Hunting Seasons & Licensing · AK
Alaska Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonAlaska offers the most diverse and challenging hunting in North America. Species include moose, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat, brown/grizzly bear, black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, elk (on Afognak and Raspberry Islands), muskox, bison, and wolf. The state is almost entirely public land — over 220 million acres are open to hunting. Alaska hunting requires serious logistical planning, with many areas accessible only by bush plane, boat, or horseback. The state is divided into 26 Game Management Units with distinct regulations.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | General | Aug through Nov (varies by GMU) | 1 moose per year | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Caribou | General | Aug through Mar (varies by herd/GMU) | Varies — 1 to 5 per year depending on herd | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Dall Sheep | General | Aug 10 – Sep 20, 2025 | 1 full-curl ram per year | Rifle, bow |
| Brown/Grizzly Bear | General | Varies widely by GMU — spring and/or fall | 1 bear per regulatory year (some areas every 4 years) | Rifle, bow |
| Black Bear | General | Varies by GMU — many year-round | Varies — 1 to 3 per year by GMU | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Mountain Goat | General | Aug through Dec (varies by GMU) | 1 goat per year | Rifle, bow |
| Sitka Black-tailed Deer | General | Aug through Dec (varies by GMU) | Varies — 2 to 6 per year by GMU | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
Moose (General): Antler restrictions vary by GMU — some require 50-inch or 4 brow tines. Some areas draw-only.
Caribou (General): Some herds have unlimited harvest. Others are draw-only or closed.
Dall Sheep (General): Full-curl requirement. Some GMUs draw-only. One of the most physically demanding hunts in North America.
Brown/Grizzly Bear (General): Non-residents must hire a registered guide for brown bear. Drawing required in some GMUs.
Black Bear (General): Baiting permitted in some areas
Mountain Goat (General): Draw-only in most areas
Sitka Black-tailed Deer (General): Southeast Alaska and Kodiak archipelago
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ptarmigan (Willow, Rock, White-tailed) | General | Aug 10 – Apr 30, 2026 (varies by GMU) | 20 daily / 40 possession | Shotgun, rifle |
| Spruce Grouse | General | Aug 10 – Mar 31, 2026 | 15 daily / 30 possession | Shotgun, rifle |
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Sep through Jan (varies by zone) | 6–7 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Pacific Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowshoe Hare | General | Varies by GMU — many year-round | No limit in most GMUs | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $45 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $160 | — |
| Resident Locking Tags (moose, caribou, etc.) | $0–$25 per species | Metal locking tags required for most big game |
| Non-Resident Locking Tags | $400–$1,000+ per species | Brown bear: $1,000. Moose: $800. Dall sheep: $850. |
| Youth (under 18) | Reduced fees | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Alaska uses a drawing permit system for many high-demand species and areas — including some moose, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat, muskox, and bison hunts. Applications are typically due in December for the following year. There is no preference or bonus point system — all draws are random. General season hunts (no draw required) are available for many species in many GMUs. Non-residents must hire a licensed guide for brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat hunts — this is state law, not optional.
Harvest Reporting
Alaska requires mandatory harvest reporting and sealing for most big game species. Brown bear, Dall sheep, mountain goat, muskox, and wolves must be sealed (inspected) by an ADF&G representative within a specified timeframe — typically 3 to 15 days depending on species and location. Moose and caribou require harvest tickets that must be reported. Failure to report or seal is a serious violation.
Alaska Wildlife Resources
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Fish & Wildlife Safeguard: 1-800-478-3377
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.