The State of Alaska has filed a lawsuit against Clint Miller, a 48-year-old Wasilla man operating Alaska Wilderness Outfitter in Holy Cross, a remote village 117 miles northeast of Bethel. The Alaska Department of Law accuses Miller of defrauding clients out of more than $660,000 between 2019 and 2024 by accepting payments for backcountry moose hunting trips that he frequently canceled at the last moment without issuing refunds. The lawsuit, filed by the Department’s Consumer Protection Unit, also alleges that the few clients who went on hunts faced unsafe conditions, including insufficient fuel and inadequate guide services.
According to the complaint, Miller charged clients between $12,500 and $24,500 per trip, targeting those eager for a once-in-a-lifetime big game hunting experience in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. However, of the 32 customers who paid for hunts in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, only two set foot on legal hunting lands, and none have successfully killed a moose since 2021.
“Many dream, save, and plan for years to go on a big game hunting trip of a lifetime in Alaska, yet for most of Miller’s clients, those plans and dreams ended in disappointment and considerable financial loss,” said Assistant Attorney General Helen Mendolia in a statement. She added that Miller’s practices have unfairly tarnished the reputation of reputable hunting guides in the state.
Palmer Superior Court Judge Jonathan Woodman issued a temporary restraining order against Miller, prohibiting him from accepting new client payments and requiring him to pay restitution to affected clients who filed complaints. The lawsuit underscores broader concerns about consumer protection in Alaska’s big game hunting industry, which has prompted legislative action. In April 2025, the Alaska Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 29 to establish a permanent regulator for the industry, aiming to prevent such fraudulent practices and ensure accountability.
Clint Miller | Facebook
The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by clients seeking guided hunting experiences in Alaska’s remote regions. The Department of Law is urging affected clients to come forward as the investigation continues. For now, Miller’s operation remains under scrutiny, with the state seeking to hold him accountable for the significant financial and emotional toll inflicted on his clients.
