  Lastly, thank you to Anchor Inn for providing endless hot water to wash off 18 days.  Best Shower Ever!

Life isn’t perfect, people aren’t perfect and hunting is called hunting for a reason.  But, I must say my experience start to finish was close to perfect.  The people were magnanimous and the time spent in the field was spectacular.  My journey was one of the best trips of my life.

If you’re thinking about an Alaskan hunt, you owe it to yourself to look into Litzen Guide Service.  Lord willing, I will be going back. 

Robert “Bobby” Baldock, Tuscola, Texas

Neil Hudson

2021 Brown Bear

Derek Herrema – Dall Sheep 2021

I had booked this hunt with Mike in 2019 but, due to Covid, we were pushed into 2021. Certainly disappointing, but the hunt was well worth the wait.  Heading out to the hunting areas from Sand Point we saw several bears along the shoreline and moving through the alders. When the hunt began the following morning, we saw over eight bears – a number of them good boars – scavenging along the shore. By the end of the second day, there were two good bears down.

After five days, everyone had taken a nice bear and I was the last up. We tracked several, missed one (shooter error), and passed on a number that weren’t mature boars. Heading into an isolated bay, we glassed a very nice bear, set up a stalk, and went after him. This was probably the most memorable hunt I’ve had: the most beautify country in the world, a long and focused chase, a good shot at 175 yards, and a fantastic 9 ft plus bear with a perfect coat.

The team – from Mike and the captain of the boat to the guides – were focused, professional, positive, and totally committed to a fun and successful hunt. This hunt illustrates the reality of most hunts: they are a team sport. My favorite picture of the hunt was the entire team with me on shore and helping skin the bear. Just perfect.

I’ve booked another hunt with Mike for 2022 and can’t wait to get back to Alaska.

Chris Drazan

Brentwood TN (612) 865-1189

Max Windward

Moose 2021

Brown bear hunting has always been on my bucket list, but because of the cost, I thought it would be a few more years before I could afford it. I couldn’t even believe my luck when I got a call from my friend John Salgat, a guide for Mike Litzen, telling me they had a last minute opening to hunt brown bear. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, and I am so glad I didn’t!

The process of getting to our final base camp was quite an experience. It seemed that each flight took us on a smaller and smaller plane, ha! It was an adventure I’d never forget!

Upon landing in Sandpoint, I finally had the chance to meet Mike. Up until this point, all our communications had been via email. He was always very on the ball answering my questions, and getting information out to me quickly. I was so grateful for his thorough communication. Mike is the real deal! Everything was so organized and the whole process was seamless.

My land hunt, with John as my guide, soon had me realizing that the rumors I’d heard were true. Brown bear hunting is 90% patience and 10% full tilt adrenaline rush. Things started out a little slow. We were seeing bears and tracks but nothing worth pursuing yet. The weather gave us an added challenge and was relentless. It rained and rained for days with wind that made things even more difficult. On day 9 the weather finally cleared, and my guide said we needed to take advantage of the good weather. We headed to a higher point on the coast and his decision was spot on. Trust your guide! After hiking for a few miles we came across a monster! He was staring right at us! My guide gave me the go ahead to take him so I had to be quick! I took the shot and the rest was history. It was the most exhilarating and terrifying experience!

The pack back to camp, despite being incredibly difficult, was well worth it. We got back to camp at 2am and slept like a couple of babies until late the next day. John did an amazing job taking care of the hide and prepping it for the tanner.

I ate well, was warm at night, and felt like Litzen did a really great job making the entire experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. I wouldn’t have changed a thing and couldn’t have asked for a better outfitter and guide!

I look forward to hunting Dall sheep in August and hope to have a similar outcome. Thanks Litzen.

Jeff Herbert  2021 Alaska Brown Bear Hunt

Stan Marshall

Moose 2021

Michael Drazan

2021 Brown Bear

Stuart Marshall

Grizzly Bear & Caribou 2021

John Kittel

Moose 2021