This smaller unit is found in south-central Alaska and lies just north of Anchorage. This area is densely populated and easily accessible to anyone. This area sees a lot of hunting pressure; many nonresident hunters will be urged to look into other units when planning their Alaska adventure. A good highway system covers most of the unit but bush/floatplanes will be necessary to access any of the remote areas. Additionally, foot travel into many areas is entirely possible. Vegetation can be dense at times, particularly around rivers and streams, but this area is generally good for glassing opportunities.

This unit is highly accessible to anyone, but hunting pressure can be very high throughout most of the season. Nonresidents will find a much more enjoyable experience when hunting other units.

This area has a wide array of terrain features from boggy muskegs to high mountain peaks. Most of the unit sees a high exaggeration of terrain with steep climbing ridgelines, large basins, and big river bottoms. A majority of the lower elevation will be heavily timbered or vegetated. Physically moving through some of this country can be difficult at times, particularly around creeks and rivers. Glassing opportunities will be limited at times but most of the high elevation areas are generally void of large vegetation and are great for locating game.

With the larger towns of Wasilla and Palmer located in the unit, as well as its close reciprocity to Anchorage, it’s safe to say that hunting pressure will be high in this unit. Access options via the highway system are great and widespread. The western side of the unit sees more options for remote country, most of which will still be heavily covered by foot and air traffic. Covering ground on foot can be tough in lower elevations at times due to the dense vegetation, but most of the high country is easily traversed. Jetboat use is very heavy in this area.

Most of the river bottom areas will be comprised of spruce timber stands, grasses, sedges, alder, dwarf birch, and tundra. Bogs and muskegs are scattered across the landscape where ponds and small lakes are abundant. At higher elevations above the treeline, there is generally a higher distribution of mountain hemlock, tundra, berry plants, and small shrubs. Traversing country in and around the river bottom areas can difficult at times due to dense vegetation but some of the lower areas are comprised of tundra and small shrubs and are great for glassing. Following established game trails can be a great way to effectively cover ground. Small gains in elevation in these areas can make spotting game from a distance much easier and can reduce the physical output needed to cover multiple areas. The high country areas are generally void of major vegetation so spotting game from a distance can be fairly straight forward.

Due to the amount of development in this area, several options exist for modern lodging. One USFS cabin is available for rent but is located in an area with very few hunting options. Many hunters will also opt for primitive camping methods when truck camping along the highway system or when backpacking or flying in to hunt.