PaPa Bear Adventures

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PaPa Bear Adventures

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Welcome to the Alaskan Adventure of a Lifetime!!We cater to the "Do It Yourself" Fishing, Hunting

07/28/2026

We just had some premium dates open on the Arolik for 2026. August 21st through the 31st. The Arolik closes on the 1st of September, so that pretty much guarantees you would be the last floaters on that river for the season. Email [email protected] or call 907-545-1155 if those dates interest you.

FISH ON!

07/04/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

05/12/2026

Last but certainly not least — and maybe the favorite on the whole list — Jennifer!

Jennifer is Justin’s co-pilot in life and Papa Bear’s merchandising and bookkeeping expert. She oversees inventory, ordering products and supplies, and helps manage both the on-season and off-season needs of the business as they arise. She also serves as a steady source of support for Justin behind the scenes.

Jennifer has called Alaska home since 2009. She holds a degree in Occupational Therapy and also works for the local hospital. In her free time, she enjoys exploring uncharted territory, trying out new wild game recipes, and knitting with what may be the warmest natural fiber known to mankind — qiviut!

We’re incredibly thankful for all Jennifer does for Papa Bear!

05/10/2026

Tanner
Another longtime member of the Papa Bear family — welcome back, Tanner!

Tanner moved to Alaska in 2012 and has since accumulated more than 6,000 hours of Part 135 commercial flying time. He began his commercial flying career with Hageland Aviation Services, where he not only flew but also helped manage the training department.

In 2019, Tanner began flying with Papa Bear and transitioned into seasonal float flying. In the off-season, he also worked at Security Aviation as a Chief Pilot, doing charter work to remote locations throughout Alaska.

More recently, Tanner started his own business as a compliance consultant for Alaska-based Part 135 air carriers and air taxis, while continuing to work seasonally with the Papa Bear family.

We’re thankful to have Tanner back for another season!

05/08/2026

Jesse
A longtime Papa Bear employee, Jesse has once again found his way back to Bethel, Alaska, and we’re excited to welcome him back for his fourth summer with Papa Bear Adventures!

Jesse is a rare breed of hardworking Generation Z and, at this point, it’s probably safe to say he has officially drank the Papa Bear Kool-Aid.

Jesse is 24 years young and was born in Nappanee, Indiana, before growing up in Oakland, Maryland, alongside his two brothers and sister. He officially made the move to Alaska in the winter of 2024 and now proudly calls it home.

His passions include hunting, flying, and anything outdoors. Jesse first started working for Papa Bear in 2022, and we’re happy to welcome him back with open arms for the 2026 season.

We think Jesse is exactly where he belongs!

05/06/2026

Randy
Next up is Randy!

Randy is originally from Jay, Oklahoma, where he began his aviation career working in an aircraft paint shop. He went on to solo during his senior year of high school and later earned his aviation degree from Oklahoma State University.

He began his commercial flying career in Bethel in 2000, working for several small charter operations, and has been flying with Papa Bear Adventures since 2011. Randy enjoys coming to Bethel with his family, where they spend their time fishing, berry picking, hunting for buried treasure, and making sure Justin’s water rudders are up.

We’re proud to have Randy as such a long-standing part of the Papa Bear family!

05/04/2026

James
Now on to the pilots — and we are beyond excited to welcome James back home to Papa Bear!

James is a North Dakota native, born and raised alongside three older siblings. The open prairie and unforgettable North Dakota sunsets helped shape his love for the outdoors and fueled his natural curiosity.

During high school, with encouragement from his peers — including Justin — James decided to pursue a career in aviation. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science from the University of North Dakota, with a specialization in safety. He has now been flying commercially for seven years and doesn’t have any set-in-stone plans for the future — just ideas. For James, the love of flying is reason enough.

Nowadays, he spends his free time playing guitar and banjo, going to live music, and spending time on rivers — both fishing and floating — where he earned the river nickname “Cricket.” He also enjoys reading anything by David James Duncan, along with books and ideas related to water and soil conservation, areas he’d someday like to explore even more.

A standout moment in James’ journey came in 2021, when he moved to Alaska to work for Papa Bear as a dock hand before pursuing other opportunities and gaining more life experience. He has since found his way back to Papa Bear and is excited to bring his upbeat attitude, meet new people, and make chow for the crew.

From the owner: Since purchasing Papa Bear in 2018, one of my goals has been to create an environment that people are drawn to — not just because of the job, but because of the people around them. James is a product of that goal, along with several other Papa Bear employees, and I am very grateful for them all. If you can’t tell, we are super jazzed to have James back — especially in the pilot’s seat.

Welcome home, Jimmy Bear!!

05/02/2026

AJ
Next up is third-year veteran AJ!

AJ Smith was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is 43 years old, but still thinks he’s in his twenties. After high school, AJ joined the Marine Corps Reserve and completed one deployment during his six years of service.

Since then, he has worked in concrete construction, earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management, and last year started his own company doing small construction projects and residential remodeling.

This year will be AJ’s third full season with Papa Bear. His love for Alaska began in 2013 when he spent the summer working with the Arctic Ecology Program through Grand Valley State University. Ever since then, he just can’t spend enough time in this incredible state.

AJ values a shared sense of community and a deep love for the natural world, which is exactly why he is looking forward to another year with the Papa Bear team.

From the owner: AJ is a valuable part of the Papa Bear team, and we are more than pleased to have him back for another season. His work ethic and attention to detail are some of his strongest attributes.

Welcome back, AJ!

04/30/2026

Brennan
Another familiar face for 2026 — welcome back, Brennan!

Brennan is a lifelong resident of the great state of Wyoming. Born and raised in Cody, with Yellowstone practically as his backyard, he grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He is the youngest of three children, with an older sister and brother.

Brennan enjoys hunting, fly fishing, shed hunting, hiking, pack trips, spending time with family, and working out. Starting in the winter of 2025–2026, he decided to pursue a career in aviation. He is currently working on his private pilot’s license and hopes to eventually fly commercially in either Alaska or a place much like it.

True to his passions, Brennan’s perfect job would be helping others bag their trophies. He would love to either own his own guiding business or work for a reputable outfitter, preferably in Wyoming or Alaska.

After a long day, his favorite meal is elk tenderloin. He enjoys country music, and his favorite movie is — surprise, surprise — Jeremiah Johnson. “You skin griz, pilgrim?” We think Brennan is going to have plenty of fun in Alaska.

From the owner: This is Brennan’s second year at Papa Bear. He is an honest, hardworking young man — something that is hard to come by nowadays. He is great to have around, and we are very thankful to have him back this season!

Welcome back, Brennan!

04/28/2026

Julia
Now on to some familiar faces — and we are super jazzed to have Julia back for her second season!

Born and raised in tornado alley Oklahoma, Julia is the youngest of three siblings, and she has the charm to prove it. She has a long list of hobbies, but her biggest loves are anything outdoors and traveling. She also thoroughly enjoys a relaxing night in watching TV or reading.

Julia’s number one goal in life is to spread kindness everywhere she goes. She wants to make a lasting, positive impact on the world, see this planet and appreciate everything it has to offer, hike the PCT, and ultimately live off the grid.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and plans to continue her education in the coming years — or when the travel bug finally settles down. Her goal is to become an LCSW, specializing in substance abuse therapy, and later move into work within the prison system. And if you’re wondering, her favorite cuisine is Mediterranean.

From the owner: Jules brings the energy and work ethic needed from a lodge handler, while also helping keep team morale high. She is exactly what we need in a lodge handler and dock hand, and we are ecstatic to have her back for a second season!

Welcome back, Julia!

Address

Bethel, AK
99559

Telephone

+19075451155

Website

http://www.pbadventures.com/

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