Kodiak is world famous for its hunting opportunities. Big game species include the Kodiak brown bear, mountain goat, Roosevelt elk, reindeer, the Sitka black-tail deer, and bison. The Kodiak archipelago encompasses several million acres of remote wilderness, so planning your trip ahead of time is critical.
“Alaska doesn't lend itself well to day hunts or short weekend hunts for most big game species. Many hunters find it best to plan and save up money and vacation time for one or two good five-day or week-long hunts a year. Given the uncertainty of weather and animal movement patterns, any additional days you are able to spend in a particular hunting area can really increase your odds of success.” From the web page of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Our experienced pilots and staff can provide invaluable assistance in planning your trip. We take pride in providing outstanding service to our hunters, whether it’s helping them find strategic places to camp or taking care of their meat at the end of the hunt. Let us help you put together the hunt of a lifetime.
Here are some of the services we provide:
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Full service transportation while in town, including to and from the Kodiak airport
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Transportation to and from your hunting location.
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Coordinating guided trips depending on your specific needs.
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Assistance with all unguided actives from air charter to cabin accommodations.
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Walk-in freezers and refrigerators to store your game
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Outdoor gear rental available upon request.
Below is information on the big game species available on Kodiak. Please be sure and read the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations prior to hunting as they are subject to change. Though much of the land on Kodiak is open to public use be aware that there is private property throughout the archipelago and permission or permits may be required from the landowners.
The Kodiak Brown Bear
The Kodiak bear has been part of hunting myths and legend since the first people came to the islands over 7000 years ago. In 1941, president Franklin Roosevelt established Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge “for the purpose of protecting the natural feeding and breeding range of the Kodiak bear.” Continued careful management by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has ensured that bear populations remain healthy, providing for excellent hunting opportunities.
There are 2 bear hunting seasons each year. The spring season is open from April 1 through May 15. The fall season is from October 25 to November 30. The bag limit is one bear (either sex) every four regulatory years. Please see the links below for more information.
Links:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kodiakbear.kodiakfaqs#permit
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kodiakbear.main
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kodiakbear.kodiakfaqs
Sitka Black-Tailed Deer
Sitka black-tailed deer from the coastal rainforests of Southeast Alaska were introduced to Kodiak in the early 1900s. These deer have done well on the Kodiak archipelago, spreading from island to island, with an estimated population of 30,000 to 50,000 animals. Average weights for bucks are 120lbs with some bucks reaching 200lbs, does typically weigh in at 80lbs.
The season opens Aug 1st and extends into January in some parts of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Check the current regulations to see where and when you can start your hunt. You can also click on the links below for more information on the Sitka Black-tail.
Links:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=deerhunting.main
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntingmaps.byspecies&species=d&gmu=08
Mountain Goat
“Thoughts of Kodiak generally conjure up images of a lush island filled with large brown bears and plentiful Sitka black-tailed deer. Yet, the Emerald Isle has another, less obvious, hunting opportunity--fantastic mountain goat hunting.” From the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website
Mountain goats were introduced to Kodiak during the early 1950’s. Since then, the population has grown to an estimated 1900 animals. From the opening day of the hunt until early October*, the high alpine lakes are accessible to our aircraft, making it possible to place hunters closer to prime goat habitat.
*Alpine Lakes can freeze starting early October, preventing aircraft access.
As with all game species, hunting regulations are subject to change, so be sure and check them prior to planning you hunting trip. Click on the links below for more information on mountain goats and mountain goat hunting on Kodiak.
Links:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kodiakgoat.main
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=kodiakgoat.requirements
Roosevelt Elk
Roosevelt elk were imported to Afognak Island from the Olympic Peninsula in 1929. Since their introduction, elk populations have expanded from Afognak to Raspberry Island. Roosevelt Elk are the larger cousin to the Rocky Mountain elk, with bulls weighing up to 1,300lbs. “A 1,300-lb (590-kg) elk will dress out at about 800 lbs (363 kg). Of this amount, about 450 lbs (204 kg) is usable meat.” Alaska Department of Fish and Game
This hunt requires good planning and preparation due to the difficult terrain these elk live in and the animal’s size (packing out the meat). Let us help you plan your trip; we have the resources: experienced pilots and staff as well as available aircraft to make for a hassle free experience. We can pick up your meat while you’re still in the field and secure it in our walk-in freezers or refrigerators in town.
The hunts start Oct 1 and continue until Nov. depending on whether you have won a draw hunt or are participating in the registration hunt. As regulations change over time, be sure and check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game web page for current information on the Afognak and Raspberry Island elk hunts. Click on the links below to learn more about the Roosevelt elk and when you can hunt them.
Links:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=elkhunting.main
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntlicense.draw
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntlicense.registration
Reindeer/Caribou
Reindeer were imported to the southern portion of Kodiak Island in 1921 with the intent of introducing reindeer farming to the local native population. Active farming of the herd ended in 1961 and several years later, the reindeer became available for the public to hunt. Biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimate their current population to be around 250-300 animals.
This can be a rewarding hunt, not only because of the potential for bagging a trophy bull but also because of the incredible landscape these animals reside in. The southern portion of Kodiak Island is dramatically different from the northern half; there are wide-open spaces of tundra and muskeg, interspersed with rolling hills and steep mountains from which one can easily spot game. Sitka black-tail deer can also be found in this habitat, making for an exciting combo-hunt.
For more information about the hunt and about these feral reindeer check the links below.
Links:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kodiak/what_we_do/science/ungulate/reindeer.html
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntingmaps.bygmu&gmu=08
Bison
Hoping to find a more aggressive, vigorous animal capable of defending itself against the Kodiak bear, Kodiak ranchers imported bison in the 1990’s. Though these animals are privately owned, there are opportunities to hunt them.
For more information on hunting bison in Kodiak you can contact the Kodiak Cattle Company: # (907)486-3705 (http://chiniak.net/buffalo/).
Waterfowl
Kodiak hosts an amazing array of ocean dwelling and “dabbling” waterfowl. The ocean waterfowl, also known as “sea-ducks,” include the much sought after harlequin duck, the long-tailed duck, surf, black and white winged scoters, red-breasted and common mergansers and king eiders. Dabbler species include: pintails, Barrows goldeneye, common goldeneye, buffleheads, widgeon, mallard, green winged teal, and greater scaup. Waterfowl hunting on Kodiak is still a largely untapped resource, with only a handful of lodges offering bird hunting packages. For more information on waterfowl hunting on Kodiak, check the links below.
Links:
http://www.wildfowlmag.com/tactics/waterfowling-kodiak-island/
https://gothunts.com/alaska-sea-duck-hunting-on-kodiak-island/
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/waterfowl.pdf
Kodiak is known world wide for its excellent fishing opportunities. Five species of salmon return each year to spawn in rivers throughout the archipelago. Other fish that can be found in Kodiak’s rivers include: Dolly Varden, char, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Popular sport caught ocean fish include: halibut, yelloweye, black rockfish, and lingcod.
We are more than happy to help you plan your fishing trip. Kodiak has a variety of lodges and charter boats to choose from, or we can arrange a fishing float trip down one of the island’s remote rivers. Give us a call!
Here are some of the services we provide:
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Full service transportation while in town, including to and from the Kodiak airport
-
Transportation to and from your fishing location (fly-in only).
-
Coordinating guided trips depending on your specific needs.
-
Assistance with all unguided actives from air charter to cabin accommodations.
-
Walk-in freezers and refrigerators to store your fish
-
Outdoor gear rental available upon request.
For more information on fishing in Kodiak, check out the links below:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=ByAreaSouthcentralKodiak.fishingInfo
