Kodiak Island Deer Hunts
Kodiak Island Deer Hunts specializes in remote, ship-based self guided hunts for Sitka Blacktail deer along the rugged coast of Kodiak, Alaska. As a licensed transporter, the business provides a mobile basecamp via a professional live-aboard vessel, giving hunters access to prime, uncrowded territory that is otherwise inaccessible.
The operation is owned and operated by Captain Chad Sorenson, a veteran mariner with deep expertise in navigating Kodiak’s challenging waters and unpredictable weather. Known for his professionalism and local knowledge, Captain Chad handles all maritime logistics and transport, ensuring a safe and strategically positioned home base for hunters embarking on their Alaskan wilderness adventure.
Q&A with Captain Chad
Captain, if the F/V Valiant could talk, what’s the one story it would tell about a storm that would make the rest of us want to stay on dry land?
Handful of years ago, we tried to run up Shelikof Strait, we rounded Trinity Rocks, and immediately had water over the bridge, in 15 footers. We immediately turned around and waited for the weather to come down. Luckily, no clients were on board.
You provide the 'home-cooked meals' on a remote boat—what’s the one dish that hunters are still talking about years after their trip?
We try to check our crab pots weekly, this allows us to have a steak and fresh crab. All clients try to eat all the crab served, but it has not been done. Everyone talks about the crab meal 2, 3, 5 years later.
Since you run a 'self-guided' transport service, what’s the funniest or most 'rookie' mistake you’ve seen a DIY hunter make the second they step off the skiff?
Some years ago, a hunter brought department store outer shell clothing. Needless to say this hunter was wet the whole time, which made his hunt all the more challenging. Luckily, we were able to dry out his clothes every night.
Kodiak is famous for its bears. How many times a week do you have to remind a hunter that they aren't actually the 'apex predator' on that beach?
Two to Three times a week. Usually, at the beginning of their weeklong hunt is when it’s most talked about.
You offer Wi-Fi in the middle of the remote South End—is that for the hunters to check the weather, or so they can brag to their wives about the deer they just got?, is it actually for the weather?
Fortunately, our internet wifi is unlimited, so clients can connect to their family with any platform they want. Many can expect to do face time, exchange texts, create posts, or make phone calls, so they can share with family and friends their adventure of the day. As for the weather forecasting, they can keep tabs on that if they wish, but honestly, that’s something as the skipper I monitor frequently.
What’s the strangest item you’ve ever had a hunter try to pack onto the floatplane thinking it was an 'essential' for a Kodiak deer hunt?
Conventional suitcases. Suitcases did not offer much value on the trip. They were big, bulky, and not waterproof.
Between Sitka black-tails and mountain goats, which species do you think makes a hunter question their life choices more when they’re halfway up a Kodiak ridge?
Mountain goats are the most challenging, due to their surroundings….. being up at the mountain tops, the gradient, weather, wind and the physical requirements the hunter exposes themselves to. All these factors lead to this being the most challenging of the two.
You’ve spent years navigating Unit 8; what’s the one 'secret' about the South End that most hunters don't realize until they’re actually standing in the brush?
The weather. Weather has the final say on everything we hope to do while out in the field on the South end of Kodiak. Fortunately, the Valiant is made for this type of environment, which in turn increases our odds of having a successful hunt.
When the season is over, and the last hunter is flown out, what’s the first thing Captain Chad does to relax—is it more fishing, or do you hide from the water for a month?
Family time, knowing that I have time set aside to spend with people who are important to me. We seem to spend that time in a warm climate, like Mexico.
If someone is sitting on their couch dreaming of a Kodiak hunt, what’s the one piece of 'tough love' advice you’d give them before they book a spot on the Valiant?
Be honest, one’s hunting ability. This will dictate the success of one’s hunt.
