Hunters discussing Unit 18's conditions note the challenge of archery hunting, particularly for wolves due to the open terrain, though a moose hunt might be feasible with stealth and preparation. It's important to verify dates in hunting plans as winter hunt results for 2024 were previously mislisted under 2023, and nonresidents benefit from no antler restrictions, offering a broader opportunity for success. A hunter shared their positive experience harvesting muskox on Nunivak Island, emphasizing the necessity of hiring a local transporter—such as Ishmael Smith of I & V Transporters—for guidance, accommodations, and safety during the challenging conditions. His reliable services, including competent snow machine navigation, provide a noteworthy option for those seeking to enhance their chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt in this demanding environment.
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This enormous unit is found in southwestern Alaska and lies along the Pacific Ocean. Several communities and towns are found along the various bays and inlet, the most notable being Bethel. Most of the hunting opportunities here are limited to residents, so hunters will need to pay close attention to the regulations. Physically reaching this unit can require many steps and will tend to be very expensive due to the remoteness of this region. Bethel will be the general staging point for most hunts conducted out of here.
There are some good hunting options here but nonresident hunters can generally find easier and cheaper hunting options in other parts of the state.
With the exception of some mountainous regions along the southeastern side of the area, this unit does not see a lot of terrain variation. Most of this unit is comprised of widespread tundra with many rivers and creek beds, bogs, and small and widely distributed lakes. This unit is largely remote and uninhabited and access options for hunters are going to be limited.
Due to the location of this unit, access options are primarily limited to a plane, both into the unit and into hunting areas. A few float hunt options can be found throughout the unit but gear will need to be shipped into a hub town and then flown into the hunting location. Seeing as this area is so remote, hunting will need to be conducted in close proximity to camping locations or near rivers when floating. There are good float hunting options found on the Goodnews, Kanektok, and Kisaralik Rivers. Reservations through air services and outfitters tend to fill up quickly and hunters need to be on the ball when hoping to use these services.
The large majority of this unit is comprised of expansive tundra is heavily laden in berry bushes and small scatterings of timber. Areas around streams and river beds are heavily vegetated in willow and alder which can prove very difficult to navigate through. Ponds and lakes are heavily distributed throughout the area and make more of a marshy landscape that can be a chore to navigate around or through.
There are a few modern lodging options in small towns and communities, but very few hunting options exist within close proximity to these. Most hunters in the unit will be forced to use primitive camping techniques.
Roughly 45,454 square miles
59% Public land
Elevations range from 0-4,500 feet