Unit 16B, Alaska

Lowland boreal wetlands dominate Unit 16B, featuring extensive black-spruce muskeg, paper birch and white spruce forest on better-drained ridges, vast willow and alder thickets along river corridors, and coastal saltwater meadows and tidal flats along Cook Inlet. Elevation is generally low (sea level to ~1,000 ft) with few prominent ridges. The Beluga River, Alexander Creek, and Yentna River tributary system create a network of sloughs, oxbow lakes, and braided channels. Terrain is notoriously wet and boggy; hip waders or knee boots are essential in fall. The Susitna Flats State Game Refuge covers the northeastern coastal fringe. There is no road access into the unit interior.

Access is almost entirely by floatplane (floats or wheel-skis in winter) or jet boat. Air taxis operate primarily from Nikiski (west Cook Inlet) and Anchorage; Alaska West Air is a commonly used operator. Jet boats run the Susitna River, Yentna River, and Alexander Creek in open-water season. Winter hunters access the unit via snowmachine and ski-equipped aircraft landing on frozen lakes. No road system penetrates the interior. Public land makes up approximately 95%+ of the unit: Susitna Flats State Game Refuge borders the northeast, with the remainder managed as state and federal public lands. The Alexander Creek area and Beluga Flats are entirely roadless state land open to hunting.

Dominant plant communities include black spruce muskeg and sedge-tussock meadows on poorly drained flats; white spruce–paper birch forest on better-drained terraces; dense willow, alder, and cottonwood riparian shrub along river corridors; and saltwater sedge meadows and mudflats on the Cook Inlet coast. Berry patches (blueberry, crowberry) are abundant and concentrate bears in late summer. The Susitna Flats hold nationally significant waterfowl staging habitat—approximately 10% of the statewide waterfowl harvest occurs there annually (roughly 15,000 ducks and 500+ geese). Vegetation is lush and visibility is generally poor; calling and still-hunting from canoes or boats are primary moose tactics.

Moose in Unit 16B are largely resident year-round, with seasonal movements between lowland winter range (river bottoms, south-facing slopes with willow browse) and slightly elevated summer habitat. The rut peaks in late September–early October. Population peaked above 10,000 in the early 1980s, crashed after the severe 1989–90 winter and sustained predation pressure, and has fluctuated since. The 2018 survey estimated ~10,000 moose (above the IM objective ceiling of 7,000); the 2022 survey showed a ~30% decline from that peak, placing the population back near the 6,500–7,000 objective range. Calf survival is chronically low—fewer than 10% of calves survive to 5 months old due to bear and wolf predation, triggering active intensive management. Wolf control was implemented via land-and-shoot and aerial methods 2004–2013; bear predation control was added in 2022. Black bear density is high throughout. Brown bear are present but less abundant than black bear. Wolves occupy the unit year-round in packs.

INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT: Unit 16B is an active ADF&G Intensive Management unit under 5 AAC 92.122 (Plan VI). Management objective is 6,500–7,000 moose sustaining a harvest of 310–600 moose/year. Wolf control via land-and-shoot was active 2004–2013 (north of Skwentna/Yentna rivers). Bear predation control was re-authorized December 2022. Hunters should check current IM status at hunt.alaska.gov. PERMIT HUNTS: Most Unit 16B moose opportunities are Tier II drawing permits (Alaska residents only), not general harvest tickets. Key permit hunts include: TM567 (North Beluga — drainages into Susitna R. south of Yentna River lower bend, and into Cook Inlet north of Beluga River, Dec 15–Feb 28, up to 80 permits, one bull, antlers must be surrendered for trophy destruction) and TM569 (South Beluga — mainland drainages south and west of Beluga River, Beluga Lake, and Triumvirate Glacier, Dec 15–Feb 28, up to 80 permits, one bull). Both are Alaska-resident-only Tier II hunts. Only one Tier II permit per household. Successful hunters must report within 5 days; unsuccessful within 15 days of season close. Contact ADF&G Palmer (907-746-6300). NONRESIDENT REQUIREMENTS: Nonresident moose hunters must complete the ADF&G Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation (''Is This Moose Legal'' and ''Field Care of Big Game'' videos) before hunting. Nonresidents do not require a guide for moose. Nonresident aliens must be accompanied by a licensed Alaska guide for all big game. Brown bear requires guide or qualifying resident relative for nonresidents. SUSITNA FLATS STATE GAME REFUGE: Hunting is open within the refuge. Off-road vehicles (under 1,000 lbs GVW) are restricted to Nov 9–Mar 31 with minimum 12-inch snow cover and sufficient ground frost. Aircraft landing is prohibited Apr 1–May 15 in the High Density Spring Waterfowl Staging Area. BEAR: Black bear season is generally open spring and fall with a 3-bear annual limit statewide; Unit 16B has a robust black bear population. Brown bear has a 4-year regulatory cycle bag limit; nonresidents require a guide. Check current regulations for any predator control liberalizations. WOLF/WOLVERINE: May be taken under either hunting or trapping regulations.