News Release

Plans Announced for 2023 Federal Subsistence Hunt of Chisana Caribou Herd

Date: July 17, 2023
Contact: Carrie Wittmer, 907-822-7255

COPPER CENTER, AK – This week plans for the 2023 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd were announced by Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Ben Bobowski, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is 6 bull caribou. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota has been reached. Hunters are asked to report back within three days of harvesting an animal or at the end of the season if unsuccessful. The hunt area is Federal public lands in Unit 12 that lie east of the Nabesna River and Glacier and south of the Winter Trail running southeast from Pickerel Lake to the Canadian border.

Eligibility for the hunt is limited to permanent residents of Unit 12, Chistochina, Dot Lake, Healy Lake, and Mentasta Lake. Permits will be available starting July 27 at the Slana Ranger Station, at the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge office in Tok, and by contacting Barbara Cellarius, Subsistence Coordinator, at [phone] or e-mail us.

The Chisana caribou herd is a small international herd occurring in Yukon and Alaska on the Klutlan Plateau and near the headwaters of the White River. In Alaska, its range is primarily within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The herd population currently appears stable with a Fall 2022 population estimate of approximately 582 animals. The herd management plan provides recommendations and strategies to guide its management and conservation. The conditions for this hunt are consistent with the plan.

For more information, contact Barbara Cellarius, Subsistence Coordinator, at [phone] or e-mail us.