Kenai Refuge Special Use Permits

A special use permit is required for all commercial visitor services and most other non-visitor use activities on refuge lands. A permit is not required for the general public to visit a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge to engage in wildlife-dependent recreational activities such as wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, photography, environmental education, interpretation, hiking, and camping. However, visitors must comply with all pertinent refuge regulations, State and Federal laws, and State hunting and fishing regulations.

Special use permits are required for, but not limited to, the following types of activities:  

Commercial Operations - Jason Oles

  • Guiding and outfitting (hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, river trips, etc.) 
  • Big game transporting 
  • Air and water taxi 
  • Sand and gravel removal
  • Woodcutting and removal (including personal use)
  • Tent platforms and long term tent camps (including personal use)

    Learn more

Videography and commercial photography - Jason Oles

Videography and commercial photography may require a permit depending on the nature of the activity. Learn more

Scientific Research and Monitoring - Todd Eskelin

  • Archeological research
  • Biological research 
  • Geological research 
  • Research and Monitoring Installations* (i.e., weather, climate, seismic, etc.) 

Use and Occupancy of Refuge Lands - Todd Eskelin    

  • Trapping or black bear baiting 
  • Subsistence (hunting) 
  • Subsistence (fishing) 

*Transportation and utility systems, and other long-term installations, require a right-of-way permit from our Refuge Manager. Special use permits for operations and activities on established rights-of-way are obtained from the Refuge Manager. 

Permits issued for commercial visitor uses are subject to a $100 administrative fee which must accompany the application, and following permit issuance, an annual use fee based on activity type and reported client use days, and a fee for any approved reserved land sites.  

Application Period

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge accepts permit applications for non-visitor services activities throughout the year; however, commercial visitor services applications are only accepted from February 15 through April 1, annually.

Contact Us

Special use permits are obtained by submitting a permit application and other required information. Please contact our office before completing the permit application and the submission of other required information.