Fortymile caribou hunt opens August 20 with 550-bull cap and short-notice closure risk

Hunters pursuing Fortymile caribou in 2026 will operate under reduced zone quotas, with any zone able to close by emergency order before the season ends.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game set a 550-bull annual quota for the 2026-2027 hunt. Of that total, 415 bulls are allocated to the fall hunt and 135 to the winter hunt. The bag limit is 1 bull in all zones (1-4) for both resident and non-resident hunters. No cow harvest is permitted. The final winter quota, season, and bag limit will be determined once the fall hunting season is complete.

These seasons and bag limits apply only to state caribou hunts. Hunters with questions about federal subsistence regulations should call (800) 478-1456.

Zone Caps and Openings

Road-accessible zones open August 20. Zone 2, the roadless area, opens August 10 with a 100-bull cap. Zones 1 and 4 along the Steese Highway corridor carry 190 bulls combined. Zone 3 along the Taylor Highway carries 125.

Road-zone openings could be pushed back. "Hunters should anticipate that the fall season may be delayed in one or more road accessible zones, to avoid overharvest, if large numbers of caribou are accessible near roads prior to the scheduled season opening," ADF&G said. Delays will be announced at least 5-7 days before the scheduled opening date.

A Smaller Herd

ADF&G models estimate the herd at 27,000 animals for mid-summer 2026. Models indicate the herd has slightly declined since last fall, though the bull-to-cow ratio has remained stable. ADF&G has stated that "now that the herd is smaller, harvest quotas will be reduced to lessen the impact of harvest on FCH growth while still providing limited hunting opportunity."

Before You Go

State RC860 permits become available July 16 at hunt.alaska.gov and at ADF&G offices in Tok, Delta Junction, Eagle, Fairbanks, and other locations statewide.

Successful hunters must report within three days of the kill — online at hunt.alaska.gov, by phone at (907) 883-2971, or in person at the ADF&G office in Tok. Unsuccessful hunters must report by October 15. Failure to report bars a hunter from draw, targeted, Tier II, and registration permits the following regulatory year.

Call the Fortymile Caribou Herd Hotline at (907) 267-2310 before heading out.