How to Hunt Deer in Alaska
Alaska is home to numerous big-game animal species, including brown bear, moose, mountain goat and Sitka black-tail deer, the only kind of deer in the state. A Sitka black-tail deer can weigh up to 200 pounds. Most of them are found on two islands--Prince of Wales and Kodiak. Because of Alaska's extreme weather and terrain, deer hunting can be difficult. Having a plan before the season can help you get a trophy deer safely.
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Instructions
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Scout possible hunting land. Contact the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for land-status records. These agencies can provide public access routes, campsites and trails to public hunting land. Possible public hunting lands include state land, state park land, state refuge land and forests. Review the regulations for each public land. If you are hunting on private property, know the name of the landowner and obtain permission before hunting.
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Buy a hunting license and deer permit. There are several kinds of hunting licenses, including hunting and fishing combination licenses. The nonresident hunting and fishing license is $230, the hunting and seven-day fishing license is $140 and the hunting license is $85. A nonresident deer permit costs $150; it costs $200 for a nonresident alien.
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Book travel arrangements. Reaching your Alaskan hunting destination may take several days on several airplanes or boats. For example, if you plan to hunt on Prince of Wales Island, you may fly into Ketchikan and then ride the ferry to the island or take a flight to Craig. Review hotels in Ketchikan or other destination for lodging before and after the hunt.
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Review the Alaska deer hunting regulations and abide by them. Consult the weapon requirements. For example, if you are using a muzzle-loader, it must be a shoulder-mounted long gun of .45 caliber or larger. If you're hunting with a bow, the bow must be at least 40 pounds peak draw weight.
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Locate concentrations of deer based on the weather and time of year. As the hunting season continues, Sitka black-tailed deer may disperse. Concentrate early season hunting in the alpine and sub-alpine areas. During the November rut, use a call that resembles the bleat of a doe or fawn. As heavy snow starts to fall in late November and December, focus on lower elevations where deer go to escape the weather.
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Tips & Warnings
Scout as much as possible before the season and field test your equipment.
Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for any questions or concerns.
Check updated regulations every year.
Always obtain permission before hunting on private land.
Be aware of zone and property boundaries.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mule Deer 2 image by Robert Ulph from Fotolia.com
