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Alaska State Flag

Unit 16A - Lower Susitna

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2019
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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
  • Waders or hip boots are highly recommended when hunting marshy areas
  • This area sees heavy hunting pressure near the highways and waterways
  • Great fishing found here throughout the unit

On The Ground

This large unit is found in south-central Alaska and lies north of Anchorage. A few roads provide vehicle access into a number of areas but most of this unit is fairly remote and will require a plane, foot travel, or floating access. This area is primarily comprised of large expansive marshes, muskegs, and timber patches. The northern end of the unit does see some mountainous terrain from the Tokosha Mountains, but this area is almost entirely contained within Denali National Park and is not open to hunting. Vegetation can be very dense along river bottom areas and around lakes which can make glassing difficult and impede cross country travel. With good pre-hunt research, hunters can run into some good opportunities in this unit.

This area has good hunting opportunities, but the areas near the highways receive a good deal of hunting pressure. With careful planning before the hunt, it is possible to escape the majority of hunting pressure. Moose hunting itself is still pretty good but the trophy potentials have been on a slight decline.

Terrain

The mass majority of this unit is comprised of large expansive marsh, muskeg, and timberlands. Several rivers and streams wind their way through the unit and provide some good hunting opportunities. Glassing options can be limited at times due to vegetation. Small bumps in elevation can be well worth the hike to gain the ability to see. Cross country travel can be a chore with many creek crossings and finding your way around muskegs; using creek channels and game trails can be advantageous.

  • Roughly 1,863 square miles

  • 99% Public land

  • Elevations range from 50-10,000 feet

Most of the unit holds large stands of spruce, birch, hemlock, and aspen intermixed among meadows, marshes, and muskegs. Most of the open areas will see a heavy presence of tundra, native grasses, alder, willows, and dwarf birch. Areas along creek bottoms and river drainages can become heavily vegetated and hard to traverse. The edges of meadows and muskegs can also see very dense vegetation.

Highway access is good along the eastern edge of the unit as well as through Petersville Rd. ATV trails can be found scattered throughout these areas but hunting pressure tends to be much higher. Floating the Deshka River from Petersville Rd to its confluence with the Susitna River is a popular option and will lead hunters through a good chunk of great huntable areas. There are a few options for flying into the unit as well which can provide a more remote experience. This area will see a heavy jet boat presence.

Several modern lodging options can be found throughout the unit in various communities but will only be viable options for certain types of hunts. Most hunters in this unit will generally opt for primitive camping in the bush whether they are flown in, float hunting, or truck camping.

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