Alaska Caribou

Caribou populations in Alaska are almost as volatile as Dall sheep, making it difficult to predict their rise and fall despite extensive monitoring by biologists at the Department of Fish and Game. Alaska is home to 32 distinct herds of Barren-ground caribou, ranging from massive herds with populations in the hundreds of thousands to smaller, localized protected herds. Each season, sports hunt harvest averages roughly 20,000 caribou, while subsistence harvests typically take place more during the winter months. When caribou numbers are low, non-resident hunting opportunities are often among the first to be reduced to align with cuts in subsistence hunting. This is an important consideration for hunters planning future caribou hunts — delaying the hunt may mean missing out if restrictions tighten.

Alaska offers seven draw-only permit hunts available to non-residents this year, covering hunts in units 7, 14, 15, 20, and 23. Hunters who secure these permits should plan on hiring a licensed transporter to navigate the challenges of Alaska’s vast, remote wilderness. If a permit holder wants to hire an outfitter for the unit 20A hunt, they must sign a guide-client agreement before applying and apply for the separate hunt code.

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