Unit 06A, Alaska

Glacially-scarred coastal lowlands transitioning to steep alpine ridgelines. Lower elevations feature extensive marshy flats, heavily vegetated river bottoms, and braided coastal streams. Inland terrain rises sharply into the Chugach and St. Elias foothills, with peaks reaching several thousand feet. Coastal exposure produces extreme precipitation (120–200+ inches/year near Katalla). Glaciers are present in higher elevations. Kayak Island (historic landing site of Vitus Bering, 1741) sits just offshore and is accessible only by boat or floatplane.

Entirely roadless and remote. Primary access is by floatplane or boat; several small airstrips exist along the coastline near Katalla and on the islands. The nearest road system is Cordova (~75 miles west via boat) or Yakutat (~100 miles east via air). Chugach National Forest encompasses the vast majority of the unit, with some Alaska State land near the coast. GoHunt estimates ~76% public land. No communities exist within the unit. Tidal fluctuations are significant and must be accounted for when using beach watercraft.

Coastal Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest dominates lower elevations, transitioning through alder and willow shrub zones to alpine tundra and rock above treeline. Extensive sedge and grass marshes cover the river deltas. Kelp beds and intertidal zones border the coastline. The wet maritime climate produces extremely lush ground cover and difficult cross-country travel.

Moose are year-round residents of the coastal river bottoms and willow flats. A 2008 ADF&G recruitment survey in Unit 6A West counted 160 moose, representing approximately 65% of a population estimate of 245 moose at that time; the broader Unit 6 moose population has historically ranged from roughly 1,200–1,600. Brown bears are distributed throughout, with brown bear harvest under state regulations in the broader Unit 6 averaging approximately 50 bears per year across the whole unit. Mountain goats inhabit steep terrain on the coastal mountains year-round and do not undertake long migrations. Caribou (Mentasta and Chisana herds) are primarily associated with Wrangell-St. Elias to the north and are not a primary quarry in 6A. Wolf packs range the drainages. Sitka black-tailed deer are present on the islands and coastal fringes.

Hunting is permitted under Alaska State regulations throughout this unit. No National Park lands fall within Unit 6A proper (Wrangell-St. Elias NP/Preserve covers GMUs 5, 11, 12, 13 — not 6A). The dominant federal land manager is Chugach National Forest (USFS). Non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a licensed guide for brown/grizzly bear, mountain goat, and Dall sheep (none present in 6A). All goat hunters must complete the ADF&G online Mountain Goat Identification quiz before hunting; proof must be carried afield. If a nanny is taken in Unit 6, the hunter is barred from goat hunting in Unit 6 for 5 regulatory years. Non-resident moose hunters must complete the ADF&G Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation course. No Unit 6A-specific motorized vehicle controlled-use area exists (the CUA applies to Unit 6B only). Brown bear permit (RL065) is available online or in person; one bear per regulatory year in 6A. Brown bear hide must have sex evidence attached.