Customary and Traditional Use of Muskoxen

Two Muskoxen

NPS Photo

Federal Muskox (Umiŋmak) Hunt (Aŋunialguług)

The National Park Service issues federal permits for two muskox subsistence hunts. Muskoxen are a subsistence species harvested for their incredible meat. The qiviut (undercoat: wool) can be gathered on the tundra when they shed in the springtime. This is cleaned, spun into yarn, and made into hats, handwarmers, and more. Qiviut is among the most expensive fibers in the world due to its incredible warmth and softness.

In 2026, there are three permits by drawing for one bull in Noatak National Preserve. The season runs from Aug 1 2026-March 15, 2027. There are a total of eight federal permits issued this year. The other five are for Cape Krusenstern National Monument. For state Tier II permit information please visit or call the Kotzebue ADFG team.

Each year residents of specific communities with customary and traditional use of muskox in the parklands can apply for a permit. To do so:

• Deadline for 2026 if July 15th at 5pm.
• Provide: name, phone number, permanent address
• Call 907-3890
• e-mail us

Permits are awarded through a random drawing. Drawing in 2026 will be the following week. Permits will be issued to the selectee once proof of being a federally qualified subsistence user (State hunting license and proof of residence) are presented to NPS staff.

 

Communities Eligible for the FX2312 (Noatak) Subsistence Hunt

 

FX2312 2026 Hunt

NPS image

 

Residents with customary and traditional use determinations are:

• Point Hope
• Kivalina
• Noatak
• Kotzebue
• Noorvik
• Selawik
• Kiana
• Ambler
• Shungnak
• Kobuk

 

Person holds qiviut found in the tundra

NPS Photo

Please note: Residents of Deering and Buckland qualify for customary and traditional use for the Bering Land Bridge hunt, please contact their office:

907-443-2522

For more information on the muskox permit or other federal subsistence hunts please reference the Federal Subsistence: Management Regulations for the Harvest of Wildlife on Federal Public Lands in Alaska. The current version can be picked up at the Heritage Center in Kotzebue.