Closely related to the Columbia Blacktail, the Sitka blacktail deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is native to the wet coastal rainforests of Southeast Alaska and north-coastal British Columbia. Its range has expanded via transplants, and established populations now exist near Yakutat, in Prince William Sound, and on Kodiak and Afognak Island. It is the least accessible of the three mule deer subspecies, making it a unique trophy.
Hunting the beaches and old growth timber, calling a rutted-up buck out of the mist, or chasing bachelor herds above timberline during the early season, this is a true Sitka Blacktail Deer hunt. This is his home turf, making the reward of taking that big buck like none other.
- Alaska has TONS of blacktail deer!
- VERY little hunting pressure in some of the more remote areas.
- Amazing archery hunting opportunities.
- In some areas up to five bucks per year!
- Good combo options for sea ducks and fishing.
- Success is almost guaranteed if you’re willing to work a little bit and have a decent plan.
The best places to go for an Alaska blacktail hunt
Kodiak Island and Prince of Wales are considered the top spots for Alaska Blacktail deer hunting.
Although there are lots other spots, certain areas stand out for bigger bucks. Prince of Wales Island, and Kodiak Island are a few of the hot spots for Sitka blacktail deer. Both islands have some amazing deer hunting. Winters aren’t quite as bad on POW, so the bucks can be slightly larger, but you’ll see more deer on Kodiak since it is more open. Only black bears live on Prince of Wales…and Kodiak is notorious for its brown bears.
Don’t write off the smaller islands surrounding Kodiak and POW or the mainland between Juneau and Ketchikan. A good rule of thumb is the more expensive and difficult it is to get to a spot, the more likely it is that there will be bigger bucks and fewer hunters.
If you choose our live-aboard, vessel-based Alaska Sitka Blacktail deer hunts, you’re in for a treat!
These boat-based hunts allow you to travel to remote regions of the Island. The Captains have hunted these areas for over a decade and will put you in some of the Island’s best Sitka blacktail deer country on a daily basis. Sleep each night on the boat, enjoying a comfortable two person room. Home cooked meals daily are included in the hunt price.
Small Group Bookings
Our hunts accommodate up to eight hunters. This allows for less hunting pressure each week and more accessibility for hunters.
Curated Alaskan Dining Experience
By incorporating regional ingredients, our menu is carefully curated and locally
sourced, giving hunters the full Alaskan experience.
True Cast & Blast Experience
Your hunt will include a blacktail buck, fox and sea duck hunting, along with fishing and crabbing. Most of these hunts require a six person group to secure the whole boat. Eight hunters max.
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Kodiak Blacktail HuntS
In 1924 Kodiak Island received its first transplant of deer, 1930 saw two more taken from Prince of Wales Island and the final shot was in 1934 when nine deer near Petersburg were added to the mix. They took well and now there is an abundant population.
You should see plenty of mature bucks if you’re willing to get out and hike.
Depending on the time of year you may have to hike up higher to the brush line to find them or if weather has set in they will be down closer to the beaches. This area of Kodiak typically doesn’t see the winter kill like other parts of the island and has concentrations of deer.
- Our fully guided Sitka blacktail deer hunts on Kodiak Island can be standalone or a combo hunt with brown bear or a mountain goat.
- DIY Alaska blacktail deer hunts on Kodiak Island are always popular and in high demand, and we have a number of great options.
- Sitka blacktail deer are generally abundant in this area of Kodiak Island, with lots of action and extremely high success rates. However, Kodiak can have severe winters, so be sure to talk to us before you book to make sure there hasn’t been a recent winter kill.
Fully Guided Kodiak Blacktail Hunts
This hunt is conducted in a legendary exclusive concession on the South end of Kodiak Island first held by “Frenchie” Lamoureux. Our outfitter was awarded this Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge concession through a competitive prospectus process in the fall of 2022 and will hold the permit starting in 2024. Even this concession is new to him, it is very familiar because his entire crew guided for the previous outfitter. Many very prominent hunters make annual pilgrimages to Kodiak blacktail hunt with this outfitter.
DIY Alaska Blacktail Hunts on Kodiak Island
A DIY Kodiak blacktail hunt is among our favorite unguided hunts to recommend. They’re perfect Alaskan hunt for a group of hunting buddies! You will have plenty of adventure and see lots of game on this do-it-yourself hunt on Kodiak Island. If you’re an experienced hunter, there is no need to pay extra for guide services. We can help set you up for success on our DIY hunts on Kodiak.
This area of Kodiak Island is remote with fly in or boat access only. By traveling via the live-aboard vessel, hunters have access to remote hunting opportunities around the island.
Our transporter has years of experience and knows where and when he can drop off hunters to get into deer. There are plenty of smaller bays and lagoons to be dropped off so you likely won’t hunt the same area twice in a week! Your Captain will be dropping you off and picking you up on the beach daily.
You’ll be up early for hot breakfast and coffee, then shuttled to shore by small boat or Zodiac. Return pick up in the evening at your drop-off spot and back to the boat to dry out gear, relax, shower and enjoy supper. After a good night sleep in the warm two person room, you are back at it the next day. Groups have daily options of hunting deer, sea ducks or fishing.
Whether you want to go guided or unguided, hunting Sitka blacktail deer on Kodiak Island gets in your blood. If you’re ready to try it for yourself, contact us today!
Ask about our Kodiak Blacktail Hunts
Prince William Sound
Your group will hunt out of Cordova, Alaska aboard a 5 Star rated ocean vessel.
Eat like kings with meals consisting of fresh caught Copper River Chinook and Sockeye Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Tanner and Golden King crab, along with moose and deer steaks, roasts and burgers. Sleep in a comfortable bunk in a bunk room each night with access to a hot shower daily. Dry your gear at night and start each day ready to chase trophy Sitka blacktail deer or six foot plus coastal black bears. Change it up for a day and pursue some of the 17 different species of ducks available in the area. Your group will have five full days of hunting while the crew takes care of things on board and gets you safely to and from your hunting areas daily.
This Top Shelf Alaskan Adventure is something everyone should experience and is a favorite repeat trip for those who take the challenge of hunting Alaska. The only regret most have is that they didn’t come sooner!
- Vessel-based DIY hunt out of Cordova, Alaska.
- Each hunter can hunt for up to four Sitka blacktail deer, a black bear and sea ducks. All tags are available over-the-counter.
- More than a dozen species of ducks are available including: Harlequin; Barrow’s Goldeneye; Surf Scoter; and the elusive Old Squaw (long-tailed).
- The live-aboard boat has multiple bunkrooms, a bathroom with a shower, and a covered area to process your game on board.
- Trip includes hot meals with fresh food, including local seafood.
- Groups of four to six will have the entire boat to themselves.
- Marine sightseeing and saltwater fishing is available depending on the time of year and the location of your hunt.
- Dates available beginning late September through Thanksgiving.
Prince of Wales Blacktail HuntS
Larger than the state of Delaware, Prince of Wales Island has 2,500 miles of road, and with that many roads the competition with other hunters grows every year, so you have to get remote. Prince of Wales Island has mild weather and naturally occurring minerals, making a recipe for the world’s biggest Sitka bucks! The most common way to hunt blacktail is from a boat and cruising the shorelines looking for a buck.
- The combination of mild weather, significant winter cover, and good nutrition supports 30 deer per square mile!
- The non-typical world record, a 5×6 scoring 134 inches was taken just 20 minutes outside of Craig, Alaska.
- The opportunity definitely exists to harvest a mature 3 or 4 point buck between 80 and 100 inches. We’re always searching for the magical 100-inch buck and this area has the genetics to produce!
- Get ready for some great fishing!
Sitka Blacktail HuntS out of Sitka, Alaska
Vessel-based DIY Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunt in Southeast Alaska
If you’re type of person who would choose crab and beer over a campfire instead of a fancy 5 Course meal, this hunt is for you! There is an amazing Sitka blacktail deer population in this area, and hunting season runs from August 1st until December 31st. We recommend hunting the rut from mid-October through mid-December. There are also a few custom hunts available with other dates for those that would like to hunt alpine.
Semi Guided Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting, whether it is puddle ducks or sea ducks, is available for another opportunity. Your transporter can offer assistance in waterfowl hunting at no additional cost.
The yacht can comfortably take up to 6 passengers.
All meals are provided and cooked by your crew. We pride ourselves on serving tasty food. There is nothing like a hot meal after a day on the water! A crab and shrimp cook out on the beach with a bon fire is always a nice option.
Based out of Sitka, AK on the west side of Baranof Island.
Sitka sits in the Tongass National Forest, the country’s largest national forest. With a population of 8,500, Sitka is Alaska’s fifth most populated city. As the sixth largest seafood port in the nation, Sitka is also a hub of maritime commerce.
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Alaska Sitka Blacktail Hunting Outfitters
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Joel Ternes –
The hunting was great! What an experience, crazy terrain with breathtaking views!
Patrick Kissel –
What a way to end the week! We had six deer and two Alaska mountain goats for the four of us and many laughs and memories. We will be back…
Jesse Neveau –
The hunt on Kodiak Island was excellent. Hunting was great we saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was excellent. I would highly recommend this trip to other DIY hunters. It should be noted that the hunt is somewhat physical and it is unguided however, to me that is what makes a hunt fun and memorable. I would do this hunt again for sure.
Brian Thomas –
Our group of six all killed bucks and caught fish and had a great time.
Charles Umemoto –
Excellent service from start to finish. Weather had us delayed on extraction for nearly a week but the outfitter housed us, fed us and went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and enjoyed our stay.
Dan Koshiyama –
We had arrived at Old Harbor and at the dock we were met by the two Captains of the two boats. The cook had coffee to warm us up. After orientation of the safety rules of the boat we put out to sea. The scenery was breathe taking. The whole trip the Captain put the boat in calm waters when we anchored. His knowledge of the area was impressive. The cook gave us some great meals. When we weren’t hunting we were fishing or trying to duck hunt. The fishing was very productive. We caught fish that we had never seen before. The cook and Captain informed us of what type of fishes we were catching and if they were good to eat. It was a lot of fun. Very well run outfitter.