Alaska hunting: Sitka area

Listen to a RealAudio ™ interview (5:44) with an Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist for additional information about hunting in the Sitka area.

Species

Sitka black-tailed deer are abundant in the Sitka area, nearly as many as on Kodiak Island. There are few, if any trophy opportunities. Brown bear populations are among the most dense in the state, with approximately one bear per square mile, on average, on Admiralty Island. These bears also are rarely going to be found in the record books because of their smaller head size, but the hunting is unusual, exciting and memorable. The mountain goat population, transplanted early in the 20th century to Baranof Island, has fair numbers and is still slowly expanding. Access to the best populations is difficult .

Area Sponsor

If you are located in Sitka, and you are an area provider of services or goods for hunters, we invite you to advertise in this space.  We want to provide both additional information about fishing in the valley and an opportunity for you to make people aware of what you do.  We can take up to 125 words.  We will work with you on the exact wording so that it provides information for those who read and helps you at the same time.  The text can include your website address and other contact information.  We would also like to display one of your best photos in this space -- we want to illustrate Sitka hunting and at the same time show what you are doing. If you would like to sponsor this page, please contact contact Pam at 1.907.895-4919;  9 - 5 Alaska time.   The cost is only $96 for one year.

Hunting Seasons

Please check the current Alaska hunting regulations booklet for exact season timing. Bear season is open in the spring and fall. Most bears are taken in the spring. Deer seasons open in August and run through the end of the year. Most of the deer hunting is in September into early November. Goat season opens in August and closes in December. Most harvest is in the first two months.

Geography

The Sitka area is comprised of many small islands and three large islands, Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof. Sitka sits on Baranof Island. The shoreline is typically rocky and rugged, with some bays and other natural anchorages. The west coast of Baranof and Chichagof islands are open to the Pacific. Admiralty Island is in more protected waters. These islands are hilly or mountainous with dense forest cover.

Transportation

There are few roads on the islands, except in logging areas. Sitka is served by regular jet service, and other small communities have scheduled commuter aircraft service. The Alaska Marine Highway serves the larger communities with regular ferry service from other Southeast Alaska ports. Transportation to remote areas is by float plane or boat.

Weather

Spring season weather is generally warm and relatively (for this area) dry, but rain and wind is not unusual. In the fall, August is typically pleasant, with some wind and rain. Weather worsens as the year progresses. Hunters should always be prepared for inclement weather, and be willing to wait out storms.

Destination Information Resources

The Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau has an informative website. Consult the Alaska Marine Highway if you plan to ship your vehicle, and most importantly, check out the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website for more detailed information on hunting in Sitka.

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Hunting Area Descriptions for Southeast Alaska

Ketchikan (southern Southeast)
Petersburg (central Southeast)
Sitka (west central Southeast)
Juneau (northern Southeast)

Hunting Area Descriptions for other regions of the state

Southcentral
Interior
Western & Arctic

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