News Release

Federal Customary and Traditional Muskoxen Hunt

Muskox stands on the opposite bank of the Noatak River.

NPS Photo: Julia Schock

News Release Date: May 31, 2024

Contact: Raime Fronstin, 907-412-0480

Contact: Emily Creek, 907-442-8342

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, 2024 – March 15, 2025. A total of three (3) federal subsistence permits will be issued (one for FX2312 and two for FX2303). 

Hunt details:

• Hunt FX2312 – One (1) permit available, harvest limit one (1) bull muskox. Area: federal lands north and west of the Kobuk River drainage in GMU23. Eligible applicants: residents of GMU 23 except Deering and Buckland. Map of FX2312.
• Hunt FX2303 – Two (2) permits available, harvest limit one (1) 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: The deadline for eligible federally qualified applicants to apply is 5pm on July 10, 2024. Eligible applicants can enter by providing their name, phone number, and permanent address to National Park Service staff via the following: 1. Calling [phone] or 2. Sending the above information by email to [e-mail] or [e-mail] 

Permits will be awarded through a random drawing of names from eligible federally qualified applicants. Drawn applicants will be contacted by July 17, 2024. Permits will be issued to selected applicants upon providing their 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 Wildlife Biologist Raime Fronstin at [e-mail], or NPS Cultural Anthropologist Emily Creek at [e-mail]