Deer & Duck Hunting
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Things to Consider
• Click a pic to enlarge!Climate: The Kodiak area lies in an area known as the "Banana Belt of Alaska". The Japanese current that travels along the West Coast of the United States also provides Kodiak with a mild maritime climate. Temperatures can range between -10 degrees to 50 degrees depending on the time of year. During the winter months, October through January you may encounter rain or snow so be prepared.
Clothing: It is important you have the proper clothing to ensure that comfort is not a problem. We urge you to dress in layers. Next to your skin a heavy weight thermal or polypropylene top or bottoms, covered by at least one layer of wool or fleece. Neoprene waders are a must, large enough to go over layers of clothing. If your waders or wading boots are to tight, you will get cold for sure. Rubber bottom boots are best in this country and for deer hunting a good pare of gortex hiking boots. A good warm coat and a set of rain gear but, remember keep your outer ware in natural coloring. Dark colors are best when hunting Kodiak Island. Two pair of water proof gloves. Always think waterproof! A couple pair of lounge clothes and some slippers for the evening are all you need. Kodiak is very casual.
Gear: We suggest keeping your gear as compact as possible because just bringing what you need is enough to deal with in your travels. Some suggestions might be a compass, fluorescent marking tape, and a small survival kit containing such things as water proof matches, bandages, antiseptic, bug repellent, and a space blanket. Also, a rifle, a shotgun and any ammo you will need.
Game Preparation: Your meat will be skinned and quartered for you. For transporting the meat home we suggest you bring large capacity coolers.
Booking Your Date: Duck season runs from mid October through mid January. Deer season runs from August 1 through December 31. Depending on the type of hunt you want these are some tips:
August 1 through September 31: The deer are usually up high above alpine level. The deer are still in velvet, the mountain flowers are in bloom, and the berries are ripe, all of this combined make for a more enjoyable hunt.
October through November: The deer are in rut so using rattling horns or grunt doe calls world well. Successful hunts during this time of the season are very high and deer are found at lower elevations. Mid October the duck season opens and good Mallard hunting and some Harlequins, Bufflehead, Goldeneye, and teal are available. This is also an excellent time for Steelhead fishing.
December 1 through December 31: The deer are a little more scattered. The rut is over but success is still high. By this time of year Old Squaw, Scoters, Mergansers, Harlequin, Mallards, Goldeneye, and Bufflehead can be expected. Keep in mind that chances are you will be hunting in winter conditions during this part of the season.
January: Deer season has closed but by now all species of duck have arrived including King Eiders, Common Eiders, and Steller Eiders (no open season). All other species are still abundant.
Hunting License: An out of state hunting license is $85.00,and for small game it is $25.00. An out of state deer tags are $150.00 each, a federal duck stamp is $15.00 and an Alaska State duck stamp is $5.00.
Need more information?
E-mail us at whalepass@aol.com
