Tips for Your First AK Hunting Trip
Prepping for Kodiak, Alaska Hunting
From the swings in weather and the diverse wildlife to the challenging landscape and the sheer scale of the Alaskan wilderness, your first hunt in Alaska is equal parts thrilling and humbling. The prospect is exciting, but the details can be overwhelming. Read on for tips for your first time hunting in Alaska that will give you the confidence to have a safe, memorable, and successful trip.
Alaska Hunting Permits + Local Regulations
The first and most important step in a Kodiak hunting trip is knowing - and following - all local and state regulations. Do your research well before your trip so you have plenty of time to get your valid Alaska hunting license and any specific permits you’ll need for the game you plan to hunt.
Along with having the right permits, regulations include how to report what you’ve harvested and how to transport the meat out of more remote areas. Plan ahead to make the most of your trip and avoid any hiccups. If you aren’t an Alaska resident and will be hunting big game, you must have a guide (we are NOT guides) or a licensed Alaska resident who is a relative to hunt with.
Getting You There
Logistics & Transportation
While we do not plan out hunting trips or suggest locations, Kodiak Water Taxi & Transport can deliver you safely to your predetermined hunting location via landing craft, floatplane, or larger boat as needed. You tell us where you want to go, and we’ll let you know if we can deliver you to and retrieve you from those access points.
We have a lineup of time-tested landing craft to get you to the most remote Kodiak hunting locations. With long-range radar and an experienced local crew, we can navigate through Kodiak Island fog and across challenging Alaskan waters. We can also accommodate for big game transport or large hunting groups with our larger boats.
What to Bring
Gear Checklist
Your list of must-haves for an Alaskan hunting trip will differ depending on the length of your trip and the game you plan to hunt, but a good general hunting trip checklist includes:
Firearm, bow, spare sights, bolts, and/or ammunition
Rain gear, including waterproof boots
Layers! Base layers, an insulating mid layer, waterproof outer layers, and extra gloves/socks
Navigation tools, including maps, a compass, GPS, and backup batteries or power
Headlamp, flashlight, and spare batteries
Binoculars
Knife/multitool and first aid kit
Bear deterrents
All-season tent, properly-rated sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent
Camp food, snacks, and cooking tools (stove, fuel, utensils, lighter, etc.)
Airtight containers to store food and any highly-scented items (bear safety)
Game essentials - game bags, knives, ropes, waterproof containers, tarp
Emergency communication - satellite phone or PLB (personal locator beacon), whistle, flares, etc.
Navigating Off-Boat
Once you disembark, you are responsible for navigating, which can be a challenge in the Alaskan wilderness. Practice orienteering and map reading before your trip, and don’t forget your navigation tools. Heading out into Kodiak for a hunt is not something to do on a whim. While we are highly experienced in the weather and landscape of Kodiak, Alaska, you should familiarize yourself with reading the weather, recognizing changes and dangerous conditions, and using your navigational tools.
Wildlife Safety
Kodiak is known for its massive Kodiak brown bears, along with deer, elk, mountain goats, and more. Each species behaves differently and comes with its own set of safety protocols. Read up ahead of time to know how to handle encounters and what types of tags you’ll need for each.
Field Care
Cooling meat quickly, properly (and promptly) quartering game, and keeping meat from contamination on the trip back are all essential to ensuring you stay safe and bring back the best and most game from your hunt. Know how to dress each type of game quickly and well, using airtight containers and game bags for the trip back.
In Case of Emergency
We recommend having a handheld Marine VHF radio and a satellite communicator, such as an inReach, Zoleo, or Starlink Mini. This ensures you can reach out to Kodiak Water Taxi and Transport if needed AND get in touch with emergency services via the Coast Guard or State Troopers. You never want to be stuck or in distress and have no way to reach out.
Prioritize During Prep
What matters most to you on your trip? What is your desired result? What are your hunting trip strengths, and what do you need to better prepare for ahead of time? If it’s your first hunt, increase your chances of success with some serious preparation.
Do practice runs with your gear, ensuring you know how to use everything you’ll bring. Test that all batteries are charged, your stove works, and your waterproof gear is actually waterproof. The Kodiak backcountry is not the place to test your trip essentials!
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I know the local regulations and laws?
Do I have all the licenses and documents I will (and might) need?
What will the weather be like?
What type of wildlife might I encounter?
Do I have all the gear I need?
Can I handle the backcountry once off my transport vessel?
Do I know what to do in case of an emergency?
How will I dress and transport meat?
We know Kodiak like the back of our hand, and we’ve transported countless hunting trips. While you should always do your own research, our number one goal is safety. If we are unable to safely get you to your requested access point, we will let you know ahead of time. If weather is going to be a concern, we will notify you as soon as we know.
Our ultimate goal is to get you safely to your hunting destination, allow for a successful and memorable hunting experience, and bring you back home safely - all while respecting the wildlife and incredible nature of Kodiak, Alaska.
