Hunting

A group of caribou on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge

Subsistence Hunting:

Subsistence users throughout Togiak National Wildlife Refuge depend on wild game as an important food source, and Togiak Refuge is committed to providing the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents. On July 1, 1990, the Federal Government assumed responsibility for the management of subsistence taking of wildlife on Federal public lands in Alaska. Subsistence hunting on Togiak Refuge is governed by Federal Subsistence Management Regulations. A copy of these regulations can be obtained by visiting our office, or other Federal land management offices throughout Alaska, or calling or writing to the refuge (see "contact us" at the bottom of the page).
OR, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Subsistence Management homepage

In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, there are special Federal permit subsistence hunts that take place within Togiak Refuge.

• Nushagak Peninsula Caribou Federal Permit Hunt:
  Caribou were reintroduced to the Nushagak Peninsula in February 1988, largely to re-establish caribou in an area where they had been an important subsistence resource for local residents. The herd has grown rapidly since its reintroduction, due largely to excellent habitat conditions and the cooperation between interested parties. A limited subsistence hunt was initiated in 1995 for residents of six local villages.
  For more detailed information on this hunt, contact us.
  For more information on the history and status of the Nushagak Peninsula caribou herd, click here.

Sport Hunting:

Most of the sport hunting that takes place on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) with cooperation from Togiak Refuge. ADF&G Regulations for sport hunting seasons, licences, and bag limits apply. See "Useful Links" below for more information.

Primary access to Togiak Refuge river systems is by chartered aircraft. Dillingham is the hub for many of the air taxis that have permits to operate within Togiak Refuge, with some air taxis in the cities of Bethel or King Salmon. There is no road system connecting any of these towns with the rest of Alaska. Commercial airline services are available from Anchorage to each of these communities. Groceries, lodging, and restaurants are available in all communities as well. For more information on the facilities of each city, contact:

Hunters visiting the refuge need to be aware of the existence of private lands within and bordering the refuge to avoid trespassing. Visit our land ownership page or contact our office with questions concerning land ownership.

For hunters who are interested in using a guide, Togiak Refuge currently has three permitted big game guides. Guided waterfowl/ptarmigan hunting is also available. Other hunting is available on an unguided basis only. Air taxis are available throughout the area for chartered flights to and from hunting areas. Please check to see that businesses have permits to operate within Togiak Refuge. Contact Togiak Refuge with questions regarding permitted operators.

Useful Links for Frequently Asked Questions

Hunters should educate themselves in order to have a safe, successful, and enjoyable trip. The following links will guide you on your search for more information. They will exit the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge website. There will not be any links back to this page. Much of the information within these links is not refuge-specific, and applies to southwest Alaska in general.

Regulations and Licenses

ADF&G website with information on purchasing licenses and tags.

ADF&G website with regulations and emergency orders for hunting and trapping.

Visitor Orientation

Our visitor orientation page has general guidelines for visitors on camping, trespassing, and other issues.

Hunting Practices

Hunt Alaska is a comprehensive resource of hunting information produced by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

Hunting for Trophy Meat will educate hunters who want quality food from their hunt.

Traveling in Bear Country

Safety in Bear Country is an ADFG publication for hunters in Alaska which details bear safety in hunting situations.

ADFG's "Bear Facts" Brochure has practices you should observe while in bear country as well as basic information on bear behavior.

Bears and You is a publication of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation which has basic bear safety guidelines as well as tips on differentiating between brown and black bears.

Bear Deterrent and Repellant Products ranging from large, industrial systems through backpacking equipment. List compiled by ADFG.

Low-Impact Camping

Leave No Trace

Booklet available on Alaskan Tundra is most applicable

Last updated: July 24, 2008