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
- Cold Foot is an excellent tourist stop while in the unit
On The Ground
This unit is found in central Alaska and is a great area of opportunity for bowhunters and gun hunters alike. The Dalton highway passes through the center of the unit and will serve as the main access point for any hunt conducted here. This road is heavily used by supply trucks hauling gear to the oil fields to the north and hunters can expect good travel conditions, barring weather. This is a gem of a unit for most DIY bow hunters thanks to the Dalton Highway corridor but some great rifle hunting opportunities are found here for hunters who can access the open regions.
This area sees a heavy population of all game animals and hunters can expect some very good hunting opportunities here. Most hunters will opt to rent vehicles in Fairbanks to hunt the road system.
Terrain
The southern end of the unit is primarily comprised of large rolling hills with timber stands in the lower elevations and large expansive tundra on the tops of ridgelines. Many creeks and rivers cover this area and make for a diverse area with plenty of room for game to hide. The northern end of the unit is the foothills area that begins the Brooks Range and hunters will see a much greater exaggeration in terrain with limestone and granite mountains. Climbing conditions will be tough here and traversing country can be treacherous at times.
Roughly 4,143 square miles
87% Public land
Elevations range from 650-7,000 feet
Vegetation
This area is primarily boreal forest and will see the typical makeup of birch, black spruce, willow, bramble, and tundra. Glassing conditions are great for the most part and small bumps in elevation can reveal miles and miles of terrain. Traversing the tundra can be tough walking at times. The northern end of the unit will see higher alpine areas with a good distribution of willow, alder, and black spruce. In these areas, glassing conditions will be great.
Access
This unit is very accessible through the use of the Dalton Highway. Most hunters will generally rent vehicles in Fairbanks and can access most portions of the unit within 4-5 hours. Public land distribution is such that hunters can virtually pull off the road at any point and begin their trek in. The Koyukuk River is a popular float option for hunters although this area does see some outfitter pressure.
Some rental companies will not allow the use of their vehicles on the Dalton, be sure to check first
Camping and Lodging
Lots of pullouts are available throughout this area for vehicle camping as well as quarries. These can be great areas to base from or some hunters may opt to hike in and spike out. Modern lodging options can be found in Cold Foot.
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