[kraigwy]

No, non-residents don't need a guide to hunt black bears in Alaska.

Black bear tags are reasonably cheap for non residents also.

Google Alaska Fish and Game hunting regs.

Don't know how you plan to hunt but I would drive through Canada. Between Tok Junction and Glenn Allen and south of Glenn Allen you'll see lots of blue berry fields, acres and acres. Get on a hill so you can cover the blue berry fields and glass. You'll see bears.

Also don't for get to get a 5 day or so fishing license. Take a light spinning rod and silver spinners (Mepps 00, silver with not feathers) and/or a fly rod with mosquito looking flies. You're gonna find lots of small streams full of Grayling.