Unit 21E, Alaska

Predominantly flat to gently rolling boreal lowlands at 30–2,700 ft elevation. Landscape is Interior Alaska–Yukon lowland taiga: black spruce muskeg, sedge/horsetail marshes, and innumerable lakes and ponds in the lowlands; white spruce, balsam poplar, white birch, and aspen forest on higher ground. Riparian habitat along the Yukon and Innoko rivers (felt-leaf willow on islands, diamond-leaf willow in meadows) provides prime moose browse. No major mountain ranges; rolling hills throughout.

Entirely roadless — no highway or road access exists. Primary summer access is by riverboat on the Yukon River and Innoko River corridors; floatplane (wheeled or floatplane) for backcountry drop hunts. Snowmachine used for winter moose permit hunt (RM837, Feb 15–Mar 15). Aircraft use for moose hunting is prohibited within the Paradise Controlled Use Area (between Yukon and Innoko rivers), which restricts that zone to boat-access hunters only. The Koyukuk Controlled Use Area (northern 21C/21D boundary area) closes aircraft use for moose hunting. Villages of Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross are located in Unit 21E on the Yukon River — accessible by river or air. Public lands include Innoko National Wildlife Refuge (northern unit/Kaiyuh Flats ~751,000 acres adjacent to Yukon River SW of Galena), BLM lands, and a mix of Alaska state and Native corporation lands.

Interior Alaska–Yukon lowland taiga ecosystem. Dominant cover: black spruce muskeg bogs, sedge marshes, horsetail meadows in lowlands; white spruce-hardwood forest on drier upland sites. Riparian corridors along Yukon and Innoko rivers support dense willow thickets (felt-leaf and diamond-leaf willow) — primary moose forage. Twinning rate of 32–55% (2008–2012 surveys) indicates adequate nutritional carrying capacity. Browse removal estimated at 21% (moderate) in 2006 survey.

Moose are distributed throughout the unit year-round, with lowland-wintering animals moving to mountains in summer (radiotelemetry confirmed). Approximately half of cows remain in lowlands year-round; most bulls winter in lowlands and summer in mountains. Caribou: Unit 21E lies at the southeastern edge of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd range (~164,000 animals as of 2022 census, down from 490,000 peak in 2003). Caribou incursions into 21E are sporadic and unpredictable — the herd primarily ranges in GMU 23 and northwest Alaska. Eastern GMU 21 areas near Nulato Hills see occasional caribou. Wolf and bear predation is a documented limiting factor on moose calves, triggering the intensive management authorization for wolf control if moose density falls below 1.0 observable moose/mi2.

NON-RESIDENT RESTRICTIONS: Nonresidents must apply for drawing permit DM837 (unguided, up to 42 permits) or DM839 for September moose hunt; cannot employ an Alaska-licensed guide. Must complete Nonresident Moose Hunter Orientation online at hunt.alaska.gov before hunting — proof required in field. Maximum desired nonresident harvest is 30 moose per the Yukon-Innoko Moose Management Plan. SUBSISTENCE: Federal subsistence priority applies on federal lands. Federal winter hunt permits (FM2104, FM2105) are reserved for residents of specific villages (Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, Holy Cross, Russian Mission, Kalskag, Lower Kalskag, Aniak, Chuathbaluk). Customary and traditional use determinations govern these federal hunts. MEAT CARE: All moose and caribou meat taken before Oct 1 must remain on bones of front quarters, hindquarters, and ribs until removed from field or processed. PARADISE CUA: Closed to aircraft use for moose hunting (transportation of hunters, gear, or moose parts) — primarily affects area between Yukon and Innoko rivers in southern 21E. REPORTING: Low harvest reporting rate (~50%) among local residents is a known management issue. CHECK STATIONS: All hunters on Koyukuk River passing a department check station must stop and report. INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT: Board of Game authorized wolf control if moose population falls below 1.0 observable moose/mi2; currently inactive as population is above threshold.