News Release

Plans Announced for 2024 Federal Subsistence Hunt of Chisana Caribou Herd

Date: July 22, 2024
Contact: Amber Cohen, 907-822-7284

COPPER CENTER, AK – The 2024 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was 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 required 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 occur 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 23 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].

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, with above population objectives for calf-and-bull to cow ratios. 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].