Western Arctic Caribou Herd

The Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group (WACH WG) includes subsistence users, other Alaskan hunters, reindeer herders, hunting guides, transporters and conservationists. Agency staff, biologists and natural resource managers are advisory to the WG and provided information and support when needed or requested by the group. The group meets once a year, with additional sub-committees meeting through the year, as specific needs arise.

During the meetings, biologists report on current health and population status, range condition, and other biological factors affecting the herd. Invited specialists present information on topics that may impact the herd, such as climate, statewide transportation, and public land uses planning. Elders address the group, sharing knowledge passed down for generations.

The group identifies concerns, requests information and advocates for actions that will conserve and benefit the herd, including habitat studies or protection from the impact of development. The group provides public information through this website and in its newsletter, Caribou Trails and welcomes public comment.

Western Arctic Caribou Herd
The Western Arctic caribou herd (WAH) is one of the largest caribou
herds in the world. With a population estimate of 188,000 caribou in 2021,
they range over a territory of about 157,000 square miles in Northwest
Alaska. To put this in perspective, that is roughly the size of California.

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