Annual permits for a limited number of people to experience the world-renowned McNeil River State Game Sanctuary are being made available through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issues guided bear viewing permits through a lottery system. Online lottery applications for this summer must be submitted by midnight on March 1 through the department’s online store. Individuals may also obtain a hard copy application and submit it by mail, but the application must be received by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game by close of business on March 1.
A non-refundable application fee of $30 per person is required. Applications are selected by lottery in mid-March. If drawn, Alaska residents must pay a $225 permit fee per person and nonresidents must pay $525.
In addition to the lottery, there are two permits available through a raffle operated by the Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska, the ADF&G official nonprofit foundation. The raffle winner will receive two permits for June 15-18 as well as funds to support lodging and travel associated with the trip. Raffle tickets can be purchased at ohfak.org by April 2 and the winner will be announced on April 7, 2023. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to fund conservation of non-game wildlife.
Located 100 air miles west of Homer, McNeil River hosts the world’s largest gathering of brown bears as they come to feed on migrating salmon, with as many as 80 bears observed at one time. The yearly viewing opportunity extends from June 7 and August 25.
For information on the McNeil River bear viewing program and application process, contact Lands and Refuges Manager Adam DuBour at 267-2189 or [email protected].
For information on the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary Raffle, contact our Partner Outreach Coordinator Molly McCarthy-Cunfer at 907-717-0725 or [email protected].
