Unit 24C, Alaska

Boreal taiga and rolling upland tundra. Lower elevations dominated by boreal forest of black spruce, birch, and willow with extensive wetlands along river corridors. Higher ridgelines transition to open tundra offering excellent glassing. Elevation range approximately 400-6,200 ft. Numerous creek and river drainages dissect the unit, providing wildlife travel corridors. Terrain is challenging but negotiable on foot; river travel by raft or motorized boat is the primary summer access route.

Almost exclusively by floatplane from Fairbanks, Bettles, or other Interior hubs. Riverboat access possible on the Koyukuk River and tributaries during summer and early fall. Snowmachine access in winter. No road access. Unit lies within the Koyukuk Controlled Use Area (KCUA): aircraft use for moose hunting including transporting moose hunters is prohibited within the KCUA boundaries (Units 21C, 21D, 24C, 24D). Hunters on the Koyukuk River must stop at ADF&G check stations and report. Public lands: approximately 82% of the unit is federal or state public land, primarily Bureau of Land Management and Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge.

Boreal forest mix of black spruce, white spruce, birch, alder, and willow dominates valleys and lower slopes. Uplands and ridgelines: low-shrub and dwarf-shrub tundra with sedge meadows, cottongrass, and mosses. Riparian corridors support dense willow and alder thickets that are prime moose browse. Permafrost underlies much of the unit, creating boggy ground with abundant water bodies sustaining waterfowl and beaver.

Moose are year-round residents; bulls disperse widely in summer before concentrating during September rut. Some caribou from the Western Arctic Herd (WAH) move through the unit, though the herd core range is Unit 23 (Noatak/Kobuk area). WAH estimated at 152,000 animals (2023 survey), down from a peak of 490,000 in 2003. Brown and black bears active spring through fall. Wolf packs track moose herds across the unit.

GEOGRAPHIC NOTE: Unit 24C is in the upper Koyukuk/Hogatza River drainages of Interior Alaska, not the Noatak watershed. The Noatak National Preserve and Noatak River are within Unit 23. Some third-party sources incorrectly label Unit 24C as Noatak south. || KOYUKUK CONTROLLED USE AREA (KCUA): Aircraft use for moose hunting is prohibited within the KCUA (Units 21C, 21D, 24C, 24D). Hunters arriving by floatplane must access moose hunting by non-aircraft means within the KCUA. ADF&G check station compliance required on the Koyukuk River. Moose meat must remain on the bone (quarters and ribs) until transported out of the area. || CARIBOU (WAH): Bag limit reduced to 15 per year, only 1 of which may be a cow, effective July 1, 2024, across the Western Arctic Herd range including Unit 24C. Federal lands in adjacent Unit 23: closed to non-federally qualified users Aug 1-Oct 31 until WAH exceeds 200,000 (currently approximately 152,000 as of 2023). || NON-RESIDENT MOOSE: Permit hunt RM838 requires bull with 50-inch antler spread or 4+ brow tines on one side. Non-residents hunting brown/grizzly bear must be accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide or qualified resident relative (2nd degree of kindred, age 19+). No Dall sheep confirmed in Unit 24C (Koyukuk Interior terrain; sheep habitat is in adjacent higher Brooks Range units). Brown bear may be taken over bait. Starting July 2026: all Dall sheep hunters must complete ADF&G-approved hunter orientation course.