Frequently Asked Questions
We are a second-generation, owner-hosted, off-grid lodge specializing in remote Alaskan wilderness experiences within the Kodiak Island Archipelago on Raspberry Island. Since 1983, we have deliberately developed the infrastructure required to support your experience here — including private, comfortable cabins, thoughtfully prepared meals, and state-of-the-art vessels and equipment designed to explore this coastline in comfort and confidence.
Coastal Kodiak has a maritime climate shaped by the Pacific. Our hunting season, from late September through mid-December, marks the transition from fall to winter. Weather can be harsh — with high winds, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures — but it can also be calm, peaceful, and truly beautiful.
Our location places us directly within hunting country, and our lodge ensures you don’t have to sleep in a tent during a Kodiak storm.
Timing is largely dependent on the type of hunting you prefer, species you’d like to target, and, for some species, the specific permit you draw. Late September marks our Fish/Hunt combo week, October is generally bull elk season in addition to SW Afognak cow season. Late October marks the start of the Raspberry Island Cow elk season in addition to Kodiak brown bear season, and late November into mid-December is our best time to pursue sea ducks. Deer season is divided into early, alpine season rut, with the rut usually early November and again in mid November, and finally, late season in December when cold weather and snow may push them closer to the beaches.
Many guests arrive with one primary focus — filling a hard-earned draw permit. A bear or bull elk permit in our area often carries less than a 5% draw success rate. For others, a mature Sitka black-tail is at the top of the list, while some prioritize a harlequin or Barrow’s goldeneye.
Others visit for a collection of different experiences. Generally, deer hunting on an elk hunt is easy, and duck hunting on a deer hunt is also very easy. Depending on your goals and interests, if a multi species experience is of interest, please connect with us directly. Micro-seasons, permits, and anticipated weather patterns often impact what is available at what time.
We offer our annual Fish Hunt Combo during the third week of September, combining alpine Sitka black-tailed deer hunting with a final window of fall fishing — including halibut, rockfish, lingcod, Pacific cod, pulling the pots for crab, and river fishing for silver salmon.
By October, our fishing season has largely concluded. Silver salmon have moved upstream to spawn, and halibut have begun migrating to deeper water for the winter. Weather patterns shift as well, bringing colder temperatures and increasing limitations on where we can safely and productively operate on the water.
For these reasons, we generally do not recommend fishing as part of a hunt beyond our Fish Hunt Combo week.
We offer two standard package structures. The first includes an afternoon arrival, five full days of hunting, six nights at the lodge, and departure on the following morning. The second includes an afternoon arrival, ten full days of hunting, eleven nights at the lodge, and departure on the following morning.
Custom-length stays may be accommodated depending on availability.
Guests fly commercially to Kodiak, Alaska, typically through Anchorage. From Kodiak, your package includes transportation to the lodge by floatplane or boat, depending on your package, conditions and logistics. Detailed travel instructions are provided well in advance of your stay.
We typically host between 6 and 12 guests at a time, but prefer to have no more than three groups pursuing the same game or permit. This maintains a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere and ensures there is plenty of new country to hunt. We never combine independent groups in the same cabin, and couples are always provided their own private cabin.
Meals are prepared daily in our open kitchen with a strong emphasis on protein and carbohydrates. Breakfasts are substantial, freshly made field lunches travel with you, and dinners are plated and thoughtfully paced. We design one featured menu each evening and are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies when communicated in advance, allowing our culinary team to prepare safely and appropriately without compromising the experience.
We provide a detailed packing list prior to arrival. Layered synthetic clothing is recommended and a lightweight, durable, breathable shell.
Because we operate within a short seasonal window and host a limited number of guests each week, many dates fill well in advance. We open our calendar two years ahead, and many returning guests reserve their preferred dates as soon as it becomes available. We encourage you to book when you feel comfortable planning, and we are always happy to connect regarding last-minute openings or occasional cancellations.
A $500 per person deposit secures your dates with us. Fifty percent of the trip total is due by January 15 of the year of your visit, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to arrival.
Deposits are non-refundable except in the event that your trip is delayed or cancelled due to weather preventing your arrival to Raspberry Island from Kodiak. In that case, the portion of the experience and/or time lost will be refunded accordingly.
Gratuities are never expected, and your visit is genuinely appreciated. If you feel our team exceeded expectations, tips are welcome and help support our seasonal crew. Guests may contribute to a shared staff pool or tip individuals directly; Birch and Tiffany are not included. While entirely personal, a common tipping amount tends to be approximately 10% of the package total. Thank you.
Guests should plan for commercial airfare to Kodiak, Alaska, as well as hunting licenses and applicable tags and permits. Beer and wine are included with your package; however, some guests choose to purchase specific beverages to bring with them. Optional expenses may include laundry service ($20 per load), items from our small on-site gift store, and gratuities for our team. We accept credit card payments in the main lodge for these incidental purchases. We provide waxed fish boxes to pack your harvest into, however, some guests prefer to ship their meat/trophy home on Alaska Air Cargo, ACE, etc, especially if you have a lot of weight to transport home.
Plan your Trip
Planning a trip to Kodiak Raspberry Island Remote Lodge involves more than selecting dates—it includes understanding seasonality, weather, activities, travel logistics, and how different parts of the summer evolve.
