Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunts in Alaska
The Sitka black-tailed 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 islands.
While they aren’t much in the trophy department, Sitka blacktails are tons of fun to hunt. So much so, that many of our hunters are surprised to list them as their favorite.
Sitka blacktail deer hunting in Alaska:
- Alaska has TONS of blacktail deer!
- VERY little hunting pressure in some of the more remote areas.
- Amazing archery hunting opportunities.
- You can take more than one deer on your hunt. In some areas up to five.
- Good combo options for sea ducks and fishing.
- 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.
- Contact us for pricing and availability.
There are two destinations that have proven themselves in the record books, Prince of Wales and Kodiak Island. 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. However, Kodiak has experienced up to 50% winter kill some years due to severe winters. Add brown bears and unpredictable Gulf of Alaska weather, this is a tough place for a deer to make a living, and an even tougher place to hunt.
Pope and Young minimum is 75 inches, and Boone and Crockett is 100 inches for the three-year awards, and 108 for the all-time book. An average mature buck will score in the low to mid 80’s, and are typically unsymmetrical with broken tines…bucks over 100 inches are VERY RARE. Keep that perspective in mind and you’ll have a ton of fun.
Hunt: KG3
Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunting on Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island has lots of blacktails, and it’s also one of the best areas to hunt trophy bucks.
- This is a very affordable hunt. 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 guiding is available, and priced accordingly.
- A few unguided hunts are available each year, but they go quickly.
- 6-7 hunting days.
- Hunters can take a 2nd buck with no trophy fee.
- Contact us quickly for dates and availability.
This Alaska Master Guide has been hunting famed Kodiak Island for 40 years!
With a small window between mountain goat and brown bear hunts he has decided to offer a unique opportunity for Sitka blacktails from his remote private cabin. That’s right, hunt trophy Sitka blacktail deer on extreme Kodiak Island with a roof over your head, hot showers, and a comfortable cot each night!
Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunting on Prince of Wales Island
Prince of Wales Island’s mild weather and naturally occurring minerals is a recipe for the world’s biggest Sitka bucks!
- 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!
- Contact us quickly for dates and availability.
Hunt from a boat and cruise the shorelines.
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. We take advantage of the other option, conducting the hunts from a 42’ charter vessel. With all the comforts of home, we access the southernmost reaches of Prince of Wales Island. The portion of the island that our outfitter hunts is completely roadless, so the hunting pressure is practically non-existent – classic Sitka Blacktail country. 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.
We’d love to help you book a hunt.
We’d love to help you book a hunt.Whether you just want to know some prices, or need more information about one of our destinations, OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL is here as a resource, and it won’t cost you a thing.
Just fill out the form below or give us a call at (208) 991-4868 and we’ll get started matching your priorities, budget, timing and expectations to the ideal destination.