Getting there: McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is on the upper Alaska Peninsula, 250 miles southwest of Anchorage. Most visitors fly in, using float-plane services based in Homer. The Department of Fish and Game can provide a list of companies.
Visitor limits: Only 10 people, accompanied by sanctuary staff, are allowed to view bears daily during each four-day permit period. Permit applications must be received by March 1; winners are determined in a lottery conducted in mid-March. A limited number of stand-by permits are issued, also by lottery.
Overnight facilities: Spaces are provided for tent camping. All food and other odorous items are stored, and meals are cooked, inside a wooden shack.
Fees for 2000: The nonrefundable application fee will be $25. The cost for a resident permit holder to visit McNeil: $150; for nonresidents, $350.
For more information: Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518-1599, (907) 267-2182.
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