We’ve gathered the most common questions about our wild Alaska seafood, custom fish and game processing, shipping, storage, and more. Whether you’re ordering online, visiting our Kodiak shop, or bringing in your own harvest, this page is here to make things simple.

Shipping & Packaging

What days do you ship?

For frozen and perishable products, we ship orders Monday through Wednesday (excluding national holidays). This ensures packages arrive before the weekend and remain in the best condition during transit.

Shelf-stable items (such as jerky or canned salmon) may be shipped on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday since they are not affected by transit times in the same way.

Please note: shipping from Kodiak can occasionally be delayed by weather or other events beyond our control. We closely monitor conditions and will ship your order on the next available date to ensure it arrives in the best possible condition.

Can I ship items as a gift or for travel?

Yes — we package frozen seafood in insulated boxes designed for shipping or airline travel, and we offer shelf-stable options like jerky and canned salmon that are easy to pack. Whether shipping to a friend or carrying items home, we’ll make sure your order is ready for the journey.

Do you ship retail products to Hawaii?

Yes! We are happy to ship to Hawaii.

Shipping fees can vary depending on the order size and delivery location, so please give us a call—we’ll be happy to provide you with an accurate shipping estimate before you place your order.

How do you package and ship frozen items?

We ship frozen products using insulated shipping boxes to help maintain quality during transit.

We typically ship through FedEx, but can arrange shipping via UPS or Alaska Air Cargo if you prefer. For the best results, we strongly recommend selecting "Next Day Air" service to ensure your order arrives within 24–36 hours.

Please note: we do not recommend using "Second Day Air," as products may not arrive fully frozen after 48–60 hours.

All shipments must be sent to a physical address—we are unable to ship to P.O. boxes.

Do you add dry ice to shipments?

No, we do not currently use dry ice in our shipments, as dry ice is not available on Kodiak Island.

However, we package every frozen order as tightly and securely as possible, and we add ice packs when available to help maintain proper temperature during transit.

What do I do if my shipment arrives and has started to thaw?

While most shipments arrive completely frozen, it is not uncommon for some products to arrive partially thawed.

As long as the items are still cold to the touch, they are perfectly safe—simply place them into your freezer upon arrival.

Fish Processing

Will I get back my fish that I bring in for processing?

Yes! At Kodiak Island Smokehouse, we process each customer's fish separately, ensuring you receive the exact fish you brought in—never mixed with another customer's catch.

Curious how we keep orders organized? Visit our lobby during business hours, where you can watch a live video feed of our processing rooms and see the work happening in real time!

Do I need to make a reservation for fish processing?

No reservations are needed for fish processing at Kodiak Island Smokehouse—you can simply bring your fish in whenever you're ready!

If you are part of a large group or expect to bring in 500 pounds or more, we do appreciate a courtesy call ahead of time. This helps us prepare totes, cooler space, and any other accommodations to make your check-in smooth and efficient.

To speed up your drop-off even further, you’re also welcome to fill out your paperwork or shipping forms in advance.

Many anglers also find it helpful to review our fish processing services before heading out on the water—feel free to browse our site or call with any questions.

How should I bring my fish in for processing?

You’re welcome to bring your fish in however you’d like—whole, gutted, headed and gutted, filleted, or chunked. Please keep in mind that our processing fees are based on the incoming weight of the fish, regardless of preparation style.

For the best quality, we strongly recommend bleeding and gutting your fish as soon as possible after catching. Quick gutting results in firmer meat, reduces the chance of parasites moving into the flesh, and helps prevent “belly burn” (spoilage along the stomach cavity).

If your fish is already frozen, please keep it frozen when you bring it in. Do not thaw it in advance.

Do you have after-hours pick-up or drop-off services?

Yes! We offer after-hours pick-ups—but arrangements must be made in advance. You can set this up either in person or by giving us a call.

We also accept after-hours fish drop-offs. We provide insulated totes where you can leave your fish, along with cards for leaving your contact information and any special instructions.

Please note: the drop-off totes do not contain ice (though you are welcome to leave ice with your fish), and while we check them regularly, we cannot be responsible for loss or damage due to theft, wildlife, or spoilage. All after-hours drop-offs are made at your discretion.

Game Processing

Will I get back my game that I brought in for processing?

Yes! At Kodiak Island Smokehouse, we process each customer's game separately, ensuring you receive only the meat you personally brought in—including your grind.

Curious how we keep everything organized? Visit our lobby during business hours to watch a live video feed of our processing rooms and see the work happening in real time.

Do I need to make a reservation for my game processing?

No reservation is required for game processing at Kodiak Island Smokehouse—you’re welcome to bring your game in whenever you're ready.

If you are bringing in multiple large animals (like buffalo, elk, or moose) or more than 10 smaller animals, we appreciate a courtesy call ahead of time. This allows us to prepare appropriate racks, cooler space, and streamline your check-in process.

To make your visit even smoother, you're welcome to fill out paperwork or shipping forms in advance. Many hunters also find it helpful to review our standard game processing services and our custom game processing options before heading out on a hunt—feel free to browse our website or give us a call if you have any questions!

What condition should my animal be in when I bring it in for processing?

Your animal must be skinned before bringing it to us. We do not offer skinning services, and we are not a disposal site for animal waste.

Please keep your meat as clean as possible. Hair, sand, and dirt are extremely difficult to remove from meat that will be ground, and a clean animal will result in a far superior final product. If your meat requires excessive cleaning, a cleaning fee may apply.

We cannot accept meat that is excessively dirty, contaminated with larvae, or has begun to spoil or rot.

Do you age or hang meat for a certain amount of time?

We cannot guarantee that we will have the time or cooler space to age or hang your meat for a specific period. However, if you have a preference, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know at the time of drop-off, and we’ll let you know right away if we’re able to fulfill it.

If you prefer to age or hang your meat yourself before bringing it to us, that's perfectly fine. Just be sure that your meat is still in good condition when you deliver it—we may not be able to begin processing immediately, and meat that is close to spoilage cannot be accepted.

Do you process game year-round?

Yes! We offer basic boneless game processing year-round, including roasts, steaks, stew meat, grind, and fresh sausage.

Custom processing—such as summer sausage, jerky, hunter sticks, and smoked roasts—is available seasonally from August 1 through December 31.

During the off-season (March 1 – July 31), an additional processing fee applies to game orders. This helps us keep year-round services available, even outside of the main hunting season.

Do you have after-hours pick-up or drop-off services?

Yes! We offer after-hours pick-ups for game processing—but arrangements must be made in advance. You can set this up either in person or by giving us a call.

We also accept after-hours game drop-offs. We provide insulated totes where you can leave your game, along with cards for your contact information and any special instructions.

Please note: while the totes are checked regularly, we cannot be responsible for loss or damage due to theft, wildlife, or spoilage. All after-hours drop-offs are made at your discretion.

Do you ship hides and antlers?

Yes — we can ship hides and antlers for you. To ensure they travel safely, they must arrive to us fully boxed or securely packaged and ready to ship. Many customers find large totes or heavy-duty trash cans with lids work well for awkward shapes like racks or large hides.

Product & Food Safety

Are your smoked items ready to eat, or do they need to be cooked first?

All of our smoked products are fully cooked and ready to eat. You can enjoy them cold straight from the package, or gently warm them to add to meals like soups, chowders, pasta dishes, or salads.

Please note: if the packaging says "Keep frozen. Thaw under refrigeration immediately before use," the product must remain frozen or refrigerated. It is not shelf-stable and should not be left out at room temperature.

How long will my smoked fish last in the refrigerator?

Our smoked fish and smoked snack sticks will generally stay good in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks.

For the best flavor and texture, we recommend enjoying them within 1–2 days after thawing. Freshly thawed smoked fish offers the richest taste and the ideal tender texture.

Is your fish sushi-grade?

Yes — select species at Kodiak Island Smokehouse are offered at sushi-grade quality. “Sushi-grade” means the fish has been handled, frozen, and stored under strict conditions that make it safe to eat raw.

Our sushi-grade fish is:

  • Rapidly frozen to -20°F and held for the required time to eliminate parasites.
  • Individually inspected for quality and freshness.
  • Processed separately to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.

For full details and current availability, please see our [Sushi-Grade Seafood page].

Why does sushi-grade matter?

Not all fish is safe to eat raw. Parasites and bacteria are naturally present in many species, and the term “sushi-grade” signals that the fish has been frozen and handled in a way that makes it safe for raw consumption.

Choosing sushi-grade ensures:

  • Food safety – parasites are eliminated through deep-freezing.
  • Quality – only the freshest, best-handled fish is labeled sushi-grade.
  • Peace of mind – you know your sashimi, poke, or gravlax starts with the right foundation.

If you’re looking for another raw-style specialty, check out our [Gravlax] — a Scandinavian-inspired cured salmon, sliced thin and ready to enjoy.

What allergens are present in your facility?

While we take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination, Kodiak Island Smokehouse is a working facility that processes fish, shellfish, wheat/gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, and sesame.

If you have severe allergies, please contact us with any questions before ordering—we’re happy to help you make informed choices.

Are you inspected by regulatory agencies?

Yes! Kodiak Island Smokehouse is subject to regular inspections by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Cleanliness and sanitation are extremely important to us. Our processing rooms and equipment are thoroughly washed and sanitized each day, and we follow strict HACCP guidelines to ensure food safety at every step. We also have HACCP-certified staff members on-site to oversee our operations.

Retail & Availability

Is all of your seafood Alaskan wild-caught?

Yes! All of our seafood products are sourced from wild-caught fish harvested in Alaskan waters.

We work directly with trusted commercial canneries, boats, and independent commercial fishermen to ensure the highest quality and freshness in everything we offer.

Do you sell fresh fish?

We don’t offer fresh fish at Kodiak Island Smokehouse. Unlike large coastal markets with fleets delivering daily, Kodiak’s supply is highly seasonal. To provide consistent quality year-round, we purchase fish during the commercial season in bulk, process it immediately, and freeze it.

This ensures every product you buy — from fillets to smoked specialties — has the same high quality whether you shop in January or July.

Do you sell game meat products in your store?

No, we do not sell Alaskan wild game meat products in our retail store.

We specialize in seafood sales and custom-processing services for game animals brought in by customers. While we do offer a small selection of specialty meats like summer sausage, salami, and meat sticks, these are made from farmed exotics such as elk, venison, wild boar, and bison sourced from other states in the U.S.

If you're interested in custom game processing for your own harvest, we’re happy to help!

Are you open year-round?

Yes — we’re open for retail seafood, smoked products, and custom processing throughout most of the year. The only exception is a short seasonal closure, usually 4–6 weeks in late February through March.

If you’re planning a visit during that time, we recommend calling ahead to confirm hours.

Local Shopping & Tourism

Can I visit your shop in Kodiak?

Yes! Our storefront in Kodiak is open to locals and visitors alike. You’ll find a selection of raw seafood, smoked seafood, jerky, and a variety of Alaskan products.

Do you sell souvenirs or locally made products?

Yes. Alongside our smoked seafood, we offer a curated selection of gifts and keepsakes — from Kodiak-made crafts and artwork to Alaska-made specialties and Alaska-themed items. Our selection changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to discover.

Do you offer gift boxes or items I can take home on the plane?

Yes — while our full gift boxes are available online, we’re happy to help customers prepare purchases for travel. From frozen seafood to shelf-stable items like jerky, we have packaging and supplies to make sure everything is flight-ready and easy to take home.

Do you offer tastings or tours at your shop?

We don’t offer formal tours — our processing rooms are busy food-production areas where sanitation and safety are the top priority. Our facility is FDA-inspected, and our team follows strict food safety standards every day.

To give visitors a peek behind the scenes, we have live-feed cameras in our lobby where you can watch fish or game processing in real time. We usually have samples available too, so stop in, say hello, and try a taste. It’s the best way to experience Kodiak flavors while seeing the care and cleanliness that go into every product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?


We’re here to make things simple. Whether you’re looking to bring a taste of Kodiak home or planning your own adventure to the island, we’ve got you covered.

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