Bulletin: Federal subsistence goat hunting season to close in a portion of Unit 5A

YAKUTAT, Alaska – Yakutat District Ranger Nate Catterson, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, is closing the 2026 Federal subsistence mountain goat hunting season for a portion of Unit 5A. The closed area begins on the west shore of Harlequin Lake and the western edge of Yakutat Glacier, then west of Harlequin Lake and Yakutat Glacier to Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay, and south of Russell and Nunatak Fjords. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued a closure to the State season for the same area. 

Aerial surveys indicate a decline in the mountain goat population starting in 2006. Harvest of goats in this area could have long term negative effects on the health and recovery of this population. 

Hunters are reminded that there is no Federal hunting season for goats in the Nunatak Bench area, defined as the area between the Hubbard Glacier and the West Nunatak Glacier on the north and east sides of Nunatak Fjord.

Seven points (males=1 point and females=2 points) are available for harvest in the area between Harlequin Lake and the Alsek River (i.e. east of Harlequin Lake). The Federal Subsistence mountain goat season in this open area is August 1 to January 31, or until the quota is met. A Federal permit is required to harvest under these regulations. Successful harvesters must bring the complete skull to the Yakutat Forest Service office within three business days of the harvest. Hunters are encouraged to report their harvest as soon as possible. Prompt harvest reporting helps ensure that the quota is not exceeded and the mountain goat population continues to recover.

Hunters are encouraged to become familiar with how to differentiate between male and female goats before initiating their hunt. See: Mountain Goat Identification, Alaska Department of Fish and Game for additional information.

Dates of the closure:

Effective Date: July 31, 2026 11:59 p.m.

Expiration Date: January 31, 2027, unless superseded by subsequent special action

For additional information, contact U.S. Forest Service Yakutat District Ranger Nate Catterson or Wildlife Biologist Susan Oehlers at (907) 784-3359, or susan.oehlers@usda.gov. More information about the Tongass National Forest Subsistence Program can be found here: 

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/89110993bb8c4c47bb7e2306d05f26e2/

Information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.

Missing out on the latest federal subsistence issues? To receive email updates on Federal Subsistence Management Program activities, send a request to subsistence@ios.doi.gov.

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