Nunivak Island Muskox Permit (SX050):

Season Dates: August 1-September 30, 2024, or January 15-March 31, 2025

Alaska is the only place in the United States where you can hunt for muskox. The Nunivak muskox population is managed for trophy quality with 70 bulls for every 100 cows. With a high abundance of mature old age bulls, you can observe several bulls before choosing one to harvest.

You will choose which season you want to hunt, both of which come with different advantages. During the fall season, muskox are rutting, which is quite a spectacle. Expect wet and windy conditions! Your transportation around the island will be by boat or ATV. Prepare for a bumpy, boggy ATV ride! Aside from muskox hunting, Nunivak Island has excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities in the fall.

If you choose a winter hunt, muskoxen are heavily covered in thick fur, making their pelts more desirable. The winter hunt will likely be very cold. You will travel the island on a snowmachine with a transporter. During most of the winter hunt, Arctic fox and red fox hunting is also open.

Whether fall or winter, you can expect this hunt to cost a couple thousand dollars, even with the $5,000 included with the permit. When you arrive, after flying to Bethel and then Mekoryuk, you must hire a local guide as a transporter. You must also obtain a Native Corporation trespass permit to legally hunt. Regardless of the cost, this hunt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity! Learn more about muskox hunting on Nunivak Island here