Our Story: Love at First Hike

Hazel Mountain Outfitters began with a moose hunt, a mountaintop, and a surprise proposal. Mark popped the question to Maria at the top of a rugged peak in the heart of the Wood-Tikchik State Park—while she was pregnant with their first daughter, Hazel. That mountain, where our family journey truly began, is now lovingly known by us as Hazel Mountain. The name stuck, and so did our shared dream of building a life rooted in wild places and big adventures. 

We’re now a growing family of four—Mark, Maria, and our daughters Hazel & Selena—plus our enthusiastic retrieving fox red pointer lab, Dutton, who thinks every outing is the best day ever. 

At Hazel Mountain Outfitters, we guide unforgettable big game hunting adventures right out of Dillingham, Alaska, on the ancestral homelands of the Yup’ik, Dena’ina, and Alutiiq peoples. Our hunts include bear and moose—with the opportunity to also harvest wolf, and even tasty upland birds like ptarmigan. 

We believe in hosting, not just guiding. That means campfire laughs, real conversations, and sharing the incredible land we’re so blessed to call home. 

Whether you’re looking to fill your freezer or your memory bank, we tailor every hunt to the land, the season, and your story. Although we may live in Alaska year round, we recognize that your visit here is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so excited to share the beauty and the thrill with you. And when the rifles are resting, you can catch Mark pulling nets in the salmon season—because when it comes to the outdoors, he’s hooked year-round. 

Want to see the proof? Check out our Photo Gallery to see some of the incredible trophies our hunters have taken home—each with a story of its own! 

What We Do: Hunting… Hosting… Harvesting.

When you step into the woods with Mark, you’re not just going on a hunt—you’re entering a story. A seasoned guide with over 6 years of professional experience (and a lifetime spent outdoors), Mark seems to know every mountain, river, valley, and stream in the region like old friends. And chances are, he has a story to go with each one. 

Originally from Wisconsin, Mark followed his love for wild places and made Alaska home over 20 years ago. Since then, he’s become part of the landscape—moving through the woods and the tundra like he was meant to be there. Whether he’s calling in a monster moose, sidehilling for game on his snowmachine, or glassing for brown bear, he carries a deep respect for the animals, the land, and the traditions that come with them. 

He’s the kind of guide hunters return to year after year—not just for the game, but for the company. He makes finding fresh tracks in the morning frost look easy, loves a solid meal in the backcountry, and knows how to read the land like a seasoned storyteller. 

Beyond guiding, Mark is passionate about subsistence living—harvesting moose, caribou, and salmon to feed our family and share with our extended circle of loved ones. When Mark brings the meat home, Maria’s in the kitchen bringing it to life in a hundred ways—but most often, she can be found in the smokehouse during the summer, carefully preparing batches of rich, savory smoked salmon that we enjoy all year round. 

Your Guide: Mark Schwantes, the heart behind the hunts

We’re not a big operation with a revolving door of guides. We’re a family. This is our life, our legacy, and our playground—and when you hunt with us, you become part of that.

We take pride in ethical, fair-chase hunting and respecting the land and animals that provide for us. 

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just ready to step into the wild for the first time, we’re here to make sure your adventure is unforgettable. 

Why Hunt with Us?

Ready to start your next great Alaskan adventure? Let us guide you into the wild, where epic stories are made, game is tracked, and mountains are named after love.