Southeast Alaska Sitka Blacktail Deer & Sea Duck Hunt

Luxury Yacht-Based Expedition

Join us in pursuit of one of Alaska’s most iconic trophies — the Sitka Blacktail deer — in a region our master guide has hunted for over 40 years. This is a truly unique, expedition-style hunt based aboard a luxurious 70-foot yacht, combining exceptional comfort with world-class hunting in Southeast Alaska.

The Hunt

These hunts are conducted using a variety of proven methods depending on the time of year, snowfall, and rut activity. Sitka Blacktail behavior is highly seasonal, and we have found the most productive window to be October 20 through December 15.

• Late October–Mid November: Peak rut activity with increased daylight movement

• Early December: Snowfall in the hills pushes deer down toward the coastline, often creating exceptional spot-and-stalk opportunities along beaches and timber edges

When snow conditions align, it is not uncommon to see dozens of deer in a single day. Because much of the hunting occurs near the coastline with flexible daily strategies, these hunts are well suited for hunters of any physical ability.

Combo Opportunity: Sea Duck Hunting

To maximize your time in Alaska, deer hunts are often paired with sea duck hunting, offering a rare chance to pursue multiple species in one trip. Hunters can expect opportunities at an impressive variety of birds seldom found together elsewhere, including:

• Harlequin

• Long-tailed Duck (Old Squaw)

• Surf, White-winged, and Common Scooter

• Goldeneye

• Bufflehead

• Merganser

Puddle ducks and geese may also be taken depending on conditions and regulations.

The Vessel – Sikumi

Your base of operations is the expedition-style yacht Sikumi — one of the finest hunting vessels operating in Southeast Alaska. Built with a rugged steel hull and finished with a warm, wood-trimmed interior, Sikumi blends the durability of a commercial trawler with the comfort of a luxury cruise ship.

• Four private staterooms, each with en suite bathrooms

• Spacious common areas for relaxing after the hunt

• Exceptional onboard dining prepared by a professional chef

Meals feature the best Alaska has to offer — fresh crab, shrimp, wild salmon, and halibut — often caught during the trip itself.

World-Class Guiding

The master Guide has spent over 20 years assembling and managing one of the largest and most productive hunting areas in Southeast Alaska. By acquiring eight additional outfitter operations, he has created an expansive, lightly pressured region known for outstanding populations of Sitka Blacktail deer, mountain goat, and brown and black bears.

Our team includes three Master Guides and six Registered Guides, bringing unmatched experience, professionalism, and dedication to every hunt.

Why Southeast Alaska — Not Kodiak

Sitka Blacktail deer are native to Southeast Alaska, not Kodiak. Kodiak deer were introduced and suffer significant winter kill due to the lack of timber. Kodiak is also heavily hunted and notorious for extreme weather, often costing hunters multiple days each season.

In Southeast Alaska:

• Deer populations are at peak density

• Hunting pressure is minimal — often no other hunters in the area

• Weather is far more manageable, allowing consistent hunting days

Go where the deer are — and where they’re from.