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Aptly named, the musk ox is a bovine with a strong odor emitted by the male of the species. They possess barrel-shaped bodies with short legs and are covered with fur. Both sexes have cream-colored horns with black tips that grow together at the center of the head, drop down along side of head, and then curve up to form sharp hooks. They are a social species and much of their behavior is based on the harem breeding system. In the summer, they live in herds as small as five, while in the winter they may join with other small groups to form herds as large as 60. In Alaska, the musk ox population is limited to the Arctic areas, with a total population hovering around 2,600 animals. Herds of musk ox native to Alaska were driven to extinction through hunting pressures and climate fluctuations in the late 1800's. A small number of musk ox originally from Greenland were reintroduced on Alaska's Nunivak Island in 1935-1936. The population grew over the years and supplied animals for other reintroduction efforts in northern Alaska from 1968 to 1981. Musk ox hunting is permitted in Alaska, but strictly controlled to keep population numbers stable. Hunting for musk ox requires entering the draw for the very limited number of permits awarded. Drawing hunts require an application fee and are awarded by lottery. Though the numbers vary by year, Alaska annually issues about 45 drawing permits for bulls. If you successfully draw a permit, you will receive a Muskox Hunter Orientation Packet. This packet is a comprehensive information kit, including a list of guides and transporters, maps, supplemental information, as well as suggestions on how to plan your hunt. Most hunters require at the minimum a transporter to get them to the hunting locales and help them from getting lost in the field. Many hunters hire outfitters to more fully guide them to a successful harvest. Without a doubt, all hunters who have successfully harvested a musk ox in the Arctic of Alaska agree that it is one of the greatest hunting experiences available today. As a hunter, it is your legal responsibility to know how to identify the animal you plan to harvest. Knowing how to identify a musk ox prevents the taking or wounding of an illegal animal. Additionally, you must ensure that you do not shoot until the legal animal is clear of other animals. After your first shot, the targeted musk ox may walk back into the group and you have to be patient to avoid illegally wounding other animals. Complete information on identifying musk ox is available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The more informed you are, the more successful your hunt. There are few experiences more exciting than traveling to the far north and going on a musk ox hunt. Like other big-game hunts, the financial expenses are great, but the rewards far outweigh those costs. You will find camaraderie with your fellow hunters and guides, as well as an exposure to the power and beauty of one of the world’s most magnificent creatures in a remote environment. The author has lead expeditions into Alaska for over 10 years along with traveling to different parts of the world as a field guide for families or for hunting trips. For more info on hunting in Alaska check, Hunting & Fishing in Alaska
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