Congratulations on obtaining a Bison Hunt permit for Hunt D1454! As you are aware, hunting options on public land for this particular herd are extremely limited. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game Hunting Guide advises that:
“Hunting opportunities on public land are extremely limited. Most Bison are found on private lands where access is not allowed. The only access during fall is on state lands below the ordinary high water mark on the Copper River and a boat is necessary. Snow machine access during the winter is very limited because of land status and open water throughout the winter on the Copper River.”
The Bison tend to congregate along the floodplains of the Chetaslina and Cheshnina Rivers. This is land owned by Ahtna, Inc. As such, it has made it very difficult for hunters in the past to take a Bison without trespassing on Ahtna lands.
Ahtna is now offering access to its lands for valid Bison Hunt permit holders. The cost is $1,500 for one season of access to hunt Bison. This includes the use of Ahtna Lands in the Hunt D1454 region as well as floatplane access for the Ahtna portions of the Chetaslina and Cheshnina Rivers. The permit holder will also be able to take up to three individuals with him under one permit. Groups will be limited to four per week on Ahtna Lands.
Ahtna also has a cabin available on a first come, first served basis. The cabin is located at the mouth of the Cheshnina River and sleeps four persons comfortably. The use of the cabin is free of charge for paying permit holders. Otherwise, the cost is $50 per night.
Please see the attached map for details on the location of Ahtna Lands and the Ahtna Rental Cabin within the Hunt D1454 region. To purchase a permit or to obtain more information, please contact Ahtna at (907) 822-8138 or (907) 822-8134.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has online information for the DI1454 hunt available here. They note in their Spring Supplemental that:
"During the hunt period, most bison are found on private lands, where a $1,500 trespass fee is charged. Success is high on private land. If you do not have considerable knowledge of the local area, a considerable amount of time to hunt, or do not plan to purchase the trespass permit, please do not apply for this hunt."
Below is a map of the Ahtna Bison Hunt permit area as well as a Bison Hunt permit form:
