Unit 13C, Alaska

Mountainous and alpine; east of the Gakona River and Gakona Glacier, encompassing high-elevation Wrangell Mountain foothills and drainages. Steep talus slopes and glacially carved valleys define sheep habitat. Lowland river bottoms and spruce-poplar flats support moose. Limited road penetration; most of the unit is roadless wilderness.

Access is primarily by floatplane/air taxi from bases in Delta Junction, Gakona/Glennallen, and Tok. Some foot access is possible via drainages off the Alaska Highway and Glenn Highway. Off-road vehicle use is limited; the primary ORV corridor is within the Tok River drainage. Landing sites for aircraft are limited due to terrain. The unit overlaps with the Tok Management Area (which also includes portions of Units 12 and 20D) and may include Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve lands where federal regulations apply.

High-alpine tundra and talus on upper slopes (prime Dall sheep range); subalpine willow/alder shrub transitioning to boreal white spruce and black spruce lowlands; riparian cottonwood and poplar along major river corridors. Glacial outwash plains and wetland pockets support moose in valley bottoms.

Dall sheep are resident in alpine zones year-round, migrating seasonally between summer ridgelines and lower winter ranges. The Tok Management Area sheep population was estimated at approximately 2,000 animals in 1989; current management relies on annual aerial survey data covering roughly two-thirds of habitat. The Nelchina Caribou Herd (NCH) historically used portions of Unit 13 but caribou season is currently closed unit-wide. Moose densities in Unit 13 are generally high though the population has shown decline in northern areas; cow density is approximately 17% below historic 1986–87 highs. Grizzly bear and wolf predation are recognized as significant moose mortality factors throughout Unit 13.

Unit 13C is NOT the Selawik drainage — that geography is in Unit 23 (northwest Alaska). Unit 13C is in Southcentral Alaska, east of the Gakona River/Glacier, abutting the Wrangell Mountains. Key management notes: (1) Caribou season is CLOSED in all of Unit 13 under current regulations. (2) Tok Management Area Dall sheep permits (DS102) are among the most sought-after in Alaska with <2% draw odds; the TMA was established in 1974 as the only trophy sheep management area in the state, with objectives to maintain mean horn length of 36+ inches and mean age of 8+ years. (3) Sheep hunters must complete the Sheep Hunter Orientation course before hunting general seasons. (4) Nonresident sheep hunters must be accompanied by a licensed guide. (5) Tonsina Controlled Use Area in Unit 13 (adjacent) restricts motorized vehicles and pack animals July 26–Sept 30. (6) Wrangell-St. Elias NP/Preserve lands within or adjacent to 13C are subject to federal regulations. (7) Moose nonresidents must complete Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation prior to hunting. (8) Subsistence community moose permit CM300 available residents only Aug 20–Sept 20.