Restricted Hunting Activity Areas

Additional closures or restrictions may be in effect. Contact us for further information and updates.

Additional access and hunting restrictions may apply on Federal, State, Native Corporation, and private lands. Hunters are responsible for knowing property boundaries and all applicable laws and regulations.

Caribou Hunting Closure - National Park Service & Bureau of Land Management Lands
The Federal Subsistence Board met April 2-5, 2024, to consider proposed changes to the Federal subsistence hunting and trapping regulations. Some of the more significant decisions, which will be implemented in the 2024–2026 regulatory years (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026) include:

Federal public lands in Unit 23 (inc. Noatak National Preserve) are closed to caribou hunting by non-federally qualified users from Aug. 1 - Oct. 31 unless the Western Arctic Caribou Herd population exceeds 200,000 caribou. (WP24-30/31).

Noatak Controlled Use Area (State of Alaska)
A corridor extending five miles on either side of, and including, the Noatak River beginning at the mouth of the Agashashok River, and extending upstream to the mouth of the Nimiuktuk River. This area is closed from Aug 15 – Sept 30 to the use of aircraft in any manner for big game hunting, including transportation of big game hunters, their hunting gear, and/or parts of big game. This does not apply to the transportation of big game hunters or parts of big game to and between publicly owned airports; make sure to understand the laws and their exceptions before your trip.

Noatak National Preserve Special Commercial Use Area (National Park Service)
Commercial Transporters are prohibited from dropping off or picking up non-Federally qualified subsistence caribou hunters within the Restricted Commercial Use Area in the western Noatak National Preserve prior to September 22nd, unless otherwise authorized by the Superintendent. All Commercial Activity in National Park Service units requires a Commercial Use Authorization “Permit” issued by the NPS. Check out a list of businesses authorized to transport and guide visitors in Noatak.

Other Resources:

State of Alaska Hunting Regulations – Alaska Hunting and Trapping Information, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Federal Subsistence Hunting Regulations – www.doi.gov/subsistence
NANA Corporation – www.nana.com/about-us/lands
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Selawik NWR) – www.fws.gov/refuge/selawik