TOK — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has delayed the start of the winter Fortymile caribou season in Zones 1 and 4 and reduced the overall hunting quota after new data showed the herd continues to decline.

Using results from last summer’s photocensus and recent survival and reproduction data, biologists estimate the herd now numbers between 24,000 and 28,000 animals — a drop from previous years. Based on that estimate, the department set the total harvest quota at 525 bulls for the 2025–2026 season, including 395 for the fall hunt and 130 for the winter hunt.

Hunters took 206 bulls during the fall season, leaving 189 unused from the fall quota. Those have been added to the winter total for a revised quota of 320 bulls. Of those, 190 bulls are allocated to Zones 1 and 4 — covering

See Full Page