McNeil River — State Game Sanctuary and Refuge
Permits

To protect the bears, their habitat and the unique visitor experience, access to the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is restricted by Alaska Statute (AS 16.20.162) requiring an access permit issued by ADF&G for entry into the sanctuary. Under Under regulations developed by the Department of Fish and Game and adopted by the Alaska Board of Game (5AAC 92.065 and 5AAC 93.030) the following access permits are available to visit the sanctuary: Viewing Permits, Special Access Permits, Nonviewing Permits, and Transporter Permits. Application procedures and materials are available on these web pages or by contacting McNeil support staff at the address, telephone or e-mail listed on the "McNeil River Contacts" page.

The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is closed to hunting and trapping.

The McNeil River State Game Refuge is open to most public uses provided the activity does not damage refuge resources, disturb wildlife or disrupt existing public uses. Allowed activities generally include legal hunting, trapping, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, boating, snow machining, and camping.

The McNeil River State Game Refuge is closed to the hunting of brown bear but open to legal hunting and trapping of other species.

Special Area Permits

Other activities occurring anywhere in the MRSGS or MRSGR may require an ADF&G Special Area Permit. For more information on allowed activities and required permits, review the Special Area Permit requirements and contact the Special Area Permit office listed on the Contact Information page.

For more information on the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge please refer to the McNeil River Management Plan (PDF 653 kB). For current land status information, see the McNeil River Land Status Map (PDF 956 kB). You may also download the KML file which depicts the refuge area boundary.