Unimak Island caribou hunt RC205 opens August 1 with three-animal limit

Registration permits are now available for Alaska's Unimak Island caribou hunt, with the fall season opening August 1 and running through September 30, 2026, or earlier if closed by emergency order. Hunters must hold a valid 2026 Alaska state hunting license and may take up to three animals, but must carry a separate RC205 permit for each one. Permits are available at the King Salmon ADF&G office or online. Nonresidents must also hold a caribou locking tag. The RC205 permit is not valid for Adak Island.

Why the Three-Animal Limit

A June 2025 survey counted at least 704 caribou on Unimak against a management objective of 800 to 1,000 animals. Emergency Order R4-2-26 states that "harvest is important to stabilize the herd before a significant decline occurs" given the population's cyclic nature. ADF&G's management plan ties the three-animal bag limit to a harvestable surplus in the 100 to 200 range, the threshold the current population estimate supports.

Reporting Requirements

Successful hunters must contact the King Salmon office within two days of harvest by phone at (907) 246-3340 or through ADF&G's online portal. Every permit holder must return a report within 15 days of the September 30 close, regardless of whether a harvest occurred.