Alaska Sitka Blacktail Deer and/or Black Bear Hunting & Fishing
Guide Status: Unguided
Region: South Central Alaska
Lodging: Hunting Yacht
Cost: $1500 - $3600
Alaska Black Bear Hunting
Alaska Blacktail Deer Hunting
Black Bear and Blacktail Deer Hunting Combos
Hunt and Fish Combos
50' Hunting YachtThe licensed Big Game Transporter we use offers boat based unguided hunting for black bear and black tail deer. Hunts are mostly on U.S. Forest Service land in Prince William Sound.
Brown bear and mountain goat hunts are available for Alaska residents and non-residents escorted by an Alaska relative within second kindred.
Drop off and pick up services are available for deer hunters aboard a 40’ 18 passenger vessel, the largest transport vessel in Whittier offering deer hunt drop off services.
Yacht GalleyBoat based hunts are aboard a 50’ yacht that includes transportation from Whittier to the field, transportation to and from shore, lodging and meals aboard the yacht. The 50' yacht is one of the most comfortable seaworthy charter vessels available. She provides 3 private cabins, 2 heads with showers, a large salon and galley and a large covered back deck. Deer hunters especially appreciate the clothes dryer. We take up to 6 hunters per trip. Parties larger than 6 can be accommodated using 2 vessels.
Our prices are based on exclusive hunts –if you are a party of 4, for example, you would pay the price for a party of 4 and have the boat exclusively. We would not put 2 more hunters on the boat. Parties less than 4 can pay our minimum rate, the price for a party of 4, or we can combine you with another small party to share the boat.
Awesome Scenery
Experience and Knowledge! The Captain and owner of the 50' yacht, has more than 20 years experience hunting, fishing and sightseeing in Prince William Sound. He spends approximately 100 days per year on Prince William Sound between April and December.
Yacht Salon
What our guests have to say
“All things aboard the hunting vessel are a class act”, Hermosa, South Dakota
“My second trip – already thinking about a third. 225 pound halibut, 6’2” bear, great meals, first class captain and mate, breaching humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, glaciers and more”, Bowling Green, Florida;
“4 hunters, 3 bears, all over 18”. Good food and good company, Heck of a vacation”, Grand Rapids, MI
Spring and Fall Black Bear Hunts
Combo Bear and Deer
Prince William Sound Black Bear
Excellent hunting at a fraction of the cost of guided hunting. Prince William Sound is one of the premiere black bear hunting areas in the world. The accommodations, wildlife, scenery, and fishing opportunities make this a great trip to bring the spouse along, even if they don’t care to hunt.
Hunting is accomplished by spotting from the hunting vessel, accessing small bays with inflatable boats or hunting from land. Spotting 20-30 bears on a 6 day hunt is normal. Hunting pressure in Prince William Sound, like most areas, is increasing. Bears are becoming more wary and successful stalks are an exciting challenge.
One advantage of increased hunting pressure is that we are seeing more large bruins as they get wise to hunters. Patience and persistence can produce tremendous trophy black bear. Bears over 7 feet are occasionally taken in Prince William Sound. Harvest rates on our Alaska black bear hunts remain over 50% with over 95% of our hunters having opportunity to harvest a black bear. Many of our clients are repeat hunters and are being more selective which brings our harvest rates down, although repeat business is also a measure of success.
Halibut FishingOn spring hunts bears are found from the beaches to 1500’ depending on weather conditions and terrain. Spring hunts can offer great hunting weather with cool mornings and comfortable afternoon temperatures(45-60 degrees). Snow will likely be found under the forest canopy and at higher elevations. Fishing for halibut and rockfish has been very good on our spring hunts, salmon fishing opportunities are limited.
On fall hunts bears are found feeding in salmon streams and in alpine blueberry patches, mostly at elevations less than 1000’. Weather tends to be wetter with temperatures in the 50 - 60 degree range. Fishing opportunities for silver salmon can be excellent until mid September. Halibut and rockfish are available through October, weather permitting. Bear/Deer combo hunts are a great option September and October.
We are often asked whether spring or fall hunts offer better success, better hide quality, better weather etc. The last 3 years our success rates have been higher in the fall, however, spring hunters were more selective and averaged larger bears. Coastal bear hides offer excellent quality spring or fall. Spring hunts offer more sunny days which we humans like, but bears tend to avoid the heat of the day on sunny days. Two noticeable differences between spring and fall hunts are fishing opportunities and hunting pressure. Spring can be better for halibut, fall is definitely better for salmon. Spring bear hunts are more popular as there are few other hunting options available in the spring.
One area of concern by hunters new to bear hunting has been the skinning of bears. A bit of homework is all that is needed to properly skin a bear. There are many sites on the internet that describe how to properly skin bears. Pocket sized field guides are a good option. If you have prior experience skinning other animals, a bit of education, patience and a sharp knife is all you’ll need to produce a quality hide.
Black Bear Hunts By Week With Additional Options
May
Week 1 - Black bear, halibut and rockfish.
- We are not currently booking Week 1 for black bear. Don’t tell Al Gore, but it appears the bears aren’t coming out as early as they were. Hasn’t been warm enough to get them moving.
Week 2 - Black bear, halibut and rockfish.
Week 3 - Black bear, halibut and rockfish.
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- Note – In addition to our full service unguided hunts, we are also offering discounted hunts aboard our 40’ vessel Week 3 and 4 in May and Week 1 in June. See note below 2009 Rates.
Week 4 - Black bear, halibut and rockfish.
June
Week 1 - Black bear, halibut and rock fish. Chum salmon possible.
Week 2 - Black bear, halibut and rockfish. Good chance for salmon.
Bear season closes June 10th.
September
Week 1 - Black bear, deer, silver salmon, halibut, ling cod and rockfish.
(Deer season opens August 1st, bucks only until October 1st)
Week 2 - Black bear, deer, silver salmon, halibut, ling cod and rockfish.
Week 3 - Black bear, deer, halibut, ling cod, rock fish. Silver salmon possible.
Week 4 - Black bear, deer, halibut and rock fish.
October
Week 1 - Black bear, deer, halibut and rockfish.
Week 2 - Black bear, deer, halibut and rockfish.
Week 3 - Black bear, deer, halibut and rockfish.
Week 4 - Black bear, deer, halibut and rockfish.
2009 Black Bear, Bear/Deer and Fish/Hunt Rates
| Party of | 6 Days/ 5 Nights | 8 Days/ 7 Nights |
| 6 | $2300 pp | $3000 pp |
| 5 | $2500 pp | $3300 pp |
| 4 | $2750 pp | $3600 pp |
Black Bear on Yacht Hunt
Spring 6 day hunts begin Sundays, board10 a.m., disembark Friday 2 p.m. Friday afternoon return allows hunters to bring bear hides to Fish and Game for sealing before they close on Friday. 8 day hunts begin Saturday, boarding time 10 a.m., end Saturday approximately 2 p.m. Hunters will need to make arrangements to have hides sealed by a taxidermist on Saturday or wait until Monday to seal them at Fish and Game.
Note – 5 day spring bear hunts available on a 40’ vessel, Week 3 and 4 in May and Week 1 in June. Boarding time is 8 am Monday, disembark 2-5 p.m. Friday. Hunters will provide own groceries – vessel has a diesel stove, a 2 burner camp stove and a barbecue for cooking. No showers available. Price is $8000. for 5 days, for up to 6 hunters. Parties of 4 recommended.
Deposit/Reservation Policy
Single party bookings require a deposit of $3000. Deposits are 95% refundable up to 30 days from receipt of deposit. Deposits become non-refundable 31 days from receipt of deposit. Balance is due 60 days before departure and is non-refundable. Split party bookings (two or more parties) require full payment to confirm reservations and payments are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation we will attempt to book a replacement party and if successful, refund a portion of your payment.
Fall Blacktail Deer Hunts
Sitka Blacktail BuckSitka Blacktail deer were transplanted to Prince William Sound in the 1920’s and today inhabit most of Prince William Sound. Body size of deer today can exceed that of their ancestors by 50 – 75 pounds. Some field dressed bucks weigh 175 – 200 pounds. Bucks commonly have heavy forks with eye guards - 3 X 3’s and larger are occasionally harvested. Prince William Sound venison is some of the best available. Warm dry nights, hot showers and dry clothes set our hunts apart from drop off tent camping, especially when the weather is less than perfect. With shorter days during deer season, evening hours are spent in comfort, watching videos, playing cards and telling stories – not trying to stay warm.
Although deer are occasionally found on the beach, climbing to elevations of 500’ to 1000’ is normal. Calling, raking, walking and lots of looking/glassing are common methods of hunting. Hunters are transported to the beach each morning and picked up upon request. Drop off and pick ups allow hunters to start in one location and be picked up elsewhere, saving time and energy.
One of our Texan hunters refers to hunting with us as “hunting wild deer”. It is a game of wits and even if you limit out, it is likely deer outwitted you more than you outwitted them. The Captain & owner of the 50' hunting yacht, is an avid hunter and considers hunting Prince William Sound the most enjoyable hunting in Alaska.
Bag limit for Alaska residents is 5 deer, non-residents 4 deer. Either sex hunting begins October 1st. 90% of our hunters harvest one or more deer, about 10% of our hunters limit out. In 2004, 4 hunters harvested their first deer ever.
Drop Offs - Drop off and pick up services for deer hunters available September through early December. Please call or e-mail for rates.
Black Bear Hunts By Week With Additional Options
August
Week 1 - Bucks, halibut, sockeye/pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish, sharks
Week 2 - Bucks, halibut, sockeye/pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish, sharks
Week 3 - Bucks, halibut, sockeye/pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish
Week 4 - Bucks, halibut, pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish
September
Week 1 - Bucks, black bear, halibut, pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish
Week 2 - Bucks, black bear, halibut, pink/silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish
Week 3 - Bucks, black bear, halibut, silver salmon, ling cod, rockfish, or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
Week 4 - Bucks, black bear, halibut, ling cod, rockfish, or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
October
Week 1 - Bucks/does, black bear, halibut and rockfish
or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
Week 2 - Bucks/does, black bear, halibut and rockfish
or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
Week 3 - Bucks/does, black bear, halibut and rockfish
or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
Week 4 - Bucks/does, black bear, halibut and rockfish
or hunt deer only at a discounted rate
November 1- December 8
(Deer hunting only)
2009 Combo Deer, Bear and/or Hunt/Fish Rates
| Party of | 6 Days/ 5 Nights | 8 Days/ 7 Nights |
| 6 | $2300 pp | $3000 pp |
| 5 | $2500 pp | $3300 pp |
| 4 | $2750 pp | $3600 pp |
2009 Blacktail Deer Hunt Only Rates
(September 16-December 8)
| Party of | 5 Days/ 4 Nights | 6 Days/ 5 Nights | 7 Days/ 6 Nights |
| 6 | $1500 pp | $1750 pp | $2000 pp |
| 5 | $1650 pp | $1950 pp | $2250 pp |
| 4 | $1900 pp | $2200 pp | $2500 pp |
Boarding time is 8 a.m. If possible, we will return to port at 5 p.m. the last day. Weather and daylight may provide better operating conditions the next morning. The Captain may opt to delay return to Whittier until the next morning. There is no extra charge for a delayed return in most cases.
Deposit/Reservation Policy
Single party bookings require a deposit of $3000. Deposits are 95% refundable up to 30 days from receipt of deposit. Deposits become non-refundable 31 days from receipt of deposit. Balance is due 60 days before departure and is non-refundable. Split party bookings (two or more parties) require full payment to confirm reservations and payments are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation we will attempt to book a replacement party and if successful, refund a portion of your payment.
Non-resident hunting licenses $85, black bear tags $225, deer tags $150 each. We recommend purchasing hunting/fishing licenses and tags online – www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license
Alcohol in moderation is permitted but not provided.
The Captain & owner of the 50' hunting yacht operates with permits from Alaska State Parks and USDA Forest Service.
Frequently asked questions
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How far away is the yacht from Anchorage?
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Past clients have found Rent a Wreck’s vans a good option.
Clothing should include rain gear and waterproof hiking boots with gripping soles. Weather is coastal temperate. Temperatures normally range – May 40-60, August 50-70, Sept. 45-65, Oct. 35-50, Nov. 20-45.
Liquor is best purchased in Anchorage.
Bedding, towels, wash cloths, soap and shampoo are provided on your 50' hunting yacht.
Indian Valley Meats is the closest game processing service - www.indianvalleymeats.com
(Prices subject to change with out notice)
We are taking reservations at this time for the 2009 season!
Awesome Scenery
Thank you for reading over the information on the hunting trips listed above. We offer outstanding fishing and sightseeing packages aboard the 50' yacht as well.
Dave Mason-AITW President
Enjoy the "Great Outdoors" with family and friends!
Dave Mason
(Adventure-8A9) Revised 01-08-09