Hunting

#KnowBeforeYouGo

Caribou Hunting Closure - Federal Lands

In April 2024, the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) adopted Wildlife Proposal WP24-30/31 with modification to close Federal public lands in Unit 23 to caribou hunting by non-federally qualified users from Aug. 1 – Oct. 31 unless the Western Arctic Caribou herd population estimate exceeds 200,000 caribou. This regulation will become effective July 1, 2024. This fact sheet addresses common questions and concerns about the closure.

Read the full press release here
 

 

Noatak National Preserve

NPS Photo/Jim Hans

Hunting is permitted within Noatak National Preserve. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) gives priority to local rural residents will be able to hunt, fish, trap and gather plant foods on this public land. This law protects an 11,000 year old subsistence way of life. When there are conservation concerns regarding a species, the federally qualified subsistence user’s needs will be given priority and ‘sport hunting’ may be closed.

The designation of "Preserve" also allows for non-local people to hunt. Non-local hunters are referred to per federal regulations as ‘sport hunters’ and can harvest wildlife in Noatak National Preserve according to Alaska state hunting regulations. Pay close attention to any notes found on the Unit 23 pages of the Alaska State Hunting Regulations. If you are planning to hunt on federal lands, consult the Federal Subsistence Regulations in addition to the Alaska State Hunting regulations. Calling Federal agencies is also advised as in-season closures can occur at any time and may not be reflected in the biennial regulatory publications or on this website.

 

How do you know the season’s regulations?

Always check current Federal Subsistence Hunting and Trapping regulations to stay up-to-date on laws that apply.

There are several areas within Noatak National Preserve that restrict certain hunting activities.

Please keep in mind that many areas within the preserve are private land. Do not enter private land without the landowner's permission. If you are not certain if an area is a private area but you see a cabin or another structure, it is likely private land and you shouldn't camp or hunt there.

The National Park Service and the State of Alaska cooperatively manage the wildlife resources of the Preserve. An Alaska state hunting license is required for all hunters age 18 or older. Bag and possession limits vary by species and by area. Always check current hunting regulations before your trip.

 

Unit 23 Federal public lands closure

Office of Subsistence Management, DOI

How can a visiting hunter access the Preserve?

Hunters usually access Noatak National Preserve by boat, airplane, or snowmachine. Airplanes may land anywhere within the Preserve, subject to some restrictions. Helicopters are not allowed to be used in any manner for hunting activities within National Park Service units.Please refer to list of businesses authorized to transport and guide visitors in Noatak National Preserve.

Reminder: Caribou hunting is closed to non-residents starting in 2024

Who is eligible to be a subsistence hunter?

The National Park’s purpose statement specifically includes a clause about protecting subsistence resources as a park function. In addition, Congress established a priority in Title VIII that gives local rural residents precedence for using fish or wildlife resources. This grants subsistence uses priority over other uses, such as non-local sport hunting and fishing.

 

To subsistence hunt and fish you must:

1. Be an Alaskan resident. This means you have lived in the state for 12 consecutive months with intent to remain indefinitely.
2. Your primary permanent home is within in a specific resident zone community, live within the National Park, or have a subsistence eligibility permit (13.440 permit).
3. Possess a State of Alaska resident license for hunting (not required for subsistence fishing).
4. Comply with all season and harvest limits.
5. Comply with all required state and federal permits, and harvest tags.

 

A sport hunter is defined as:

1. Under federal regulations, a sport hunter is any hunter that is not a rural resident of the resident zone communties.
2. This includes “urban” areas of Alaska such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.
3. Note, this differs from the State land regulations which consider all permanent Alaska residents subsistence users.

 

13.440 Permits

To be eligible for a subsistence eligibility permit (13.440 permit) you must be a rural Alaskan resident and demonstrate that you have (or belong to a family that has) a history or pattern of using the National Park for subsistence purposes at the time ANILCA was passed (1980) without the use of an aircraft for access. The permit is valid for all permanent residents of your household providing you continue to live in a rural community. In addition to all the above, you must also live in a community or area that has a customary and traditional use determination for the area and species you wish to hunt or fish. These determinations are indicated in the Federal Subsistence hunting regulations.

 

Hunting in Noatak National Preserve is a rare treat. Please remember that this is an inhabitated land rich in storied traditions. It is important to have the utmost respect when visiting Noatak National Preserve and the surrounding communities. Watch the video below to learn more about respectful practices in Noatak National Preserve on your visit

 

The requested video is no longer available.

 

Noatak National Preserve

NPS Photo/Cait Johnson

For more information: contact the Subsistence Coordinator at e-mail us.

Thank you in advanced for following all regulations within Noatak National Preserve and helping the park to preserve this place and opportunities for harvest unimpaired for future generations.