Alaska Federal Subsistence Management Program
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The Federal Subsistence Management Program is a multi-agency effort. Subsistence fishing and hunting provide a large share of the food consumed in rural Alaska.
About the Program
The Federal Subsistence Management Program is a multi-agency effort to provide the opportunity for a subsistence way of life to rural Alaskans on Federal public lands and waters while maintaining healthy populations of fish and wildlife. Nowhere else in the United States is there such a heavy reliance upon wild foods. This dependence on wild resources is cultural, social and economic. Alaska's indigenous inhabitants have relied upon the traditional harvest of wild foods for thousands of years and have passed this way of life, its culture, and values down through generations. Subsistence has also become important to many non-Native Alaskans, particularly in rural Alaska. ANILCA
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), passed by Congress in 1980, mandates that rural residents of Alaska be given a priority for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife. In 1989, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that ANILCA's rural priority violated the Alaska Constitution. As a result, the Federal government manages subsistence uses on Federal public lands and waters in Alaska-about 230 million acres or 60 percent of the land within the state. To help carry out the responsibility for subsistence management, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture established the Federal Subsistence Management Program. Public Participation
The program provides for public participation through the Federal Subsistence Board and 10 Regional Advisory Councils. The Board is the decision-making body that oversees the program. It is made up of the regional directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Forest Service and there are three public members appointed by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture; two represent rural subsistence users and one is the Federal Subsistence Board chairman. The Regional Advisory Councils provide recommendations and information to the Board; review proposed regulations, policies and management plans; and provide a public forum for subsistence issues. Each Council consists of residents who are knowledgeable about subsistence and other uses of fish and wildlife resources in their region. Fisheries Research
Another important element of the Federal Subsistence Management Program is fisheries research and monitoring. The Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program supports and funds research and monitoring projects that provide information needed for subsistence fisheries management and to ensure that regulatory decisions are based upon sound science. The Federal Subsistence Board, Regional Advisory Councils and fishery managers use this information when making regulatory decisions. Projects funded by the program are carried out by numerous organizations, including the State and Federal government agencies, universities, Alaska Native and rural organizations, and private contractors. Program Structure and Processes
Regulations implementing the Federal Subsistence Management Program on Federal public lands within the State of Alaska can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 100, Sec. 1-23. Additional information on how the program is implemented can be found in the 1992 Record of Decision. Other Laws
While most of the subsistence harvest on Federal lands in Alaska is managed under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, other Federal laws also govern the harvest of some species. The harvest of halibut is managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The harvest of seals, sea lions and some whales is co-managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service and Alaska Natives under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources
The harvest of sea otters, polar bears and walrus is co-managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Natives under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/
The harvest of waterfowl and other migratory birds is co-managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Natives under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. http://www.fws.gov/alaska/ambcc/index.htm
10/07/2026
Bristol Bay Subsistence Regional Advisory Council to meet in Dillingham at the UAF Campus
The Bristol Bay Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 28-29 at the UAF Bristol Bay Campus (Room 128) in Dillingham. The meeting will begin daily at 08:30 a.m. (AKST).
The Council will discuss issues related to subsistence in the Bristol Bay Region including 2028 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Priority Information Needs and Wildlife Special Action Requests WSA26-05 (regarding Cape Pierce caribou) and WSA26-11 (regarding Unit 9 caribou).
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting. To join the meeting by teleconference, dial toll-free (833) 436-1163, then when prompted enter the phone conference ID: 867 131 715 #. The meeting can also be joined via Microsoft Teams.
All meeting materials as well as the Microsoft Teams link may be found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions/bb_materials
To request copies by mail, fax, or email, contact the Office of Subsistence Management.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
10/06/2026
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Subsistence Regional Advisory Council to meet in Bethel at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 27-29 at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center in Bethel. The meeting will begin daily at 09:00 a.m. (AKST).
The Council will develop recommendations on fisheries closures and discuss other issues related to subsistence in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, including 2028 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Priority Information Needs and Wildlife Special Action Request WSA26-05 regarding Cape Pierce Caribou.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting, and will have a chance to share their thoughts on current fisheries proposals and closures in the region, found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries/2027-2029_Proposals_and_Closure_Reviews
To join the meeting by teleconference, dial toll-free (833) 436-1163, then when prompted enter the phone conference ID: 143 331 810 #. The meeting can also be joined via Microsoft Teams.
All meeting materials as well as the Microsoft Teams link may be found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions/ykd_materials
To request copies by mail, fax, or email, contact the Office of Subsistence Management.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
10/01/2026
Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council to meet in Gustavus at the Community Center
The Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 20-22 at the Community Center in Gustavus. The meeting will begin daily at 09:00 a.m. (AKST).
The Council will develop recommendations on fisheries closures and discuss other issues related to subsistence in the Southeast Alaska Region, including 2028 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Priority Information Needs.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting, and will have a chance to share their thoughts on current fisheries proposals and closures in the region, found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries/2027-2029_Proposals_and_Closure_Reviews.
To join the meeting by teleconference, dial toll-free (833) 436-1163, then when prompted enter the phone conference ID: 537 198 547 #. The meeting can also be joined via Microsoft Teams.
All meeting materials as well as the Microsoft Teams meeting link may be found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions/se_materials
To request copies by mail, fax, or email, contact the Office of Subsistence Management.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
09/30/2026
Public Meeting and Hearing Announced Regarding 2026 Unit 7 Federal Subsistence Caribou Hunt
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will hold a public meeting and hearing to share information and solicit comments on the fall 2026 federal subsistence caribou hunt in Unit 7. The USFS is considering extending, under delegation of authority, the restriction to harvest bulls only in the federal subsistence FC0702 registration hunt for caribou during the remainder of the 2026 season in Unit 7 and is seeking the public’s input.
The meeting and hearing will be held telephonically on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026, at 5pm. Opportunity will be provided for the public to share information, interact with federal managers, and offer testimony.
The public is encouraged to participate in this meeting by calling the telephone number below. When prompted, enter the conference ID.
Public Meeting/Hearing Information:
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026, at 5pm
Teleconference: +1 202-650-0123
Conference ID: 813 062 124 #
View full bulletin with more detailed information including map link: https://www.doi.gov/subsistencenewsgeneral/bulletin-public-meeting-and-hearing-announced-regarding-2026-unit-7-federal
09/30/2026
Public Hearing Announced for Wildlife Special Action Request WSA26-11 (Unit 9C Caribou)
The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) is announcing a public hearing to gather comments on Temporary Wildlife Special Action request WSA26-11. The request asks to increase the caribou harvest limit from one to two caribou by State registration permit for the winter 2026/27 hunt within Katmai National Preserve in Unit 9C. The submitted special action request can be viewed at www.doi.gov/subsistence/wildlife-special-actions.
The public hearing to receive testimony on this request will be virtual and by teleconference on:
October 15, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.* (Or until conclusion of public comments)
Toll-free teleconference: (833) 436-1163 Conference ID: 172 044 847 #
The hearing can also be joined via Microsoft Teams via this link: https://bit.ly/4y9SoyZ
*Public hearings may end early or run late depending on the level of public participation
If you would like to comment on WSA26-11, but are unable to attend this public hearing, written comments may be submitted to [email protected] until the conclusion of the public hearing.
In addition to this public hearing, if your Tribe or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation is interested in a Government-to-Government consultation on this issue, please contact the Office of Subsistence Management Native Liaison at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3888, or [email protected].
Comments received during the hearing will be summarized for the Board’s consideration when it meets to act on the request on November 16 at 1:00 p.m., via teleconference. Additional information on that Board teleconference will be provided through a bulletin on the Program’s webpage (www.doi.gov/subsistence/upcoming-federal-subsistence-board-meetings), and social media.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Board is committed to providing access for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
09/28/2026
Seward Peninsula Subsistence Regional Advisory Council to meet in Nome at the Mini Convention Center
The Seward Peninsula Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 14-15 at the Mini Convention Center in Nome. The meeting will begin daily at 09:00 a.m. (AKST).
The Council will develop recommendations on proposals to change federal subsistence fisheries regulations and fisheries closures. They will also discuss other issues related to subsistence in the Seward Peninsula Region, including 2028 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Priority Information Needs and Wildlife Special Action WSA26-01, regarding the Western Arctic Caribou Herd.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting, and will have a chance to share their thoughts on current fisheries proposals and closures in the region, found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries/2027-2029_Proposals_and_Closure_Reviews
To join the meeting by teleconference, dial toll-free (833) 436-1163, then when prompted enter the phone conference ID: 905 207 333 #. The meeting can also be joined via Microsoft Teams.
Find meeting materials and Microsoft Teams link here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions/sp_materials
To request copies by mail, fax, or email, contact the Office of Subsistence Management.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
09/25/2026
Forest Service to Hold Alaska Subsistence Hearings on the Proposed 2001 Roadless Rule Rescission
❗️Updated - Additional Subsistence hearing scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026 in Craig, Alaska (see list below)❗️
The Forest Service will hold public subsistence hearings to evaluate potential impacts on subsistence uses in Alaska of the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
The Forest Service will hold the following in-person and virtual Alaska subsistence hearings:
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 from 5 - 7 p.m., at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 50 Main Street, Ketchikan, Alaska.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., online and via call-in at: 202-650-0123, Passcode: 844934670 #
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 from 5 – 7 p.m., online and via call-in at: 202-650-0123, Passcode: 844934670 #
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., at the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, Alaska.
Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., at the Craig Tribal Association Hall, Craig Tribal Association, 505 Front St., Craig, AK.
Online hearing access links are posted at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10
How to Participate
The Forest Service will take oral testimony at each hearing, and that testimony will be included in the record considered for the final rule and its supporting environmental analysis. The agency will not accept written comments at the hearings.
Instructions for submitting written comments, along with hearing links and additional background, are available on the Forest Service Roadless webpage at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless
View full U.S. Forest Service press release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10/newsroom/releases/update-forest-service-hold-alaska-subsistence-hearings
09/25/2026
Eastern Interior Subsistence Regional Advisory Council to meet in Fort Yukon at the Tribal Hall
The Eastern Interior Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 13-15 at the Chief Ezias Loola Cultural Center (Tribal Hall) in Fort Yukon. The meeting will begin daily at 09:00 a.m. (AKST).
The Council will develop recommendations on proposals to change federal subsistence fisheries regulations. They will also discuss other issues related to subsistence in the Eastern Interior Region, including 2028 Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Priority Information Needs and deferred Wildlife Proposal WP26-77, which concerns the customary and traditional use of Eastern Interior Wood Bison.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this meeting, and will have a chance to share their thoughts on current fisheries proposals and closures in the region, found here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries/2027-2029_Proposals_and_Closure_Reviews
To join the meeting by teleconference, dial toll-free (833) 436-1163, then when prompted enter the phone conference ID: 637 555 656 #. The meeting can also be joined via Microsoft Teams.
View meeting materials and Microsoft Teams link here: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions/ei_materials
To request copies by mail, fax, or email, contact the Office of Subsistence Management.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing for all participants. Please make requests for sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations at least seven business days before the meeting. Contact the Office of Subsistence Management at (907) 478-1456 or email [email protected]. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
09/24/2026
Federal Subsistence Board Approves 10-day Moose Season Extension in the FM1203 hunt area of Unit 12 (season is reopening September 25 - October 4, 2026).
The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) approved Emergency Wildlife Special Action Request WSA26-13 as modified by the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM), regarding moose in Unit 12. The Board’s action was conducted via email consistent with the time sensitivity of the request and Board policy.
Wildlife Special Action Request WSA26-13, submitted by the Northway Village Council, asked the Board to extend the 2026 fall moose season in the portion of Unit 12 within the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and those lands within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve north and east of a line formed by the Pickerel Lake Winter Trail from the Canadian border to Pickerel Lake (FM1203 hunt area) by 10 days, from September 21-30, 2026.
The Board approved the request with the OSM modification to extend the season by 10 days following the date of Board approval of this request, meaning the season is reopening September 25 - October 4, 2026.
The Board noted federally qualified subsistence users in Unit 12 struggled in recent years to meet subsistence needs for moose, due to warming fall conditions and later arrival of the rut; extending the season by 10 days provides additional opportunity for federally qualified subsistence users to harvest moose. Due to low harvest rates and adequate bull to cow ratios, no conservation concerns exist.
09/22/2026
We're currently accepting entries for the 2026-27 Federal Subsistence Program Fisheries Student Art Contest! The contest is open to all Alaska students, grades K-12.
Download the art contest poster, official rules and guidelines, and entry form at https://edit.doi.gov/subsistence/art-contest
This year’s entries should be related to subsistence fish or shellfish species or fishing activities. Participants are encouraged to draw from their experiences with subsistence activities regarding any of the federally managed fish and shellfish in Alaska. The winning art will be featured on the cover of the next federal fishing regulations book.
All entries must be postmarked by November 12, 2026.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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