News Release

Federal Customary and Traditional Muskoxen Hunt 2026-2027

Muskox stand on the tundra in Noatak Preserve

NPS Photo/ Cadence Cook

News Release Date: June 1, 2026

KOTZEBUE, AK – The National Park Service at the Western Arctic National Parklands will be issuing federal subsistence hunting permits for two muskox hunts – FX2312 and FX2303 – in Game Management Unit (GMU) 23 NW. The season is August 1, 2026 – March 15, 2027. A total of eight federal subsistence permits will be issued (three for FX2312 and five for FX2303).

Hunt details:

• Hunt FX2312 – Three permit available, harvest limit one bull muskox. Area: federal lands north and west of the Kobuk River drainage in GMU 23. Eligible applicants: residents of GMU 23 except Deering and Buckland. Map of FX2312.

• Hunt FX2303 – Five permits available, harvest limit one bull muskox. Area: Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Eligible applicants: residents of GMU 23 except Deering, Buckland, and Point Hope. Map of FX2303.

How to apply for the lottery: The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. AKDT on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Eligible applicants can enter by providing their name, phone number, and permanent address to National Park Service staff via the following:

1. Calling [phone] 

2. Sending the above to e-mail us.

Permits will be awarded through a random drawing of names from eligible federally qualified applicants. Drawn applicants will be contacted by July 22, 2026. Permits will be issued to selected applicants upon providing proof of permanent residence and valid Alaska State Hunting License.

For more information about the federal subsistence regulations, hunting muskoxen, locating federal lands, or the application process, contact NPS Resources Manager Annie Carlson at [e-mail], or NPS Cultural Anthropologist Emily Creek at [e-mail].