So I want to go to Kodiak

[Packout1]

Yikes. What time of year was that, @Packout1 ?

that photo was from the second week of September, we got dropped at a great alpine lake at around 3000 feet elevation

 

[Robert N]

This was a video I took on my hunt. I think it dates back to 2011, maybe 2012.

I’d just shot a very nice buck, he was trapped to our two packs and we were headed back down to camp. We had the wind in our favor and realized we had some deer moving towards us…so we froze. I pulled out my pocket cam and started filming.

Beyond cool!

 

[rmyoung1]

Yeah, that’s awesome! Thanks for posting!

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

I really appreciate all of the comments. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to offer input.

Anyone else have strong feelings about dates? I really would like to hunt those bucks in the alpine, but I’d also prefer to be there after the antlers have hardened up. Is there a window there when alpine bucks with hard antlers are likely? And any strong opinions on tents? I am aware that Kodiak’s weather has a rougher reputation than Fiji’s. I was thinking of bringing a Hilleberg Atlas, but the earlier comment from @D-Mac about having the ability to build a fire to dry clothing has me considering my stove/tipi setup. I can’t imagine my tipi doing as well in the friendly Kodiak wind, though. Any thoughts?

For what you’re after I would recommend no later than the first week of September. Velvet should be off by the second week of August.

 

[Robert N]

Whatever tent you bring, plan for some kind of backup solution. Even if it’s a tarp and hiking poles - have a backup plan.

 

[Bluffgruff]

Willy flew me in for my elk hunt. Very cautious and safe. Good dude too. https://kodiakairservice.com/

 

[oxn939]

Anyone else have strong feelings about dates? I really would like to hunt those bucks in the alpine, but I’d also prefer to be there after the antlers have hardened up.

A lot of bucks will still have velvet into late August, so right about now would be the if you're looking to hunt the alpine for hard horned bucks. You'll see lots of opinions about the weather in September, but realistically there isn't much of a difference between now and mid August.

 

[Oak]

Too long ago to be relevant to your planning, but I'd like to go back. Last week of October.

 

[Duck-Slayer]

I think I’m getting older or something because I care less and less about big antlers and think more about landscapes. To that end, I’ve never been to Kodiak Island, and it’s been a place that I’ve wanted to experience for quite a while. In 2028 I turn 50, and the plans for a half-century birthday present to myself are consuming some mental energy.

I’m not gonna pony up for a big bear hunt or a mountain goat pursuit. What I want to do is take an air taxi ride, touch down at a lake in the alpine in late September and chase Sitka blacktail bucks. I’d really like to experience the place, hopefully glass up a bear or two in the process of locating a buck.

Those of you who know a thing or two about Kodiak Island, what do I need to know? Who should I call for the float plane ride? (I’ve poked around online but never spoken with someone who’s flown with any of the Kodiak operators.) What tips and pointers do you have for me?

Where do I sign up? Seriously
Matt