Unit 17A, Alaska

Coastal tundra, glacial river valleys, Ahklun Mountain ranges, marshy lowlands, ponds, estuaries, coastal lagoons, and sea cliffs. The Ahklun Mountains occupy the majority of the inland landscape with fast-flowing rivers draining to Bristol Bay. Vegetation transitions from coastal sedge meadows and willow-alder thickets at lower elevations to treeless alpine tundra at elevation. No boreal forest; the unit sits at or beyond the taiga treeline in a maritime-influenced subarctic climate.

No road access to or within the unit. Access is exclusively by floatplane (wheel, float, or ski depending on season) or boat. Commercial air charter services operate out of Dillingham (the regional hub) and the village of Togiak (within the unit). Togiak NWR covers the majority of unit landmass (~4.7 million acres total refuge, largely within Unit 17). The northern 2.3 million acres are designated Togiak Wilderness. Chagvan Bay is a State Game Refuge. Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary restricts access around Round, Summit, High, Crooked Islands, Black Rock, and the Twins — all those islands and waters within 0.5 miles are closed to hunting. Round Island requires an access permit (call 907-842-2334). Aircraft use is prohibited on or within 2 miles of specific rivers and lakes during moose hunts (see hunt area map at hunt.alaska.gov).

Coastal sedge and cottongrass tussock tundra dominates lowlands and river deltas. Willow and alder shrub thickets occupy valley bottoms and riparian corridors providing key moose browse. Alpine tundra with dwarf shrub and lichen mat covers Ahklun Mountain slopes. Coastal lagoons, estuaries, and wetland complexes along Bristol Bay coastline. No significant stands of spruce or boreal forest — the unit is primarily non-forested tundra.

Caribou in Unit 17A historically included the Kilbuck Caribou Herd — a smaller distinct herd that was absorbed by the Mulchatna Caribou Herd (MCH) during its westward range expansion in the 1990s. The MCH peaked at ~200,000 animals in 1995, declined sharply to ~18,000 by 2013, and recovered to over 30,000 by 2015. The herd's 60,000-square-mile range now extends into 17A seasonally. Moose population in Unit 17A was estimated at approximately 1,100 animals and increasing as of 2008 surveys, benefiting from moderate snowfall winters and reduced female harvest pressure. Brown bear are resident throughout the unit. Wolf packs are present and the unit participates in a predator control program (see hunt.alaska.gov special regulations).

NONRESIDENTS: No caribou hunting season in Unit 17 for nonresidents. Nonresident moose hunters must complete a Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation course (proof required in field) and hunt by drawing permit (DM570) — season Sept 1-Sept 20, one bull with 50-inch antlers or 4+ brow tines on at least one side. Nonresident brown bear hunters must be accompanied by a licensed guide (see pg. 10 of regulations). RESIDENTS: Caribou hunt RC501 (drainages east of Right Hand Point, 2 caribou by registration permit) may be announced for 17A. Winter moose hunts (Jan 1-Feb 28) available by permit from Dillingham/Togiak beginning Dec 16. PREDATOR CONTROL: A portion of Unit 17 is within a predator control area — check hunt.alaska.gov for current special regulations. SUBSISTENCE: Federal subsistence regulations apply; Bristol Bay is a federal subsistence priority area and local subsistence users have first priority. Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary — all islands closed to hunting within 0.5 miles; Round Island requires access permit.