The Sitka black-tailed deer is one of the most popular big game species in Alaska. While they are not native to Kodiak Island, a small number were transplanted to the island in the 1920s and 30s and thrived. Today, there an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 living on the Kodiak Archipelago.
If you’re looking for the best place to plan an Alaska deer hunting trip, Old Harbor on Kodiak Island is where you need to go. It is a remote village with a flourishing population of Sitka black-tailed deer.
Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge is settled in the southeast side of Old Harbor, right behind Sitkalkidak Island, with easy access to Kodiak’s best fishing and hunting opportunities. If you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, here is what you need to know about booking your hunting trip.
Planning a hunting trip to Kodiak this fall? Book with us right away to reserve your spot.
What You Need for Your Alaska Deer Hunting Trip
Traveling to Kodiak Island to hunt Sitka black-tailed deer is a dream come true for many avid hunters. There are few places as beautiful in the world as Kodiak Island, and there’s no better way to travel deep into its wilderness and get a front seat to what’s inside. Sitka black-tailed deer offer a unique and varied hunting experience, and an abundant population in Kodiak can almost guarantee your success, making your Alaska deer hunting trip one for the books.
The island is also filled with plenty of other beautiful wildlife, from the famous Kodiak grizzly bear to bald eagles, red foxes, ermines, otters, tundra voles, brown bats, and more. You can add fox and duck hunting along with world-class Alaska fishing trip to the itinerary.
Choosing a Date for Your Alaska Deer Hunting Trip
While the Sitka black-tailed deer hunting season starts in August, November is one of the best times to plan your trip. Rutting season starts in the beginning of them month, making it the best time of year to spot and hunt a buck. At Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, we start scheduling our hunting trips early November into the middle of December to take advantage of the rut.
Getting to the Best Alaska Hunting Spots
When you hunt with Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, we handle most the details for you, including getting you the ideal hunting spots in Old Harbor. We sell a 6-day/7-night hunting trip that covers all your lodging, meals, drinks, private charter to the lodge, and transportation to the hunt grounds.
Purchasing Alaska Tags and Licenses
You will need to make sure you have all the proper licenses and tags for your trip. The cost for your hunting trip does not cover these fees. Depending on your plans for your stay, you will need the following items:
- Alaska hunting license
- Deer tags (you are allowed to purchase up to three tags)
- Federal duck stamps (up to four for each species of sea ducks for non-residents)
- 7-Day king salmon stamps
- 7-day fish license
- Land use fee (if hunting on native land).
Preparing for the Weather
Keep in mind the weather in Alaska can get cold in the winter months. Temperatures often stick between the low 20s to the mid-30s in November and December. Kodiak Island gets a lot of rain, snow, sleet, and hail throughout the year.
You’ll want to pack plenty of layers along with a waterproof outer layer to keep you dry on your hunt. You’ll end your nights at our warm, comfortable lodge, so make sure to have a comfortable change of clothes for when you return.
If you’re ready to make your dream of hunting Sitka black-tailed deer on Kodiak Island a reality, look no further than Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge. We offer comfortable lodging, guided hunting trips, world-class fishing outings, and more. You’re sure to make memories that last a lifetime and bring back plenty of game and stories to tell your pals back home.
Ready to pack your bags and get going? Act fast and book your trip now!