Kodiak Island · Seaducks

Seaduck hunting off Kodiak Island.

Harlequins over the rips, long-tails in the coves, eiders on the outside points, and scoters where the current sets. A yacht-based Kodiak seaduck hunt lets you follow the birds instead of guessing at the tide.

Kodiak's coastline is the reason. Miles of protected bays, kelp-lined points, and freshwater seeps that concentrate sea ducks all winter long.

We hunt from the skiff in the lee of the yacht — one small spread, one warm boat behind you, one bird flushed at a time. Most mornings the shooting is close, fast, and short. Then the yacht moves, and the whole thing resets in new water by lunch.

This pairs with a Kodiak blacktail hunt beautifully — same yacht, same window, same weather. You can hunt ducks at dawn and deer at midday, or the other way around, whichever the tide picks.

Sea ducks flying past a Kodiak point
Kodiak Island · seaduck water
Skiff running to a Kodiak seaduck cove

What makes Kodiak different

  • Species diversity. Few places in North America stack harlequins, eiders, long-tails, and scoters in the same bay.
  • Protected water. Even when the outside is blown out, there's a lee somewhere on Kodiak.
  • Big-water access. The yacht opens up water a truck-based hunter can't touch.
  • Combo season. October–December overlaps deer, halibut, and crab — one trip, four seasons open.

Kodiak seaduck FAQ

What seaducks can I hunt on Kodiak Island?+
Kodiak's protected bays hold harlequins, long-tailed ducks (oldsquaw), Barrow's and common goldeneye, white-winged and surf scoters, common and Steller's eiders — plus buffleheads and mergansers. See the full Kodiak seaduck guide for species-by-species detail.
When is Kodiak seaduck season?+
Alaska's seaduck season generally runs from early October into late January, with specific dates set each year by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. October through December aligns perfectly with our blacktail deer trips — one yacht, two seasons open.
How do you hunt seaducks off the yacht?+
The skiff runs a small spread of divers or eider decoys in the lee of a point or a rocky cove. Hunters shoot from the skiff or a beach layout — whichever the wind allows. The yacht is 10 minutes away for coffee, a warm-up, and hot food between flights.
What shotgun and shells do I need?+
A 12 gauge that patterns tight is standard. Bring non-toxic 2s or 3s for divers and BBs for eiders and big scoters. Bismuth or tungsten hits above its weight on late-season sea ducks. Waterproof optics and a floating sling save gear from a salt-water bath.
Do I need a duck stamp and Alaska waterfowl stamp?+
Yes — a federal duck stamp, the Alaska state waterfowl stamp, and a valid Alaska hunting license. Non-residents also need a harvest information program (HIP) registration. See the travel guide before booking.

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