ADFG Announces Hunting Closure Of Zones 1 and 4 For Winter Fortymile Caribou

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Winter Fortymile Caribou Season in Zones 1 and 4 to Close

(Tok, Alaska) – As a conservation measure to avoid over harvest of large numbers of caribou currently approaching the Steese Highway, the State of Alaska winter registration hunt (RC867) for Fortymile caribou in Zone 1, accessible from the Steese Highway and Chena Hot Springs Road, and in Zone 4 (White Mountains) will close on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

If adequate harvest quota remains for Zones 1 and 4 following the closure, a limited number of AC999 permits will be issued to hunters randomly chosen from applications received during the targeted hunt application period in October. The number of AC999 permits issued will be determined once all RC867 harvest reports for Zones 1 and 4 have been tabulated. Successful AC999 applicants will be contacted with instructions of how to obtain their permit and details about the AC999 hunt once final permit numbers have been determined.

The AC999 season will open in Zones 1 and 4 only on December 1st at 12:01 A.M. and close March 31st at 11:59 P.M., or until the harvest quota is met and the season is closed by emergency order.

The quota for Zones 1 and 4 combined is 95, and the current reported harvest in these zones is 4. The state hunting season is scheduled to remain open in Zones 2 and 3. The quote for Zones 2 and 3 is 140 caribou, with a reported harvest of 32.

Hunters are reminded to call the Fortymile Caribou Herd Hotline (907) 267-2310 for updates about the hunt quota and bag limit before departing for the field to learn of zone closures.

These seasons and bag limits only apply to state caribou hunts in these areas. Hunters with questions about federal subsistence regulations should call (800) 474-2200.

Successful hunters must report within three days of the kill online at (http://hunt.alaska.gov), by phone (907- 883-2971), or in person at the ADF&G office in Tok. Hunters who report by phone must also mail their permit reports or drop them off to the Tok ADF&G office. Unsuccessful hunters must return their reports to the Tok office or report online at http://hunt.alaska.gov by April 15, 2025.

Hunters are urged to obtain a receipt when they turn in their hunt reports or to mail them by delivery confirmation receipt. Permit holders who fail to report will not be eligible to receive any permits (Draw, Targeted, Tier II, or Registration, including Tier I Nelchina caribou) during the next regulatory year, and may be cited.