The Sitka Blacktail is native to the wet, coastal rain forests of S.E. Alaska but were transplanted to Kodiak around 1930. Sitka Blacktail are shorter and stockier with a shorter face than other deer species. Typical bucks range from 120-200 pounds, with normal antler development having 3-4 points per side. The average lifespan of a Sitka Blacktail is 10 years.

Early season hunts take place in the higher elevations. This time of year the  deer have coats that are reddish brown in color and they’re in bachelor groups. The deer really stand out this time of year so we see a lot of deer. For someone that wants a buck in velvet or recently shed velvet its a great opportunity. Typically bucks will start shedding there velvet in mid August.

Its important to be in the best shape possible. Depending on weather, they can be found at the tops of the mountains all the way down to the beaches. Bucks go into the peak of the rut in mid November and if we have enough snow, they will be concentrated on or near the beaches.

​Our deer numbers are up and my guide area for deer is as good as it gets for a trophy class hunt, Access to the hunt camp is from the town of Kodiak via bushplane. Our camps are very comfortable with always great food on the menu.