Unit 09E, Alaska

Extreme topographic diversity. The western Chigmit Mountains (part of the Alaska and Aleutian range junction) rise to 10,000+ ft, including active volcanoes Redoubt (10,197 ft) and Iliamna (10,016 ft). To the west, terrain transitions through alpine tundra and taiga forest to broad river lowlands — the Mulchatna, Stony, and upper Nushagak drainages. Cook Inlet coast on the east side features rainforest fringe and dramatic tidal flats. Interior valleys hold boreal spruce-birch forest, willow thickets, and wetland meadows. Lake Clark Pass (1,050 ft) is the primary low-elevation air corridor between Anchorage and the unit.

No road access. The unit is entirely fly-in country reached by floatplane, bush plane, or jet ranger helicopter from Anchorage, Kenai, or Homer. Port Alsworth on Lake Clark is the main hub community and base for outfitters. Boats can access the Cook Inlet coastline in the eastern portion. Lake Clark National Park (no sport hunting) and Lake Clark National Preserve (sport hunting allowed) together cover the central portion of the unit. Additional public lands include state lands and Native corporation inholdings. Approximately 95-98% of the unit is public land or managed as federal conservation units.

Three primary zones: (1) Alpine/subalpine — rocky terrain, sedge meadows, dwarf willow, lichen fields above 2,500 ft; (2) Boreal forest interior — white and black spruce, paper birch, balsam poplar, alder, extensive willow bottomlands in river drainages; (3) Cook Inlet coastal fringe — Sitka spruce, alder, hemlock on the eastern slopes. Wetlands and beaver ponds widespread in lowland areas. Willows (moose primary forage) have expanded substantially over the past 25 years due to climate-driven habitat enhancement.

Moose are resident year-round in the unit, concentrated below timberline in boggy areas, willow thickets, and river corridors. Population estimated at ~2,500 animals with a stable unitwide harvest of approximately 165/year since 2000. Dall sheep (~1,000 animals in the Lake Clark area) occupy the Chigmit Mountains year-round, moving between elevation bands seasonally. Brown bears are abundant throughout, concentrated on the Cook Inlet coast and salmon streams in fall. The Mulchatna Caribou Herd historically ranged into Unit 9E and surrounding units; the herd peaked at ~200,000 in the mid-1990s but has declined sharply to approximately 12,000-15,000 animals, with hunting largely closed. Wolves: 4-6 packs of 4-10 animals identified within the park and preserve, with territories averaging ~1,000 sq miles. A state bear-culling program targeting predators (186 brown bears removed as of 2025) is active in adjacent units to aid caribou recovery.

Sport hunting allowed in Lake Clark National Preserve only — not in the National Park. Nonresident hunters must use a licensed guide or hunt with a close Alaska-resident relative for brown bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat. Nonresident moose hunters must complete a Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation course (proof required in field). Mulchatna caribou season is effectively closed to sport hunting due to herd decline. Federally qualified subsistence users have priority on federal public lands within the unit; resident zone communities (Iliamna, Lime Village, Newhalen, Nondalton, Pedro Bay, Port Alsworth) have positive C&T determinations for multiple species. Brown bear hunting in Unit 9E: fall season October 7-21 (odd regulatory years); spring season May 10-31 (even regulatory years); one bear per regulatory year by registration permit. Season extension was approved for 2025-2026 for both resident and nonresident hunters. Moose: general season approximately September 5 - September 25 with antler restrictions applicable; nonresidents must take bull with 50-inch spread OR 4+ brow tines on one side. Dall sheep: full-curl or larger ram; general season August 10 - September 20; guide required for nonresidents. Wolf and coyote: restricted May 1 - August 9 within preserve boundaries.