Kodiak Island and the surrounding islands are one of the most popular and well known hunting destinations in Alaska. Widely known for its phenomenal Brown/Grizzly Bear and Sitka Blacktail hunting this unit also offers good opportunities at a slough of other species. Hunters have multiple options for accessing various portions of the islands and the choice of which to use will largely depend on the species and season to be hunted. While sections of old growth forest are found throughout the unit most of Kodiak tends to lend itself very well to glassing unlike most of southern Alaska. Hunters willing to put in the time to research their hunt can be in for the trip of a lifetime in one of the most iconic hunting locations in the state.

Great hunting conditions are still present within the unit and hunters who put in the work and research can set themselves up for a great trip.

Like most of coastal Alaska this area sees a common mixture of large, wide river bottoms and small island ranges of steep ridge lines, canyons, and basins that rise sharply off the valley floors. In some areas of the island large muskegs dot the landscape where small ponds are very abundant. Much of the island is composed of sprawling grass covered slopes where glassing opportunities are aplenty. River and creek bottom are commonly covered in dense vegetation and can be impenetrable at times. Afognak and Raspberry Islands located on the eastern end of the unit tends to see a greater occurrence of old growth forest which can be more difficult to hunt and navigate.

Hunters have a lot of options for transportation and access when it comes to hunting this unit. The most popular methods will generally include the use of float planes or boats but an extensive road system also leads out of the town of Kodiak and into various parts of the Island. Hunters have found good success using the road system but hunting pressure can also be high at times. Physically accessing hunting locations once in the area are generally pretty easy and while physical fitness will be important, it won’t be a deal breaker.

Afognak Island, Raspberry Island, and the northeastern portion of Kodiak see old growth timber in the form of Sitka Spruce. Devils club and alder grow in abundance along creeks and marshy areas and can make traversing the country very difficult at times. The southern two-thirds of the island are largely treeless with large expansive grass fields of wildflowers, natives grasses, and tundra. Creek bottoms in these areas are generally full of alder, willows, and dwarf birch. Moving through these areas is generally fairly easy and any vegetation obstacles can usually be circumvented without too much trouble.

Modern lodging options can be found in the town of Kodiak along with a large collection of various lodges and outfitters throughout the Island. A few USFS cabins can be rented on Afognak island and there are several small cabins available for rent on Kodiak. Primitive camping is an option here as well but a bear fence is highly recommended.