Kodiak Sitka Blacktail
Contributors to this thread:Mule Deer
From: Earltex
23-Nov-24
Just curious. Do nonresidents think it’s still worth going to Kodiak for one deer?
From: Charlie Rehor
23-Nov-24
I would say yes. Most places I hunt it’s for one of a specie.
From: PushCoArcher
23-Nov-24
Yes! Moving forward with my plans for 2025. Lots of fishing to fill the time if tagged out early and I enjoy the fish as much as venison.
From: JTreeman
23-Nov-24
I agree with Charlie. I think it’s a little strange that it’s become such a big deal for guys. Most hunts I go on it’s 1 tag, kill and done. And quite honestly from the reports I’m getting most guys are not filling the first tag, so why worry about the second (or third) when you will be fortunate to get one. The way I see it for NR is its kinda a specialty animal, not a “fill the freezer” type hunt, hold your tag for a specimen that will make you happy.
But I also get that change is difficult and it often seems better the way it used to be…
—Jim
From: longsprings
23-Nov-24
Its for the adventure, very special interesting place. Everywhere else I go its one tag one animal So why not go
From: standswittaknife
23-Nov-24
I won’t be going due to this change. If the change was purely biological, yes but it wasn’t
From: Corax_latrans
23-Nov-24
Blows my mind that people have an Issue with only one tag.
Different worlds we live in.
From: pav
23-Nov-24
Those that have never bowhunted Sitka blacktails on Kodiak have no business posting negative judgements towards those that have been there, done that IMO. Not a cheap itinerary by any means...especially if using an outfitter, transporter or lodge. Big difference between having three NR tags in your pocket versus a one tag limit. Personally, I'd love to go back once deer numbers have recovered on the island. That said, I'd be much more supportive of dropping NR tags from 3 to2 rather than the current huge loss of tags from 3 to 1. Not my call though...
From: g5smoke21
23-Nov-24
I would defiantly still go with the 1 tag. Find some place that you can shoot ducks and smdo some fishing after. I went in 2018 and numbers then were great.
From: BlacktailBob
23-Nov-24
I wonder if the State will increase it back up to 3 when the deer population rises? When I started hunting them in the early 80's, I think I remember being able to shoot 7. Maybe wrong on that, maybe the most was 5. Seems as though it never gets adjusted back up after its been reduced.
From: Earltex
23-Nov-24
Hey boomer, cant help you on what the limit was in the early 80’s. I was still in grade school.
From: HUNT MAN
23-Nov-24
2 tags would be perfect
From: POWMAK
23-Nov-24
Prince of Wales island still allows 2 tags for NR.
From: BlacktailBob
24-Nov-24
Mark, was that buck this year ?
From: Earltex
24-Nov-24
Great buck Mark.
I also agree two tags would be perfect. For the most part, the logistics and cost required for a trip to Kodiak is significant compared to other deer specie. Unguided of course.
From: Brotsky
25-Nov-24
I'd go back tomorrow with one tag in my pocket. I could always get a caribou tag, hunt ducks, or fish if I tag out.
From: Chief 419
25-Nov-24
Kodiak is still worth going for one tag. It’s one of the most unique hunts in North America. That said, the deer population is still low.
From: mountainman
25-Nov-24
I was there with Chief and agree.
Would I go back with one tag, absolutely. Would I go back before the population recovers? No way.
From: longsprings
30-Nov-24
Well logisticly. Who needs to pay to fly more than one buck back to the lower 48. Its not cheap for extra baggage , if your leaving meat there " Why must you kill it " In my state you can kill one buck and done. Fish or duck hunt , shoot some ptarmigan . Live the dream its a blessing just to go
From: fuzzy
30-Nov-24
I did. Of course I don't go deer hunting anywhere for the deer.
From: TEmbry
30-Nov-24
What’s wild to me is considering the cost of an extra luggage fee when on a hunt that’s already costing $5-6k in the first place ??
From: BlacktailBob
30-Nov-24
Not sure what the "why must you kill it" statement is supposed to mean? I guess I’m slow, what are you trying to imply by that?
From: Ron Niziolek
30-Nov-24
Longsprings, each time I’ve bowhunted Kodiak, I’ve enjoyed eating my deer at camp. Whatever I couldn’t I donated once I got back to town. I have plenty of wild game meat from the lower 48, and no need to pay to get more of it home. The mission in town has always appreciated the donation.
From: Cazador
30-Nov-24
Still worth it? Sure, but it’s like an aging women., she’s lost her appeal , but you just keep going back because of what it used to be. Those who haven’t been are chasing the Farrah Fawcett photo on the wall.
Since they took such drastic action, why not keep going with the insanity and make it bow only say Larson bay south.
