Alaska Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunts

Guided Hunts in the Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunt Dates: November 1-4, November 5-8, November 9 – 12,  November 13-16

Our Mountain Sitka Blacktail Deer hunts take place on Kodiak Island in the same area we hunt brown bears and mountain goats. Located within Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, I hold a special-use permit for this exclusive federal concession. We also hunt adjoining private lands, which combined with the refuge lands, comprise one overall area of approximately 149,000 acres. We have been operating in this area for 2 decades now.

This hunt takes place at the start of the rut when deer are very active and easy to find and stalk. Quite often, our brown bear or mountain goat hunters will choose to take a Sitka deer that they see during their hunt, or will spend an extra day or two after they harvest their primary animal, looking for a nice buck to go after.

Hunted on its own, this is a fantastic first Alaskan hunt that is much easier and more affordable than any other species in the state. They are also delicious to eat and worth bringing home for your freezer. A nice buck can usually be found on any given day, provided the weather is halfway decent, and a hunter can expect to get a nice buck in a few days at most if they are willing to hike around and cover the low alpine terrain that the big bucks favor.

Most of our deer hunts start out each day from the main camp. We will either hike directly behind the main camp or take one of the ocean skiffs to a bay, put to shore, and begin hiking, watching for deer as we go, and glassing from hills. Generally, we will run into deer as we walk. The larger bucks are up at higher elevations, in the alpine, where feed is best, and that is where we get most of the trophy animals. As the rut nears toward early November, bucks will be actively seeking females and can oftentimes be seen at lower elevations, and we frequently spot them from the skiff.

This hunt is a great way to experience Kodiak for the first time.

Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska
Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska
Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska
Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska
Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska
Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak Island Alaska

FAQs

When is the best time to hunt Sitka Blacktail Deer on Kodiak?

Our hunts take place in early to mid-November. This is the start of the rut when bucks are most active, less cautious, and frequently move to lower elevations in search of does, making it the ideal time for a trophy hunt.

Is this a good hunt for first-time Alaska hunters?

Yes. Sitka Blacktail hunts are widely considered one of the best "entry-level" Alaskan hunts. They are more affordable and generally less physically demanding than hunting species like Dall Sheep or Mountain Goat, while still offering a true wilderness experience.

How physically demanding is the deer hunt?

While easier than a goat hunt, you should still be prepared for hiking in alpine and sub-alpine terrain. We often use ocean skiffs to access different bays, then hike inland to glass the hillsides. The biggest bucks are often found at higher elevations where the best feed is located.

Can I add a deer hunt to my Bear or Mountain Goat hunt?

Absolutely. Many of our hunters choose to take a Sitka Blacktail if they harvest their primary animal early or see a trophy buck during the course of their main hunt. There is no additional guide fee for taking a deer during a bear or goat hunt.

Is the meat from Sitka Blacktail Deer good to eat?

Sitka Blacktail is widely regarded as some of the best-tasting venison in the world. We highly recommend hunters plan to take meat home. We provide field dressing and can help coordinate local options for processing and shipping.

What are the bag limits for deer on Kodiak Island?

Bag limits vary by year and specific management area, but Kodiak generally has generous limits. We will guide you through the current season regulations and ensure you have the correct tags before the hunt begins.

Can you do self-guided hunts on Kodiak Island?

Yes. But it can be a mission logistically. Boat based Hunt Transporter Services like kodiakislanddeerhunts.com can make it a bit easier.