Plan your transportation and lodging options around the season and species you will be hunting
Rain gear is a necessity
When beaching a boat pay close attention to changing tidal conditions
Established hiking trails generally provide the best access into high country areas
On The Ground
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Access
Camping and Lodging
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This huge unit is found in south-central Alaska and features a wide array of species and terrain features. Seward is the most notable city within the unit but several towns can be encountered throughout the unit, especially along the Seward Highway. Depending on the season and species hunters will have several options for accessing the unit ranging from boats and planes to vehicles. Vegetation can be dense at times in lower elevation areas but hunters will find a lot of huntable country above timberline where traversing the country is much easier. High country areas are often composed of large, steep, and rocky knife ridges that are as impressive as they are beautiful.
Escaping hunting pressure can be tough in some areas here to the ease of access and reciprocity to Anchorage but most locals tend to stick to easy to access hunting areas. Still, research can lead hunters to great hunting opportunities. Great ptarmigan hunting in the high country.
This unit is very mountainous with mountains jutting sharply of valley floors and climbing for thousands of feet. The southern region of the unit tends to see slightly less ground vegetation in lower elevations with glassing terrain occurring near or just above sea level. Traversing the country can be, at times, easier here but the country is also very steep. The north end of the unit tends to see more vegetation cover in low to mid elevation areas with treeline generally occurring around 2,000 - 2,500 feet. Accessing treeline in these areas can be tough as hunters will need to battle through dense tangles of alder brush.
Old-growth forest can be found in many of the low elevation areas which are usually comprised of enormous Sitka Spruce. Alder brush and Salmonberry grows in great abundance in many areas and can make cross country travel near impossible. Above treeline, hunters will find vast tundra expanses composed of mosses, natural grasses, flowers, and smaller tree species such as mountain hemlock. Many of the highest elevation areas will be largely composed of rock faces, scree fields, and cliffs.
Access options in this unit are great with the decision on which route to use largely landing on the season and species to be hunted. The Seward Highway and other roads provide great vehicle access into many areas and can be an excellent option for those who will be hunting inland. Along with most of coastal Alaska, float planes, and skiffs provide great shoreline access when hunting bears, deer, and goats. Physically accessing some of the high country areas can be difficult, particularly in areas with heavy ground cover below treeline. Physical fitness can also play a role in these hunts. Generally speaking, hiking trails will provide the best options for accessing the high country.
Hunters can find modern lodging options in several of the larger towns although hunting pressure tends to be higher in these areas. The most remote hunting options will generally be had by physically hiking into high country areas or through the use of boats to access remote coves and beaches. A few USFS cabins can also be rented at a modest price that will allow for good remote lodging options. Primitive camping is always an option as well but certain areas, particularly those along the coast, can be receive heavy amounts of precipitation and this can be a very uncomfortable situation.