The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System announces the release of Request for Proposals and Prospectus for a commercial big game guiding permit within the Alaska Maritime, Arctic, Becharof, Kenai, Koyukuk, Nowitna, and Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuges, for permit term beginning in 2026. For more information visit Announcing Prospectus and Request Proposals for Big Game Guiding Special Use Permits.
The Bristol Bay side of the Refuge consists primarily of tundra, lakes and wetlands. From these coastal lowlands, the land rises to steep glaciated mountains, forming the spine of the Refuge, and then plunges to steep cliffs and sandy beaches on the Pacific side. As is the case with most of Alaska's coastal refuges, salmon provide the principal nutrient “engine" for Alaska Peninsula, supporting the people and wildlife that depend on them. When the salmon are running, Ugashik Lakes and the streams that surround them attract brown bears in great numbers.
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The Refuge offers a variety of recreational opportunities including sport fishing and hunting, observing/photographing wildlife, hiking, backpacking, boating and camping. Refuge lands are remote and accessible only by small aircraft, boat, or rugged cross country hiking. There are no roads or maintained trails and help can be hours away if something goes wrong. Please prepare accordingly.
