Unit 09B, Alaska

Dominated by the Kvichak River drainage and Lake Iliamna (77 miles long, up to 22 miles wide), Unit 9B transitions from boreal forest and spruce-birch river corridors at low elevations to rolling tundra and finally the volcanic Chigmit Mountains and Aleutian Range ridges above treeline. The western flank of the Chigmits features steep alpine terrain ideal for Dall sheep. Wetlands and braided river systems at lower elevations support heavy moose populations in willow and birch riparian corridors. The unit is entirely within the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve footprint or surrounding state/federal lands.

Fly-in only — no roads access Unit 9B. Floatplane charter from Anchorage (approximately 150 miles northeast) or from the hub town of King Salmon/Naknek is the primary access method. Boat access is possible along the Kvichak River corridor and Lake Iliamna. Key villages include Iliamna, Newhalen, Nondalton, Pedro Bay, and Port Alsworth. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve covers a substantial portion of the unit — hunting is permitted in the Preserve but not the Park (except Federal subsistence by qualifying local residents). The majority of Unit 9B is public land (state and federal, ~95%+).

Lower elevations: boreal white and black spruce forest mixed with birch, alder, and extensive willow riparian zones along rivers and lake margins. Mid-elevations: shrub tundra (dwarf birch, Labrador tea, sedge meadows). Upper elevations and Chigmit ridgelines: alpine tundra, rock, and glacial terrain. Wetlands are extensive near Lake Iliamna and provide critical moose calving and feeding habitat. Salmon-enriched riparian corridors concentrate both bears and moose.

The Mulchatna Caribou Herd (MCH) seasonally ranges through Unit 9B, historically migrating between winter range in Unit 18/17 and summer calving grounds to the north and west. The MCH peaked near 200,000 animals in the 1990s but had declined to an estimated 16,276 animals as of July 2025 — split roughly evenly between East-MCH (8,684) and West-MCH (7,592). All MCH harvest has been closed since fall 2021. Moose densities are low to moderate (roughly 0.5/sq mi or less in most areas) but concentrated along the Kvichak River, Lake Iliamna tributaries, and other willow-rich drainages. Brown bears are abundant due to the famous sockeye salmon runs in the Kvichak-Iliamna system; bear density is among the highest in Alaska. Dall sheep inhabit the Chigmit Mountains along the unit's northeastern border.

Caribou: ALL harvest from the Mulchatna Caribou Herd remains closed as of 2025-2026; ADF&G is conducting intensive predator control (bear and wolf removal on western calving grounds) and monitoring for recovery toward the 30,000 minimum objective. Moose: Residents hunt by registration permit (RM272); nonresidents hunt by registration permit (RM282) with a 50-inch antler or 3+ brow tine requirement — a nonresident hunter orientation course must be completed before hunting. Brown bear: One bear per regulatory year by permit (hunt.alaska.gov or in person in King Salmon beginning June 24); spring season even years May 10-31, fall season odd years Oct 1-21. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve overlay: hunting is permitted in the Preserve portion; only Federal subsistence hunting by qualified local residents (Iliamna, Newhalen, Nondalton, Pedro Bay, Port Alsworth) is permitted in the Park. Subsistence users in these communities may take up to 10 bull moose for ceremonial purposes July 1-June 30 by Federal registration permit. Nonresidents hunting Dall sheep must be accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide or qualifying Alaska resident relative. Wolf: No locking tag required; liberal seasons generally Aug 1-Apr 30. Wolverine: Season generally Sep 1-Mar 31, bag limit 1.