EP 131: Live from Kodiak Island

Published on December 22, 2022
Duration: 42:28

This episode of Long Range Pursuit features a group of hunters on Kodiak Island, Alaska, discussing their experiences with deer hunting, bear encounters, and the unique challenges of the terrain. They share insights on hunting tactics, gear choices, and the importance of adaptability in unpredictable Alaskan conditions. The discussion highlights the thrill of the hunt, the respect for wildlife, and the camaraderie developed during the expedition.

Quick Summary

Hunting on Kodiak Island involves navigating challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and potential bear encounters. Hunters often use calibers like 6.5 PRC for deer and 10mm pistols for defense. Success relies on adaptability, effective glassing, and being prepared for quick shots in dense vegetation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Long Range Pursuit Podcast
  2. 00:19Live from Kodiak Island: Boat Setting
  3. 00:44Guest Introductions
  4. 01:25Trip Overview and Expectations
  5. 02:12First Bear Encounter Story
  6. 03:09Navigating Bear Country: Sound and Awareness
  7. 03:55Close Encounter with a Kodiak Bear
  8. 05:22Post-Bear Encounter Observations
  9. 06:08Day One Deer Hunting Success
  10. 07:11Jackie's Buck Hunt and Pack Out
  11. 08:13Shot Details and Terrain Challenges
  12. 09:06Trip Success Rate and Camaraderie
  13. 09:51Neil's Fishing Tactic
  14. 10:11Neil's Close-Range Buck Shot
  15. 11:05Unexpected Buck Encounter During Lunch
  16. 11:55Deer Elevation Observations
  17. 12:15Bear Sighting Frequency Comparison
  18. 12:32Austin's Night Hunting Style
  19. 12:58Terrain Navigation and Map Reading
  20. 13:13Challenges of Short Daylight Hours
  21. 13:36Time to Reach Shot Deer
  22. 13:51Bushwhacking Difficulty
  23. 13:55Trip Comparison: Austin's Experience
  24. 14:09Bow Hunting vs. Rifle Hunting on Kodiak
  25. 14:33Impact of Time of Year on Hunting
  26. 15:01Weather's Influence on Deer Movement
  27. 15:13Seven Deer Harvested in One Day
  28. 15:32Hunting in Good vs. Bad Weather
  29. 15:51Other Wildlife and Sea Life Sightings
  30. 16:16Orca and Sea Lion Encounters
  31. 16:31Fishing Success: Halibut and Cod
  32. 16:46Monster Lingcod Catch
  33. 16:54Rockfish and Other Marine Life
  34. 17:03Shoreline Wildlife Sightings
  35. 17:11Fox and Goat Sightings
  36. 17:32Elk on Raspberry Island
  37. 17:40Diverse Island Wildlife
  38. 17:54Island Exploration and Terrain Variety
  39. 18:17Changing Tactics with Terrain
  40. 18:24Biggest Takeaway: Use Your Glass
  41. 18:41Rut's Benefit for Hunting
  42. 18:51Treating Kodiak Deer Like Coues Deer
  43. 19:15Spotting Bedded Does
  44. 19:34Kodiak Deer Driving Tactic
  45. 19:46Deer Behavior: Not as Skittish
  46. 20:26Thick Vegetation Challenges
  47. 20:28Unique Hunting Perspective: Shooting Over Head
  48. 21:02Deer Drive Success
  49. 21:16Gear Discussion: What Worked, What Didn't
  50. 21:52Waders for Creek Crossings
  51. 22:33Best $15 Investment: Hip Waders
  52. 22:52Clothing: Synthetics vs. Wool
  53. 23:04Kodiak's Wet Environment
  54. 23:21Down Puffy Suit Usage
  55. 23:33Luck with Kodiak Weather
  56. 24:20Rifle and Cartridge Choices
  57. 24:23Bear Encounter Preparedness
  58. 24:47Rifle as First Line of Defense
  59. 25:19Six Creedmoor and Bear Encounters
  60. 25:27Pistol as Backup Defense
  61. 25:30Kodiak Hotel Bear Display
  62. 25:41Common Calibers: 6.5s and 7s
  63. 26:01Local Hunter Caliber Choices
  64. 26:15Impact of Bears on Hunting Strategy
  65. 26:35Mindful Bear Encounters
  66. 26:47Hunting in the Dark Tactic
  67. 26:55Carrying a Pistol: Personal Choice
  68. 27:13Close Encounters on Kodiak
  69. 27:27Bear Behavior: Young Bears
  70. 27:43Trusting Your Rifle
  71. 27:47Guiding Bear Hunters
  72. 27:55Grizzly Bear Encounter at 7 Yards
  73. 28:22Scary but Smart Animals: Bears
  74. 28:30Bear Encounters with Meat vs. No Meat
  75. 28:38Bumping into Bears vs. Smelling Blood
  76. 28:56Mental Preparation for Bear Encounters
  77. 29:03Dense Bear Population Awareness
  78. 29:32Bear Movement Patterns
  79. 29:39Coolness of Boat Lodging
  80. 30:00Advantages of Boat Lodging
  81. 30:08Shooting Setups: Tripods vs. Bipods
  82. 30:19Anticipating Tripod Shots
  83. 30:43Shot Distances and Setups
  84. 30:55Longest and Closest Shots
  85. 31:15Biggest and Smallest Buck Awards
  86. 31:26Bragging Rights and Shot Methods
  87. 31:33Bipod Dominance in Shots
  88. 31:36Prone Shooting Success
  89. 31:43Strategic Spot Selection for Shots
  90. 32:11Unconventional Shot Scenario
  91. 32:32Thick Garbage and Non-Conventional Shots
  92. 32:45Devil's Club Obstacles
  93. 32:57Laying on Back for Shot Setup
  94. 33:37Shot Difficulty and Terrain
  95. 34:01Lesson Learned: Deer Shots Happen Fast
  96. 34:15Tripod Setup Time vs. Shot Speed
  97. 34:22Average Shot Range: 300-450 Yards
  98. 34:38Hunting Tactics: Open vs. Thick Terrain
  99. 34:56Still Hunting and Waiting Tactics
  100. 35:01Packing Deer Out Discussion
  101. 35:10Gutless Method vs. Full Deer Carry
  102. 35:31Avery's Full Deer Pack Out
  103. 35:53Tradition of Full Deer Carry
  104. 36:18Carrying Whole Deer with Head Mount
  105. 36:30Attempting Full Deer Carry Again
  106. 36:43Keeping the Heart
  107. 36:45Smaller Deer Size Advantage
  108. 36:53Comparison to Mule Deer Pack Outs
  109. 37:01Time to Quarter a Deer
  110. 37:14New Experience: Taking Everything
  111. 37:17Home Hunting vs. Kodiak Pack Outs
  112. 37:34Deboning Deer
  113. 37:47Deboning for Long Pack Outs
  114. 38:05Deboned Deer Weight Estimate
  115. 38:07Hunting in Pairs for Pack Outs
  116. 38:19Group Pack Out Scenario
  117. 38:26Alaska State Blacktail Deer Weights
  118. 38:43Blacktail Deer Build
  119. 38:52Comparison to Shetland Ponies
  120. 39:09Antlers Compared to Coues Deer
  121. 39:13Trip Status: Second to Last Day
  122. 39:20First Alaska Experience
  123. 39:26Alaska Dictates Schedule
  124. 39:32Weather Impact on Departure
  125. 39:44Wind as Primary Departure Issue
  126. 40:00Getting to Kodiak City
  127. 40:04Larson Bay Puddle Jumper Flight
  128. 40:14Commercial Flights from Kodiak
  129. 40:20Trip Conclusion Uncertainty
  130. 40:28Kudos to the Group
  131. 40:33Enjoying Hunting with Skilled People
  132. 40:40Importance of Group Dynamics
  133. 40:44Appreciation for Local Knowledge
  134. 40:57Future Hunting Plans
  135. 41:01Humorous Travel Ideas
  136. 41:27Scopolamine Patches Mention
  137. 41:29Sufficient Venison and Fish for Travel
  138. 41:36Podcast Outro
  139. 41:51Call to Action: Rate and Review
  140. 42:04Contact Information for Feedback
  141. 42:09Gunworks.com and Promo Code LRP

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary challenges of hunting on Kodiak Island?

Hunting on Kodiak Island presents challenges like unpredictable weather, dense vegetation (alder and tall grass) that limits visibility, and the constant presence of large bears. Navigating the steep and rugged terrain also requires significant physical effort and careful planning.

What firearms are recommended for hunting and defense on Kodiak Island?

For deer hunting, calibers like 6.5 PRC and 7mm are commonly used. For bear defense, carrying a reliable handgun such as a 10mm pistol is advised, alongside a rifle. Preparedness and immediate firearm readiness are crucial due to potential close encounters.

How does weather impact hunting success on Kodiak Island?

Weather significantly influences Kodiak Island hunting. Windy, foggy, or rainy conditions can make spotting and moving difficult. Conversely, clear and calm days often lead to increased deer movement and multiple successful harvests, highlighting the need for adaptability.

What are effective tactics for deer hunting in Kodiak's dense terrain?

Effective tactics include extensive glassing to spot deer, still-hunting, and sometimes employing deer drives. Hunters should be patient, as deer can appear unexpectedly, and be prepared to make quick shots. Understanding the rut's impact is also key to locating active deer.

Related News

All News →

More Hunting & Outdoors Videos You Might Like

More from Gunwerks

View all →