Unit 06B, Alaska

Coastal wetlands, glacial outwash plains, tidal sloughs, uplifted marshes, and muskeg of the Copper River Delta transitioning to coastal mountain slopes and forested foothills of the Chugach Range. The Copper River Delta is one of the largest contiguous wetland systems on North America's West Coast (~700,000 acres). Miles and Childs Glaciers calve directly into the Copper River. Elevation ranges from sea level to 3,000+ ft on coastal ridges. Vegetation shifts from dense Sitka spruce/alder riparian corridors and muskeg bogs in lowlands to open subalpine meadows and rocky ridges for goat habitat.

Access is primarily by floatplane and motorboat out of Cordova (the main gateway community, accessible only by air or ferry). The Copper River Highway provides limited road access to the delta flats, Carbon Mountain Road, and the Clear Creek boat launch area. A controlled-use area restricts motorized vehicles for moose hunting Aug 25–Sep 4 (exceptions: Copper River Highway, Carbon Mountain Road, Clear Creek boat launch, and boats at mile 36 bridge); after Sep 5 moose cannot be taken until 3 AM the day following any motorized vehicle use. Public lands are predominantly Chugach National Forest (Cordova Ranger District) with some State of Alaska and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve lands on the eastern fringe.

Dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock coastal rainforest along drainages; extensive willow and alder riparian thickets preferred by moose; vast muskeg/sphagnum bogs and wetland meadows on the delta flats; subalpine meadows and rocky alpine terrain in Chugach foothills. Berry crops (blueberry, salmonberry, crowberry) heavily used by bears in late summer. Tidal sloughs, estuaries, saltwater marshes, and intertidal mudflats characterize the outer delta.

Moose concentrate in the Martin River Valley and Copper River Delta lowlands year-round, with bulls accessible in riparian willows and spruce flats during the rut (mid-September). 2023 population point estimate for Unit 6B (east of Copper River Delta including Martin River Valley): approximately 260 moose. The 2025 season MAH of 25 bulls was reached by ~September 22 triggering an emergency closure of RM164. Brown bears use the delta and coastal drainages extensively during salmon runs (multiple Copper River salmon species) and berry season. Mountain goat populations occupy coastal Chugach Range ridgelines; goats are generally stable but require technical access.

Unit 6B is in ADF&G Region 2 (Southcentral), managed from Anchorage (333 Raspberry Road, (907) 267-2257). Moose: Registration permit hunt RM164 (bull moose); MAH of 25 bulls triggers emergency closure — reached Sept 22 in 2025. Nonresident moose hunters must complete the online Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation course before hunting; proof required in field. Brown bear: registration permit, one bear per four regulatory years; permits available online or at Anchorage/Cordova/Fairbanks/Glennallen offices. Mountain goat: registration hunt; all goat hunters must complete the online Mountain Goat Identification Quiz before hunting (proof required in field); nonresidents must use a licensed guide or qualified relative. Coyotes may be taken with aid of artificial lights in Units 6B and 6C. No Dall sheep in this unit (sheep are in Units 11/12 to the north). Federal subsistence rules apply on federal lands; check for subsistence-priority designations. Note: the Wrangell Mountains/Nabesna region referenced in the unit prompt corresponds to Units 11 and 12, not Unit 6B.