Hunting Caribou
Adak, Alaska
Caribou on Adak are big and abundant. They were introduced to Adak in the 1950’s to provide hunting opportunities and emergency food for residents of the Adak Naval Air Station. When the base closed in 1994, hunting declined sharply, and the caribou population exploded. A 2005 census found nearly 2,800 caribou. The herd had more than tripled in size in just seven years.
This exponential growth is typical of ungulates introduced to islands. There are several reasons: no predators on the island, no prior grazing had reduced or altered the plant life, no significant parasites or biting insects, and no need for long-distance migrations. Because of the remoteness of the island, logistical challenges, and limited year-round human population, there is not enough hunting to control herd size.
With plenty of food and little to bother them, Adak caribou can get big as well as numerous. The largest caribou on record was taken on Adak (>700 lbs).
All of this is good for you, the hunter, but is generally not good for the native plants and ecosystems of the refuge. The refuge will continue to monitor changes in range conditions as the herd continues to expand. The refuge’s responsibility is to protect native plants and animals and maintain the natural biodiversity of the refuge.
How can I get to Adak?
Currently, Alaska Airlines flies a 737 jet to Adak twice a week.
Where can I stay? Is transportation available? Are there public use cabins?
Hotel rooms and rental cars are available on Adak and charter boats may be available.
Plan to camp on refuge lands. The cabins the refuge once maintained have fallen into disrepair and staying in them is not advised.
Are guides available?
A guide is not required, but guide permits are issued for Adak Island each year. Contact the refuge for more information on which guides have permits for guiding on the refuge.
Where are the animals found on Adak?
Caribou move across large areas. They can be seen anywhere on Adak but most animals are on the southwest and east sides of the island. Recently, animals have been seen more regularly on the northern end of the island. View a caribou location map of where the animals were found in the 2005 survey.
Where are refuge lands on the island?
View a land status map for Adak Island as of 2005. Most of the land near town (northside) is private and belongs to the Aleut Corporation.
Can I hunt caribou on Refuge lands on the island (south side)?
All Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge lands are open to hunting. Vehicles or ATVs are not allowed on the Refuge. Access to the refuge is either by boat, on designated free public access easements which cross Aleut Corporation land, or by crossing Aleut Corporation land outside the easements after first obtaining a permit and paying a fee to the Corporation.. Hiking or boating offers the best access to areas with caribou. Easement maps and coordinates are available from Kent_Sundseth@fws.gov A sign at the Husky Pass trailhead states that the area is closed to public use. This is not correct. The easement allows access to public lands and waters and is open to foot and ATV traffic.
Can I hunt caribou on Native Corporation lands on the island (north side)?
Much of the land on the north part of Adak (all areas with roads) is owned by The Aleut Corporation. An activity permit and fee is required to access Aleut Corporation lands. If you wish to hunt within the road system, then a land use permit is required. Permits are available upon request. Contact Contact Adak Island Inn at (907) 592- ADAK (2325) or email adak@adakisland.com
What licenses and tags do I need to hunt caribou?
Alaska residents need an Alaska State hunting license and a harvest ticket for each animal taken. Non-residents need an Alaska State hunting license, a big game tag and a harvest ticket for every animal taken. A guide is not required. Purchase tags and licenses, online, or by calling 800/478-2376, or at a license vendor.
For harvest tickets contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) (800/478-2376). Harvest tickets must be obtained from a licensed vendor or from an ADF&G office. (There is no ADF&G office on Adak). Adak is in Game Management Unit 10.
You do not need an additional permit to hunt on the refuge. A Special Use Permit is only required for commercial guides or transporters.
What is the season and bag limit?
Cow caribou hunting is open year round and there is no bag limit. Bull season is only open August 10 to December 31 with a limit of 2 bulls per year. Please check http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov for the most current regulations regarding the harvest of caribou on Adak Island. Meat from each animal must be utilized in accordance with ADF&G wanton-waste regulations. When packing out meat from the kill site, the antlers must be removed with the last load of meat. Wanton waste is a punishable offense and is enforced.
- If you want antlers in velvet, then hunt until the end of August.
- If you want velvet-free antlers, then hunt after September 1st.
- If you want high quality meat, then do not take a bull caribou from late September to mid October.
What is the difference between Fish and Game and the Fish and Wildlife Service?
Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the state agency that manages sport hunting and fishing in Alaska. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the federal agency that manages national wildlife refuges. Land on the south side of Adak is administered as part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Who should I contact for more information?
For fishing and hunting regulations, purchasing hunting licenses and big game tags: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (800/478-2376)
For general Fish and Wildlife Service questions, questions specific to Adak and hiking maps showing trails, parcel 4 boundaries, and unexploded ordnance information contact Kent_Sundseth@fws.gov.
For information regarding services, facilities, rentals and access to private land on Adak contact Aleut Enterprise Corporation LLC (907) 277-7520 email adak@adakisland.com
Last updated:September 8, 2008
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