For those who have done it, I found an option for a mt goat/ sitka blacktail deer combo on Kodiak.
My concern is the hunt is only 7 days. First day packing up to spike camp and possibly hunting along the way or upon arrival at spike camp. Then 5 days of hunting, with the last day most likely just packing back down to the lodge.
Ive never hunted goats, or Kodiak before, and I know theres a lot of “what ifs” involved.
That being said, would you feel comfortable trying to get both animals in that timeframe on one hunt, or booking 2 hunts, one for each species.
Timeframe would be early to mid October.
Kota I agree, but after trying to get in touch with 5 different outfitters, this was the only one that even responded. He only does 7 day hunts. Mainly from the flight in and out schedule.
Straightshooter, these are 1 on 1 hunts for goats, or that would be an option for sure. I can share the info if you like for the outfitter.
Mathews that looks like a tough spot to stalk a goat! I was told we would be spiking out alot closer to the top than the beach. Also correct on the deer being better away from the beach and boat hunters(according to the outfitter)
Straightshooter pm sent
Wildwilderness yes i agree. I am willing to forego the deer to focus on the goat, and make a return trip for deer if necessary. If i can find a longer hunt, i dont think doing both would be out of the question, but havent been able to do that.
There are other areas of the state combo hunts are possible. August in Southeast might be a better bet than 5 days on Kodiak in October.
KB, much appreciated. Any suggestions on who to go with?
Is that generally accurate.
Thanks fof that. Im really thinking the same, even for a single species hunt.
—Jim
Even if he won't provide the logistics, plan on being there for 2 weeks, whether you want to or not. You can hunt deer DIY. Focus on the goat for the guided part (which your guide will do for you automatically) because of the guide requirement.
Once you see goats, you'll forget deer exist until you've killed your goat.
It's a special place. Don't sell yourself short. You're spending a lot of money to be there. Stay as long as you can. I've only been to Kodiak once, but I would not consider going back for less than 2 weeks.
You WILL lose hunting days to the weather.
We shot 3 P&Y Bucks and 2 P&Y Billies in like 72 hours from being flown in 2 falls ago. We spent 7-8 days last fall and flew out without a single animal in the plane on the return trip. Sunshine vs torrential downpours and low cloud ceilings made all the difference.
I’ve hunted kodiak 10 or so times now and it’s definitely my favorite hunt up here (simply because of the number of tags in my pocket as a resident).
The issue in my mind is if the outfitter can sell A full price hunt the next week why sell the second at a discount. The other issue with Kodiak hunts are flight schedules, outfitters really have to plan on rotating groups on same days to keep costs down.
I know it’s a sticky point on BS, but it’s business for these guys, they are trying to make a living just like the rest of us. I like Ike’s idea of paying for the goat hunt, and then hunting the deer DIY. Even that given weather and flight scheduling etc could be tricky in 2 weeks. Or you could kill the goat on the first day and a deer on the second, just never know!
—Jim
I have talked with a few more outfitters since starting this thread, mostly recommendations from this site.
First and foremost, VERY few outfitters want to or are willing to take a bowhunter. Second, several of the outfitters websites advertise goat hunts. 2 I spoke with no longer do, and a third this is his last year, and said point blank “I want to take a rifle hunter”. He had one spot left.
As for any of the outfitters I spoke with, I still have not found a hunt longer than 7 days. They base their hunts and success rates on the rifle guys. I get it. Success sells hunts. The other factor is the flight schedule. You will be flying out on the plane the next group is coming in on. That schedule doesnt change for a solo hunter, only possibly for weather.
TEmbry makes a very good point with his 2 hunts. Nothing is given, and I believe that most of the outfitters absolutely do their best, but the weather can literally end your hunt before it starts.
Planning 2 weeks would be difficult for most, and impossible for others.
I believe Jtreeman hit it perfectly. Outfitters are running a business, and have no reason to discount a hunt or extend a stay because “I want to”, when they have zero trouble booking hunters.
Shiloh, as for the pricing, you could reasonably expect to pay between 12k and 16k for a goat hunt. Outfitters have different prices, but arent terribly far apart. I was quoted anywhere from 5-600 to 2k on the bush flights. Add tag fees, tips, etc and it adds up very quickly.
The idea that Kodiak is cheaper(I was told this by several when I started looking) than say BC or SE Alaska is just not true.
My main goal and thought was to try and get 2 species on one trip and save the expense of travel twice and a second outfitted hunt. After spending a large amount of time trying to figure this all out, I am fairly certain there is a better option out there. I just havent found it yet. I believe it will be 2 separate trips, and most likely 2 different places. Both species are ones I definitely want to pursue, and Im not giving up.
