Quick Tips
- Plan your transportation and lodging options around the season and species you will be hunting
- Bear fences can be a good idea for camps
- Rain gear is a necessity
- This area sees heavy hunting pressure near the highway
On The Ground
This unit is found in south-central Alaska and makes up the primary mountain ranges surrounding Anchorage. Due to its proximity to the largest population density in the state, this unit receives a lot of yearly hunting pressure and may not be the best option for nonresident hunters. There are many well-established hiking trails to popular destinations in this area, and many options available for access to the backcountry. A handful of roads lead into the interior portions of the unit and can offer some options for backpack hunters, however, the best options are generally going to be available via the use of an airplane. Incredible scenery and some decent hunting opportunities are found here but many will find the extreme hunting pressure to be a deterring factor when planning their hunt.
With Anchorage located within the unit, this area sees a lot of hunting pressure throughout every season. Nonresident hunters are urged to look into different units, especially when doing a DIY hunt. Some good opportunities can be found on the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Terrain
The western edge of the unit is primarily composed of dense timber stands intermixed with pocket meadows and lakes. This area is quite even in elevation and can be difficult to glass for any type of distance. The vast majority of these low lying areas are composed of urban development. The majority of the unit is made up of long-running river channels that cut into steep mountain ranges. Vegetation can be densest along the creek and river bottoms, but most of the mid to high elevation areas are largely void of any tall vegetation, and glassing opportunities will be abundant here. Physically traversing some of the lower country areas can be difficult at times due to the ground vegetation but hunters will find little trouble once climbing past the treeline.
Roughly 2,169 square miles
73% Public land
Elevations range from 0-12,600 feet
Vegetation
Most of the river bottom areas are composed of spruce timber stands, grasses, sedges, alder, dwarf birch, and tundra. Bogs and muskegs scatter across the landscape where ponds and small lakes are abundant. Higher elevations above the treeline have a higher distribution of mountain hemlock, tundra, berry plants, and small shrubs. Traversing country in and around the river bottom areas can difficult at times due to dense vegetation, however, some of the lower areas are comprised of tundra and small shrubs and are great for glassing. Following established game trails can be a great way to effectively cover ground. Getting above the treeline can be difficult at times, but there is an abundance of established hiking trails that can offer good access. Once above the treeline, vegetation will be such that glassing options can be great. The high country areas are void of major vegetation and spotting game from a distance can be fairly straight forward.
Access
Any areas around Anchorage or near roads and highways leading into the unit will see a heavy presence of hunters and recreationists alike. Getting flown in or backpacking into the backcountry is going to be your best bet, but even then, escaping pressure is going to be tough. Once breaking through treeline hunters will find little trouble in actually moving about the country due to the lack of restrictive vegetation. The mountains can become very rough and impassable in some areas -hunters will need to be cautious of this.
Camping and Lodging
Lots of modern lodging options can be found throughout this unit, particularly around Anchorage. There are a few USFS cabins available for rent within the unit, but they tend to be reserved quickly. Most hunters will opt for some form of primitive camping whether they are truck camping, backpack hunting, or being flown in.
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