M/V Denali

The Trip of a Lifetime

Alaska is known the world over for its abundant wildlife, expertly managed game resources, and public access to lands that offer some of the best hunting and eco tour opportunities in North America.

Baranof Backcountry Outfitters offers guided hunts with registered guide, Bae Widmier. We offer hunts for Mountain Goat, Brown Bear, Black Bear and Sitka Blacktail Deer on Baranof Island and Prince of Wales Island.

Baranof Backcountry also offers all-inclusive, long-range ecotours. These multi-day adventures depart from the beautiful, historic seaside community of Sitka, Alaska. Trips typically range in length from 3-5 days and we can accommodate groups of up to 4 people (up to 6 for families). Guests will enjoy homestyle, Alaskan meals, opportunities to see whales, otters, sea lions, eagles, sea birds and more, plenty of time to explore by foot or paddle, and a chance to reconnect with family and friends without the distractions of everyday life. As lifelong Sitkans, we love this place and we can’t wait to share it with you.

About the Boat

Welcome aboard the M/V Denali. This 50’ aluminum motor vessel, built by Sound Craft Marine, serves as basecamp for many of our guided hunts and ecotours.

The boat can comfortably accommodate 4 guests (or up to 6 guests for families) plus your guides. She features a 2-berth private stateroom, a forward v-berth that sleeps 4, two marine heads with showers, a generous galley and settee, and ample viewing areas accessible from the pilothouse, covered stern deck and upper deck.

The M/V Denali is a very safe and seaworthy vessel, capable at cruising up to 20 knots.

Choose Your Adventure

Every trip is unique and you can do as much or as little of the planning as you want. We’re happy to plan the days for you, or many guests enjoy the freedom of taking each day as it comes. We are flexible and here to make sure your Southeast Alaskan adventure is what you want.

Activities Available

 

  • Whalewatching – Southeast Alaska is home to humpbacks, gray whales, orcas and Dall porpoise.

  • Beachcombing – If you’re lucky, you might even find a glass ball.

  • Kayaking – Explore hidden coves as you glide along the Pacific.

  • Hiking – So much to explore, from beaches, to muskegs, to mountains.

  • Hot Springs – There are a few hot springs around Sitka and they are worth a stop for a leisurely soak in the wild.

  • Fresh or Saltwater Fishing – We can provide gear to catch salmon, rockfish, crab and shrimp when seasons allow.

  • Circumnavigate Baranof Island – See the entire, rugged, wild coastline in one trip.

  • Sea Lion Rookeries – Steller Sea Lions are plentiful around these parts.

  • Wildlife Viewing – See bears, deer, marine mammals, eagles, otters and more.

  • Take It All In – Visit historical locations, small towns throughout Southeast Alaska and take in the views – they are amazing!

Seasons & Hunts

 

  • Spring Brown Bear Hunt (May 22-31) on Baranof Island

  • Spring Black Bear Hunt (April – June) on Prince of Wales Island

  • Fly-In Mountain Goat Hunt (August only due to weather) on Baranof Island

  • Hike-In Mountain Goat Hunt (August – October) on Baranof Island

  • Fall Black Bear & Blacktail Deer (August – November) on Prince of Wales Island. Single species or combo hunt.

Don’t Worry About a Thing

M/V Denali is an all-inclusive Alaskan experience. Whose goal is to help you focus on having the adventure of a lifetime, not worrying about what you need to bring on board. Please take a look at our website for a complete list of items we supply and recommended items to bring.

About The Crew

Bae Widmier and Katrese Melville are the owners and operators of Baranof Backcountry Outfitters.

Bae is a registered guide in the State of Alaska. He began working as an assistant guide in 2014 and since then has guided both mainland and coastal southeast Alaska, as well as the Alaska range. His experience includes successfully guiding clients on mountain goat, Sitka blacktail deer, grizzly, brown bear, black bear, caribou, and moose hunts.

Katrese has been guiding Southeast Alaska, and the Alaska Range, with Bae, since 2020. A 3rd generation Sitkan, she comes from a family of hunting guides and began packing for mountain goat and Sitka Blacktail deer as soon as she was able to. She grew up commercial fishing and continues to longline for Black Cod in the off season.

From guided hunts, to photographic excursions, their knowledge of the the area, wildlife, weather and topography are a priceless asset for those wanting a chance to pursue an authentic, Alaskan backcountry experience.

Book Your Trip

Please contact us to talk about how we can create your perfect Alaskan adventure. Click below to request your reservation or ask any questions!

Reserve Now

Both lifelong, local Sitkans, and with more than a decade of experience exploring, hunting and guiding in Southeast and Interior Alaska, Bae and Katrese are uniquely equipped to offer guests the experience of a lifetime.

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