Muskox hunts on Nunivak Island have gained some popularity in recent years, while the resource continues to flourish. While residents have some open registration hunts available, non-residents must draw a permit to hunt anywhere in the state. Nunivak Island (unit 18) will have both a fall 2026 hunt and a winter 2027 hunt available in this draw period. Fall hunters will be confined to the coastal areas along the beach using transporters’ boat for beach landing dropoffs. Winter hunters will be able to access almost all reaches of the island with the use of snowmobiles and sleds. Permit holders will need to hire a local transporter for lodging, meals, and transportation to the remote portions of the island to locate herds of muskox and have a successful hunt. Huntin’ Fool recommends that hunters apply in the muskox draw as a party of two so that two hunters can split some costs and share travel fees. Although a guide is not required for this free-ranging species, self-guided hunters should expect to pay $8,000-$12,000 each for airplane fees, transporter services, locking-tags, native land access permits, and other incidental travel costs.

At Huntin' Fool, we are always looking for ways to improve our service and help out members to the very best of our abilities. We believe communication is what makes our Huntin' Fool community great!