10/12/2026
Alaska Outdoor Update!
A few things worth knowing if you hunt, fish, or care about keeping access open:
The Unit 1D Tier II moose hunt is closed. ADF&G closed TM059 on October 5 after the reported harvest reached 24 bulls, near the top of its 20–25 bull guideline. ADF&G announcement
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/publicnotification/2026/releases/R1-AA-26-3539.pdf
Ship Creek moose permits go online tomorrow, October 13, at 8 a.m. ADF&G will issue 100 RM435 permits at hunt.alaska.gov. They’re online only this year. The hunt is scheduled for October 25–November 30, though it can close early if the harvest quota is met. Hunt detailhttps://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/publicnotification/2026/releases/R2-AA-26-3542.pdf
If you had a Chitina dipnet permit, report by October 15. That includes folks who didn’t fish or didn’t catch anything. Missing the deadline can cost you next year’s permit. https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=PersonalUsebyAreaInteriorChitina.main
On the access side, DNR is proposing new rules for the Matanuska Valley Moose Range and Jonesville Public Use Area. They cover things like target shooting, trail work, vehicle speeds, and motors on Slipper Lake. Lawful hunting and trapping are specifically excepted from the proposed broader restriction on discharging weapons. These are proposals, not rules in effect today. Read them and send comments by November 9 at 5 p.m. Alaska time to [email protected]. Full proposal
https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225415
DNR is also considering five winter snowmachine access easements near Wiseman that would connect the Dalton Highway corridor with adjacent federal lands. If you use those routes, look at the maps and comment by November 8 at 5 p.m. Notice and maps
https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225434
One more deadline: Board of Fisheries comments are due tomorrow, October 13, at 11:59 p.m. The board will consider whether to put 13 agenda-change requests on a future meeting agenda. Read them and comment.
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.meetinginfo&date=10-28-2026&meeting=anchorage
Good access and sound fish and game decisions depend on Alaskans speaking up. If one of these places or fisheries matters to you, take a few minutes to make your voice heard.
Photo: Donna Dewhurst/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain. Photo source. The moose pictured is illustrative and is not from the hunts mentioned above.
