Kodiak Black tail deer

[Buckeeboy]

I am going on a Blacktail deer hunt on Kodiak Island in November. Going to be staying on a boat and going back and forth to the Island...Anyone done this and can tell me what to expect? Not sure what the bear situation will be at that time of year but I do know they can be an issue.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Sean B]

I’ve hunted Kodiak, but I stayed in land. The bears are usually plentiful and big!! But don’t let that scare you. They’re an awesome creature. I made sure that I’ve had at least bear spray. It’s very hilly obviously. You should be hitting it just about right. Set up and call. That’s a very productive way to hunt them. I bumped a beauty while looking for sign. Make sure that you glass hill sides and if you spot one plan your approach. Again look for bears as well.  Good luck.

[Mighty Big Country]

I've hunted three times on the vessel based with HOC and once out of a cannery on a PBS hunt. 
Everything about Kodiak is pretty awesome.  The deer are stalk able and a beautiful deer with the double throat patch.  As for tactics, on the south end where HOC operates, it is much more open, I would look to find funnels and get in front of moving bucks.  On the north end, it's pretty thick.  Calling works much better there.  The deer just seem a little more naive than your typical whitetail or mule deer.  The venison is fantastic. 

As for gear, you'll want a good water proof hiking boot.  The terrain is pretty steep.  Good rain gear is a must as moisture in the form of rain or snow is a guarantee.  A waterproof glove is a good idea for going from he boat to the shore.  Dress in layers. 

Bears are certainly present and have always seen them.  I've had them as close as 20 yards, but no one I've hunted with has ever lost any meet or been charged by a bear.  Take the bear spray because it will make you feel better. 

[Buckeeboy]

Big Country, I am going with H O C and very much looking forward to it. What can I expect as far as getting the deer back to the boat? Dragging after gutting or quartering it out? Any other info is very much appreciated, first time on a sort of do it yourself hunt.

[Buckeeboy]

oh, and by calling do you mean grunting, seems like a doe bleat would attract bears...

[mnbwhtr]

I was on the south end of Kodiak last part of Oct last year and found all the deer were right at the top of mountains. Plan on climbing, not high elevations but steep! My buddy and I hunted together most of the time as bears were anywhere and everywhere and several of our stalks were ruined or detoured. We had no problems with bears but on the last night one bedded down about 100 yards from our cabin and was there yet in the morning until the plane came to get us. Bring GOOD raingear and boots, it rained hard the last 5 days of our hunt with high winds to the point we just stayed in. Hopefully the weather will be better for you! Good luck!

[Mighty Big Country]

Buckee, the last one I quartered and packed out.  The other (3) I drug downhill to the beach.  I was younger on the first three and certainly wouldn't drag one today.  Yes, it will rain, but don't be deterred with bad weather.  HOC is a great group of guys with absolutely fantastic accommodations.  Being able to dry your gear on the boat is a true benefit.  I hunted by myself while with HOC and hunted with a partner on the PBS hunt.  I do like the freedom of hunting on my own then meeting up on the beach at the end of the day to share stories before the ride on the skiff to the boat.  Appreciate Kodiak for all it offers and being close to brown bears is part of the experience.

[Mighty Big Country]

Doe bleats work very well on Kodiak, but it seemed to me the thicker country on the north end was much more conducive to calling success.

[Matthew Wilson]

I got to do that in '12 and would go every year if I could. If you catch snow the lower stuff by the beaches will be good. Otherwise you gotta climb, but no worries there as you are starting at sea level. The bears are awesome but we had no troubles at all. Roark is a stellar Captain and great human being. We quartered our deer and packed em back to the boat, I think dragging would be a real chore. Good luck and enjoy!

[Buckeeboy]

Thanks all for the advise. Should be fun as well as educational for me. Keeping my fingers crossed for at least a few day of decent weather.

[amicus]

I've been going for the past 5 - 6 yrs. it is absolutely a breath taking experience.

Good luck

Gilbert