Our instructors have unequaled expertise with bears and other wildlife in the out of doors. Collectively, they have over 30 years of experience in the wilds of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. They have worked everywhere from Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) to Ketchikan, Nome to Eagle and points between including various jobs in other states. Additionally, they are seasoned instructors on the subjects of bear safety and firearms with specialization on big bore handguns, rifles and fighting shotguns. They have taught hundreds of students how to stay safe in bear country.
Samuel Naramore
Sam is a surveyor for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. His work involves a significant amount of time in bear country. Sam has experienced a number of bear encounters and has, thus far, avoided injury to himself and coworkers as well as to the bears due in large part to his bear expertise and preparedness.
Sam is an avid shooter and firearms expert as well as an experienced firearms and bear safety instructor. In addition to his regular duties as a surveyor, Sam is the content creator and Chief Instructor for DNR’s bear safety training program. Sam has taught bear safety and proper firearms handling to hundreds of students with all manner of backgrounds, outdoor experience, and firearms knowledge.
To see a list of some of Sam’s qualifications click here.
Brent Reynolds
Brent is an avid shooter and outdoor photographer as well as an experienced firearms instructor. Brent is currently a Natural Resource Specialist with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources who spends both work and personal time in the great Alaska outdoors. Brent’s adventures, along with prior work within Chugach State Park, have allowed him to experience a number of bear encounters, Brent’s knowledge and experience with bears allowed him to avoid injury to himself, others, and the bears.
Brent has extensive experience as a firearms instructor. He served 8 years in the U.S. Coast Guard instructing firearms for 6 years. While assigned to Coast Guard Station Brunswick, Georgia, Brent assisted the Glynn County Sherriff’s Department in creating a tactical shotgun course. Brent’s USCG duties took him all over the U.S. training Coast Guardsmen in the safe handling and use of the shotgun and other firearms.
In addition to his regular duties as a Natural Resource Specialist, Brent also participates as the Lead Instructor in DNR’s bear safety training program.
To see a list of some of Brent’s qualifications click here.