Permits and Licenses

Sport Hunting & Fishing

Hunting and fishing are popular activities on the Refuge. All anglers and hunters must have a current Alaska hunting or fishing license and follow state and federal regulations. Certain hunts for non-residents require the use of a licensed and permitted guide. The types of hunts that require a guide are spelled out in the state hunting regulations. (For a list of Refuge permitted guides please contact the Refuge office.) For regulations and details on purchasing state licenses, contact the Refuge office or Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (Federal subsistence moose and caribou hunts require a special permit available at Refuge headquarters.)

Subsistence

For over 10,000 years, humans have depended on the natural resources of the upper Tanana River drainage for survival. These land and water resources have been essential for food, clothing, shelter, tools and items for trade and barter with neighbors. This way of life is based upon an elemental reciprocal agreement made in the dawn of prehistory between man and the wildlife of Alaska. For his part, man agreed to take only what he needed and to be respectful of the wildlife and fish. In return, the animals and fish promised to freely give themselves to him so that he too might survive on the land.

This agreement is a basis of the cultural heritage of the native people of interior Alaska today. Many other rural residents share this natural resource philosophy.

The Refuge offers several subsistence opportunities to local residents: a winter moose and caribou hunt, a spring waterfowl hunt and fishing opportunities throughout the year.

The subsistence way of life is protected by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. For a more detailed description of the issues and laws applicable to subsistence uses see http://www.subsistmgtinfo.org/news.htm.

Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits are required for any commercial activity on the Refuge. Please contact the Refuge for more information.

Educational groups are encouraged to visit the Refuge. Please plan ahead and contact the Refuge well in advance for assistance and pertinent information.

Import / Export Permits

Are you thinking of purchasing some family treasures while visiting Alaska? Are you returning home with wild game meat or fish?

If you need to cross through Canada (or are from another country) and plan on taking home any wildlife parts (including furs and handicrafts containing wildlife parts) you may need an import/export permit, “Declaration of Import/Export 3-177.”

You will not need a permit to take home any Alaskan item(s) made of fish and wildlife (excluding marine mammals and most feathers) if:
      • the value of the handicraft item(s) is less than $250.00
      • the animal from which the item(s) was made is not listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES.) (Black and brown bears, wolves, river otter and lynx are common species currently listed as CITES species.)
      • you have less than than eight of the same items.

If your fish and wildlife handicraft does not meet this above criteria, you will need a permit and your goods will need to be physically inspected. Please contact the following offices for more information:

Fish and Wildlife Inspector’s Office, Anchorage Airport
(907) 271-6198
Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office, Anchorage
(907) 271-6198
Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office, Fairbanks
(907) 456-0255
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Office, Tok
( 907) 883-5312

Marine mammal parts (ivory, baleen, etc.) are not allowed into Canada. All pieces containing any marine mammal parts must be mailed or flown back to the lower 48.

For more information and to download a copy of the Declaration Form 3-177, visit http://www.le.fws.gov and click on the button for importers and exporters.

Last updated: October 28, 2008