The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced plans to transplant Sitka black-tailed deer to the southern Kenai Peninsula, marking a significant step toward establishing a new big game population in the region.
The initiative stems from a public proposal discussed at the March 2023 Board of Game meeting in Soldotna. Although species translocation is outside the board’s authority, the idea received strong public interest, prompting ADF&G to begin the scoping process.
The project aims to boost food security in Alaska by creating future opportunities for wild game harvest. The department plans to capture up to 25 deer—adult bucks and does without fawns—from the Kodiak Archipelago between September and October 2025. Sitkinak Island is among the possible capture sites.
Deer will be captured using net guns fired from helicopters, given health checks, and fitted with GPS collars before being flown, via Homer or directly, to carefully selected coastal sites south of Kachemak Bay.
Sitka black-tailed deer are native to Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. Historic transplants in Prince William Sound and Kodiak during the early 20th century successfully established thriving populations that now support annual harvests.
While hunting deer on the Kenai Peninsula (Units 7 and 15) remains prohibited, ADF&G will monitor the transplanted animals to evaluate their survival and spread.
If the initial effort proves successful, future transplants may follow.
Residents are encouraged to report any deer sightings to ADF&G offices in Soldotna (907-262-9368) or Homer (907-235-1725).