We are offering un-guided trips for Sitka Blacktail Deer in Alaska's GMU 8, the Kodiak Archipelago. Only American citizens can take advantage of these low cost, non-guided big game hunts. We can arrange for fully guided hunts if you request.
Deer season runs Aug. 1 - Dec. 31. Mid Oct. to mid-Dec. is generally the prime time. Rut usually occurs from Oct. 20 - Nov. 20. For hunters less willing or able to walk, we recommend a later hunt as deer are usually bunched up on or near accessible beaches.
We provide Transporter services aboard the F/V REBEL, a 50' commercial fishing boat or M/V TENBEARS, a 50' charter boat - both with bunks (not staterooms), meals & morning drop-off on the beach with pick-up at the end of the day.
Hunters are responsible for their own hunting, preparation of salvageable meat at the kill site, caping & packing meat to beach. Each hunter should bring a comfortable backpack, wool or polar fleece type pants & shirt & raingear, knife, saw or axe, FLASHLIGHT, SLEEPING BAG, other personal items.. Try to limit gear to 1 soft seabag & guncase.
We strongly recommend that guests hunt in groups of 2 or more. Kodiak bears are abundant & sometimes aggressive. In 1999 one lone deer hunter was killed by a bear and another was severely mauled the same day.
Bookings are for 7 days unless otherwise arranged in advance. Fee is $3,000 / person / wk. which covers transportation aboard either boat, meals while aboard, sack lunches, trips to & from shore. It permits each hunter to take 2 Sitka Blacktail Deer. Expect up to 6 hunters / week aboard the TENBEARS (5 on the REBEL). Each hunter may take up to 3 deer - there is a fee of $300 for each deer over the first 2. Up to 2 foxes may be taken Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 @ no extra fee.
Not included in the $3,000 fee is the Hunting License ($85), Deer Tags ($150 / deer), alcoholic beverages (available in Kodiak if you wish to bring your own). An air charter fee, (approx. $150/ one way), to hunts on the south end of Kodiak.
We have a State of Alaska License & Tag vendorship & recommend that you purchase these from us upon your arrival to avoid unnecessary delays &/or errors. Please advise us if you do NOT wish to purchase your licenses & tags from us!
Bookings are confirmed with 50% deposit, balance due 90 days prior to first day of booking. As no drawings are involved, booked hunters may substitute another in their place. Refunds for cancellations shall be at our discretion. We operate a low volume, high quality service & as such, any cancellations which cannot be filled with another person hurt us a lot. Fees for extra deer, tags, etc., must be paid aboard the boat in cash or US Traveler's Checks.
See Petersen's HUNTING magazine, Sept. 1993. Craig Boddington made this hunt & wrote the article "The Best Deer Hunting in the World". We have an extensive reference list, available on request. In the Annual Ak. Prof. Hunters Assn./SCI All Alaska Big 3 Competition our hunters took #1 Typical Sitka in '90 & '92, #2 in '96, & in '97 - #2 & #3 Typ. & #1 & #2 NonTypical Sitka. In 1997, the Non-Typical Sitka Blacktail Deer were first recognized. Our #1 scored 135 SCI & 131 B & C points. We've taken bigger deer since 1997, but APHA changed policy & will not recognize Transported hunters' animals in the annual contest.
For those who may suffer from seasickness medication &/or acupressure bracelets may help.
For further information (we prefer email) or to confirm a reservation contact:
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For each guest, in order for us to have licenses & tags ready, please provide full name, address, phone/fax #, e-mail, date of birth, ht., wt., color of hair & eyes, driver's license # & SSN.
More than just a hunt, we offer a truly unique wilderness experience. Thanks for your interest. Best regards,
Arctic Rivers Guide Service phone and fax: 907/486-JAKE (5253)
For more information or to send any comments: Jake Jacobson
©2002