USA: First time Sitka blacktail hunt...

[Tundra Tiger]

I just returned from my first Sitka blacktail hunt. I have lived in Alaska most of my adult life, and had wanted to hunt deer up here for many years. Now I can say I have.

I was invited to tag along with a hunting buddy of mine here in Dillingham. He's originally from Sitka and hooked up with a friend of his and I got to tag along.

The weather was super crappy for most of the trip, which was cut short because of weather (we hunted 4 days). In the end our group of 7 brought home 7 deer, including my buck.

I had a LOT of fun. It was completely new: new species, new terrain. I learned an awful lot and can't wait to go again.

My chosen weapon for this hunt was a Savage 99E, chambered in .308 Winchester. Ammunition was handloads with 160 grain Hornady FTX bullets.

 

[375Fox]

I was really looking forward to seeing this report. I’ve hunted them twice on prince of wales island further south. Once in August and once in November in rut. I really enjoyed hunting them and SE Alaska is beautiful. They are also a very pretty deer for a mount in November. Hope I will see another report and photos next year.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I had a grand time: it's always fun when you're hunting with good friends.

Again, I learned a lot. There are small things I'd have done different, and will next time. But overall I am very happy with how it went. The deer are certainly abundant. Every single muskeg seemed to have a lot of fresh sign. I think the weather slowed us down some, and it shortened the trip. A few more days and we'd have filled a bunch more tags. And you are right @375Fox - it is gorgeous down there. That type of habitat was a totally new experience for me.

 

[Ryan]

Congrats. Sounds like a great time. I have a friend down on Prince of Wales island I was going to hunt this year and got postponed. Good to hear someone did well down that way.

 

[Ragman]

Congrats on your hunt. New experience, species and location. Gotta love that. And me being a big lever and .308 fan too you did it with an awesome rifle and the perfect cartridge! How did the old Savage (I mean the rifle, lol) like the rain?

 

[Jfet]

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Congratulations! Did you see any other critters? Bears?

 

[PARA45]

You lucky dog, and I mean that in a good way. You my friend live in a beautiful place. I believe Alaska is our Africa. LOL!!! Congrats on a beautiful Sitka buck. Well done.

 

[shotgungibbs]

Very pretty buck! Looks like a great time with friends!

 

[mdwest]

Love it!

Had a great time on Kodiak in 2019 hunting blacktail.. I'd love to get back to Alaska at some point and hunt them again..

 

[Hunt anything]

Great buck, I’ve always thought the Sitka black tail is our prettiest deer. They are on my North American bucket list. I’ve shot and eaten Columbia black tail and if I remember correctly they were fabulous on the table! How do the sitka compare?

 

[everett]

Congratulations!!

 

[Tundra Tiger]

@Ragman ... It was a nightly fight to stave off the rust. I am glad I didn't take my other 99; it's a lot older and in much better condition.

@375 Ruger Fan ... A single sow and cubs. And we saw tracks in the snow in a couple muskegs.

@Hunt anything ... I haven't had a chance to try yet. It was frozen and handed of to AK Air cargo. It could be here today. I have heard it is very good. I'll know soon.

 

[Milo]

Congrats!
Weather was super crappy in SE Alaska? I'm shocked. The meat will be awesome.

I was hoping to go down to POW this year, but stuck at home with "Limpy."

 

[Tundra Tiger]

@Milo ... Yeah, well, it's one thing to read about it being crappy weather most of the time... and another thing to hunt it.

First meal was WONDERFUL.