Long post with context.

I'm not a big poster on TexAgs, I typically stay on the Houston Watch thread, but I feel like this is the best place to come for what I'm looking for.

I've been given the opportunity to go on a 6-day boat hunt for Sitka blacktail in Kodiak. It's going to be in the first week of December, and I am not a very experienced hunter in Texas, let alone in Alaska. I've hunted whitetail here and there in Texas in a stand or the occasional hog hunt, but I've never done anything like this.

My main questions are: I don't really know what to expect in terms of weather, and what kind of clothing I should look into. Is there a specific camo I need or stick to earth tones? Are there specific boots I will need for getting in and out of the boat/slip resistance for when we fish? I've read online that it could be anywhere from -20 all the way up to 60 in December. I'm reaching out just to see if anyone has any experience in doing something like this so that I can gather the appropriate gear. Yes, I'm obviously in touch with the outfitters putting this hunt on, but I was asking on here to get as many perspectives as I can.

For context, I am Centerpole90's nephew, and he convinced me to hop on the outdoor board for this. The reason I was able to be offered such an amazing opportunity like this is that there's a nonprofit out there that supports the Gold Star Special Operations community/family members and loves to give back in the form of hunts. If you're not familiar with what a Gold Star is, my dad was '94 and KIA in Iraq in 2006. Gold Star family members are the surviving family of a deceased service member.

Very much looking to see if anyone can help provide me with insight into what I can expect. Thanks.

I only have one "cold weather" hunt under my belt and socks were the most important thing for me. Congrats on the hunt the scenery alone will be worth the trip. I am sure others will be by shortly with better advice than I have.

I have no real advice but, I would bet a lot of money it's going to be cold and wet.

I'm sorry that you lost your dad, and can't ever tell you how much I and we, the OB, appreciate his and his fellow servicemen's service and sacrifice for our country.

Good luck!!!

I don't know but that sounds awesome! Please report back!!

ETA, sorry about your dad as well. I didn't read that far down before posting!

There are many on this board with winter hunt experience that can share, just give them a bit of time to respond. Farthest north I've hunted is Canada…but I went in the early summer!

If you have access to AI I'd recommend you give it specific tasks like - generate me a complete packing list for a 6 day hunt in Alaska, and include lowest price purchase links to all recommended clothing and gear. And also searches like 'most common packing mistakes for first time Alaska hunters'.

I'd also say - if you're in Houston you may be able to borrow some gear from other Houston based hunters that have some kit they rarely use or bought for a winter hunt and haven't used since.

Finally - it must have been hard losing your father at an earlier age. I do a lot of work with a NSW charity that supports gold star Seal families - the charities the US has to support gold star families makes me proud to be American, and I'm glad you are receiving some benefits from them.

Good luck with the hunt - and please remember to post pics and stories of the adventure on this board - we love it!!!

Varmint23 said:

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Long post with context.

I'm not a big poster on TexAgs, I typically stay on the Houston Watch thread, but I feel like this is the best place to come for what I'm looking for.

I've been given the opportunity to go on a 6-day boat hunt for Sitka blacktail in Kodiak. It's going to be in the first week of December, and I am not a very experienced hunter in Texas, let alone in Alaska. I've hunted whitetail here and there in Texas in a stand or the occasional hog hunt, but I've never done anything like this.

My main questions are: I don't really know what to expect in terms of weather, and what kind of clothing I should look into. Is there a specific camo I need or stick to earth tones? Are there specific boots I will need for getting in and out of the boat/slip resistance for when we fish? I've read online that it could be anywhere from -20 all the way up to 60 in December. I'm reaching out just to see if anyone has any experience in doing something like this so that I can gather the appropriate gear. Yes, I'm obviously in touch with the outfitters putting this hunt on, but I was asking on here to get as many perspectives as I can.

For context, I am Centerpole90's nephew, and he convinced me to hop on the outdoor board for this. The reason I was able to be offered such an amazing opportunity like this is that there's a nonprofit out there that supports the Gold Star Special Operations community/family members and loves to give back in the form of hunts. If you're not familiar with what a Gold Star is, my dad was '94 and KIA in Iraq in 2006. Gold Star family members are the surviving family of a deceased service member.

Very much looking to see if anyone can help provide me with insight into what I can expect. Thanks.

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Alright, let me try and tackle some of your questions.

I hunted in September when the deer were all the way up on the peaks, for the most part. I believe late October and into November is when they rut and they tend to congregate on the beaches eating kelp - or so I have been told. I am not sure what they're doing in December.

Regarding boots, I would highly recommend a good pair of Kenetreks, Crispis, or something along those lines. Get them soon and break them in. Wear them rucking and walking for 10-20 or miles or more. I would also prepare to train for this hunt in case you do have to get up in the mountains. Going from sea level to 3500' is no easy task. I doubt you'll do that in December but you never know.

On the camp to wear, think light and warm. I would strongly recommend Kuiu, Sitka, First lite, or anything that has a great weight to insulation ratio. Get a good weatherproof jacket and keep it in your pack at all times. Get a warm down vest or two and don't forget about a good beanie. I would probably get a pair of snow pants in case you're trekking through the snow. Same with a pair of gaiters to keep your legs dry.

Regarding the color or the tone, Sitka Open County, Kuiu Verde, or something like that is fine. I think brown pants and whatever camp on top is fine - it's mostly about how you look in pictures and not what the deer can or can't see. I just like matching my camo for the pics.

I think the bears will be hibernated by then, which is a good thing. Those things are giant and something to be worried about when hunting there.

I would be happy to share more info just shoot me a PM and I'll give you my cell if you want to text or talk. I'll add in a few pics below for reference. Good luck!

Ttha has good info.

I'll add to it. I've been twice although in September and October. Get really good rain gear (stone glacier, kuiu, etc.), boots and gaiters. Since you'll be going back to a boat each night you'll have a chance to somewhat dry gear out which will be huge. Take and wear layers think lightweight and warm. Merino wool is great for this. Never leave the boat without rain gear, I don't care if it's bluebird sky and no cloud in sight. You can get stuck in a snow/rain storm quickly and make it back to the boat without your rain gear on, get wet and stuck and you're in for a miserable and possibly dangerous experience. When I was there in both September and October I experienced the weather swings of a beautiful start to a day and sleeping that night in 6" of snow/rain.

Be prepared for a hike. You may be down low or you may find yourself, as TTHA said, hiking from 0' to 2700' real quick. If you have a small day pack with an internal frame it really helps carry gear and distribute weight. I like to take a really lightweight dry bag and keep extra layers dry within my pack. Nothing worse than putting on wet/damp layers when you need them.


You will have a blast. The scenery is awesome and I still think a Kodiak blacktail is the best venison I've ever eaten.

I didn't know the headless horseman was a hunter! Crazy to see him outside of Halloween season!

His head is always in the clouds though

Did any of you guys that have been earlier take your Uncles with you??

Asking for a friend.

jk, I knew V23 would get good advice here. He'll make the most of it and I've had him promise a trip report.