Alaska Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 New Regulations & Dates!

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With its abundance of wildlife, Alaska offers a wide variety of hunting seasons throughout the year; you’ll want to know the best times to go hunting in this beautiful state. This post will discuss Alaska’s many hunting seasons, including the animals you may pursue when you can pursue them and any restrictions you should be aware of. Read on to find out more!

Alaska Hunting Seasons 2023-2024

Alaska is a hunter’s paradise since it is home to various huge game animals. To guarantee a successful hunt, it is essential to concentrate on one target species while organizing a multi-species excursion. Finding a premier hunting area with outstanding prospects for several species might be difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to extensively study the local flora before starting any hunting endeavors.

Here are the most recent Alaska hunting dates and the season’s schedule for 2023–2024. However, reviewing the Alaska hunting digest for more details and making well-informed preparations while out in the wild is highly recommended.

AK Deer Seasons 2023-2024

The Sitka blacktail deer, found exclusively in Southeast Alaska and the islands of Prince William Sound, is the only native deer species in Alaska. It is also present on the Kodiak and Agognak Islands.

UnitDeer SpeciesOpen SeasonBag Limit
1C, 1DSitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
2Sitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female. Antlerless deer may be taken only during seasons and under conditions set by the Board
3Sitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
4Sitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
5Sitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
6C, 6DSitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
8Sitka Black-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however no more than 1 may be a female
11Mule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 1 - Sept 20, Nov 20 - Dec 151 deer per day, 3 per season
13DMule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 1 - Sept 20, Nov 20 - Dec 151 deer per day, 3 per season
14A, 14BMule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 10 - Nov 304 deer, however only 2 may be antlered. No more than 1 antlered deer may be taken from Aug 10-17
14CMule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 10 - Nov 304 deer, however only 2 may be antlered. No more than 1 antlered deer may be taken from Aug 10-17
15-17, 20, 22, 23, 25AMule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer, however only 1 may be antlered
18, 19, 21, 24, 25B-EMule Deer or White-tailed DeerAug 1 - Dec 314 deer
20EMule Deer or White-tailed DeerSept 1 - Nov 271 antlered bull by bow and arrow only
26AMule Deer or White-tailed DeerSept 1 - Nov 271 antlered bull by bow and arrow only

Bag Limits

UnitsLocationsBag Limits
1ACleveland Peninsula south of the divide between Yes Bay and Santa Anna Inlet4 Buck
1B2 Buck
1CDouglas, Lincoln, Shelter, and Sullivan Island4 Deer
1CThe remainder of Unit 1C2 Buck
1D0
2Prince of Wales Island4 Buck
3Mitkof Island, Petersburg Management Area (Bow & arrow only)2 Buck
3Remainder of Mitkof Island, Wojewodski, Butterworth Islands1 Buck
3Remainder of Unit 32 Buck
4Chichagof Island east of Port Frederick and north of Tenakee Inlet3 Deer
4Remainder of Unit 44 Deer
5AYakutat1 Buck
5B0
6North Gulf Coast and Prince William Sound (Residents only)5 Deer
6Separate listing for non-residents4 Deer
8Kodiak Island north of a line from the head of Settlers Cove to Crescent Lake1 Buck
8Kodiak Island north of a line from the head of Settlers Cove to Crescent Lake (Bow and arrow, crossbow or Muzzleloader only)1 Deer
8(Youth hunt)1 Deer
8Remainder of Unit 83 Deer

Alaska Caribou hunts

Caribou are migratory animals that may be pursued as a game in specific areas of Alaska. Male caribou are distinguishable from females by the presence of a penile sheath and their antlers. Caribou hunting is both difficult and lucrative; therefore, hunters must have a firm grasp of the habits and habitats of their prey. To learn more about caribou hunting, there are several online resources available.

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
6C, 6DAug 10-Sept 30One caribou
8Aug 1-Mar 31One caribou
9A, 9B, 17A, 17B, 17CAug 1-Mar 31Two caribou
9C, 9EAug 1-Oct 31One caribou
11Aug 1-Sept 30, Feb 1-Apr 30One caribou
12Aug 1-Sept 30, Oct 21-Mar 31One caribou
13A, 13B, 13C, 13D north of the Koyukuk RiverJuly 1-June 30One caribou
13D remainder, 14A, 14BAug 1-Sept 30, Jan 1-Feb 28One caribou
15A, 15BAug 10-Oct 15One caribou
15C, 15DAug 10-Mar 31One caribou
16A, 16B, 20F, 21A, 21E, 24A, 24B, 24C, 24DJuly 1-Mar 31Five caribou per day by permit
18, 19A-Central Kuskokwim Controlled Use Area, 19D-West, 21B, 21C, 21D, 23, 25A, 25DJuly 1-Mar 31Ten caribou per day. Cows may not be taken May 16-Aug 31. Bulls may not be taken Oct 16-Jan 31
19A-West, 19C, 19D-EastJuly 1-Apr 30Ten caribou per day
19B, 22A-CJuly 1-Mar 31Ten caribou per day
22D, 22ENo closed seasonTwenty caribou per day by permit
26AJuly 1-June 30Five caribou per day

Fall Fortymile Caribou Hunt

EventDetails
Fall Fortymile Caribou Hunt• Opening Date: August 10, 2023
• Zones: 1 and 4
• Expected Quota: 360 bulls
Season DurationAugust 10, 2023, to August 13, 2023, closing at 11:59 PM
Zones Open for HuntingZones 2 and 3 will remain open for hunting
Permit AvailabilityRC860 permits available online and in person at multiple locations
Important Hotline for UpdatesFor updates on the quota and bag limit, hunters are asked to contact the Fortymile Caribou Herd Hotline at (907) 267-2310.
Reporting Successful Hunts- Report within three days of the kill online at (http://hunt.alaska.gov) - Phone: (907-883-2971) - In person at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) office in Tok
Reporting for Hunters Who Called by PhoneMust mail permit reports or drop them off at the Tok ADF&G office
Reporting for Unsuccessful HuntersReturn reports to the Tok office or report online by October 15, 2023
Reporting Receipts for Hunt ReportsHunters are advised to get a receipt when submitting reports or to mail them with a delivery confirmation receipt.
Non-Reporting ConsequencesHolders of permits who don't report might lose their eligibility for permits in the next regulatory year and face penalties.

Elk Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
6BAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
6CAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
11Aug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
13EAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
14AAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
14BAug 20-Sept 30One antlerless elk by drawing permit. Up to 2 permits may be issued per household
14CAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
15B, 15CAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit. Up to 2 permits may be issued per household
16AAug 1-Nov 30One bull by drawing permit
19A-B, 19C, 19D, 19EAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit. Up to 2 permits may be issued per household
20AAug 20-Sept 30One bull by drawing permit
20BAug 15-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit
20CAug 10-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit
20DAug 20-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit
20EAug 25-Sept 20One antlered bull by drawing permit
21A, 21D, 21EAug 15-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit
24BAug 10-Oct 15One bull by drawing permit
24CAug 15-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit
25DAug 1-Sept 14One bull by drawing permit

Dall Sheep Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1CAug 10-Oct 15One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
1DAug 10-Oct 15One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
2Aug 10-Oct 15One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
3Aug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger
4Aug 10-Oct 15One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
6A, 6B, 6C, 6DAug 10-Oct 5One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
7Aug 10-Nov 14One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
8Aug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
9Aug 10-Oct 5One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
14-NovAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
15AAug 10-Oct 15One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
15B, 15C, 15DAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger
16AAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
19A-E, 21A, 24A, 24B, 25A, 25DAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
20A, 20B, 20C, 20FAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger
20D, 20EAug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
22Aug 10-Sept 20One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
23July 15-Dec 31One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
26AJuly 15-Dec 31One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit
26BAug 10-Apr 30One ram with full-curl horn or larger by permit

Bison Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
6BSept 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
6CSept 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
11Aug 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
13EAug 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
19A-B, 19D, 20A, 20B, 20D, 20E, 20FAug 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
20CSept 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
21D, 24Aug 1 - Mar 31One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit
25DAug 1 - Apr 15One bison every 10 regulatory years by permit

Musk Oxen Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
18Aug 1-Sept 30One bull by permit
19A, 19B, 19D, 20A, 20B, 20D, 20E, 20FAug 1-Mar 31One bull by permit
20CSept 1-Mar 31One bull by permit
21C, 21D, 24Aug 1-Mar 31One bull by permit
22EAug 1-Mar 15One bull by permit
23Aug 1-Apr 15One bull by permit
24A, 24BAug 1-Mar 31One bull by permit
25AAug 1-Mar 31One bull by permit
26AAug 1-Mar 31One bull by permit

Moose Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1CAug 22-Aug 29, Sept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 3 or more brow tines on at least one side by bow and arrow only. One antlerless moose by permit
1C, 1DSept 1-Sept 25One bull
2Sept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines on at least one side
3Sept 1-Sept 20One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 3 or more brow tines on at least one side
4Sept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines on at least one side
5ASept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 3 or more brow tines on at least one side
5BNov 15-Nov 30One bull by permit
5CAug 25-Sept 25One bull
6AAug 20-Sept 25One bull
6BAug 20-Sept 25One bull by permit. Up to 2 permits may be issued per household
6CAug 20-Sept 25One bull
6DAug 20-Sept 25One antlered bull
7Aug 10-Sept 20One bull
8Sept 1-Sept 25One bull by permit
9A, 9BSept 1-Sept 25One bull by permit
9CSept 1-Sept 30One bull
9DSept 1-Sept 25One bull
9ESept 1-Sept 25One bull by permit
11Sept 1-Sept 25One bull by permit
13A, 13DAug 10-Sept 25One bull
13BAug 20-Sept 25One bull by permit
13CSept 5-Sept 15One bull
13EAug 20-Sept 25One bull by permit
14A, 14BSept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines on at least one side
14CSept 1-Sept 25One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines on at least one side, by bow and arrow only
15A, 15BSept 1-Sept 20One bull with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 3 or more brow tines on at least one side
16ASept 1-Sept 15One bull by permit available online at http://hunt.alaska.gov
16BSept 1-Sept 15One bull
17A, 17BAug 25-Sept 25One bull by permit.
17CAug 20-Sept 15One bull by permit
18See unit-specific seasonsTwo moose, only one may be antlered
19ASept 1-Sept 20One bull by permit
19BSept 1-Sept 20One bull
19CSept 1-Sept 20One bull by permit
19DSee unit-specific seasonsOne bull by permit
20ASept 1-Sept 25One bull
20BSee unit-specific seasonsOne bull
20CSept 1-Sept 15One bull
20DAug 20-Sept 15One bull
20ESept 1-Sept 30One bull by permit
20FSept 1-Sept 25One bull
21ASept 5-Sept 25One bull by permit
21BSee unit-specific seasonsOne bull
21CSept 5-Sept 25One bull by permit
21DSee unit-specific seasonsOne bull by permit
22ASept 1-Sept 30One bull
22BSept 1-Sept 30One bull
22CSept 1-Sept 30One bull
22DSept 1-Sept 30One antlered bull by permit
22ESept 1-Sept 30One bull
23July 1-Apr 30One bull by permit
24AAug 25-Sept 25One bull
24BAug 25-Sept 25One bull
24C, 24DAug 10-Sept 30One bull
25AAug 20-Sept 20One bull
25DAug 20-Sept 25One bull
26AJuly 1-Apr 30One bull by permit

Goat Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1CAug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
1DAug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
2Aug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
3Aug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
4Aug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
5Aug 20-Jan 31One goat by permit
6A, 6B, 6C, 6DAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
7Aug 10-Nov 14One goat by permit
8AAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9EAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
14-NovAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
15A, 15B, 15CAug 10-Oct 15One goat by permit
15CAug 10-Oct 15One goat by permit available in Nanwalek and Port Graham
18Aug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
19A-DAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
24A, 24BAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
25AAug 10-Oct 15One goat by permit
26AAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit
26BAug 10-Jan 31One goat by permit

Black Bear Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1ASept 1-June 30One bear
1BSept 1-June 30One bear
1CSept 1-June 30One bear. Nonresident hunters using a registered guide, or accompanied by resident second-degree of kindred
1C, 1DSept 1-June 30One bear. Nonresident hunters not using a registered guide, and not accompanied by resident second-degree of kindred
1DSept 1-June 30One bear
2Sept 1-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
3Sept 1-June 30One bear
4Sept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
5Sept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
6A, 6B, 6CApr 15-June 15One bear
6DApr 15-June 10One bear
7Apr 15-June 30One bear
8Sept 1-June 30One bear
9A-B, 9ESept 1-May 31One bear
9C, 9DSept 1-May 31Two bears
11-13, 14B, 18-19, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 21-26Sept 1-June 30Two bears
14A, 14CSept 1-June 30One bear
15, 16, 20B, 21A, 21B, 21E, 23, 24A, 24B, 25A, 25B, 25CSept 1-June 30Three bears
17Sept 1-Aug 31Two bears Sept 1-May 31, three bears June 1-Aug 31
22A-ESept 1-June 30One bear

Brown Grizzly Bear

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1ASept 15-Dec 31One bear every four regulatory years by permit
1BSept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 31One bear every four regulatory years by permit
1CSept 15-Dec 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
1CMar 15-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
1DSept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 31One bear every four regulatory years by permit
4Sept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 31One bear every four regulatory years by permit
5Sept 15-Dec 31, Mar 15-May 20One bear every four regulatory years by permit
6A, 6B, 6CSept 1-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
6DSept 1-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
8ASept 15-Dec 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
9B, 9ESept 1-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
11Aug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
12Sept 1-May 20One bear every regulatory year by permit
13A-EAug 10-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
14A, 14BAug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
14CAug 10-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
15Aug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
16AOct 15-Nov 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
16BSept 15-Dec 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
17A, 17BSept 15-Dec 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
18Sept 15-Dec 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
19A-D, 20AAug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
20BSept 1-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
20COct 15-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
20DSept 1-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
20ESept 1-Oct 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
20FAug 10-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
21A, 21B, 21C, 21DAug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
22Aug 10-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
23Aug 10-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit
24A, 24BAug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
25A, 25DAug 10-June 30One bear every regulatory year by permit
26AAug 10-June 15One bear every regulatory year by permit
26BSept 1-May 31One bear every regulatory year by permit

Wolverine Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1-5, 8-11, 13, 16, 20-26Sept 1-Feb 151 wolverine
6-7, 12-15, 17-19Sept 1-Feb 152 wolverines
9, 18Sept 1-Mar 311 wolverine
14CNov 10-Feb 152 wolverines
20D, 20FSept 1-Mar 311 wolverine
21, 24Sept 1-Feb 281 wolverine
23Nov 10-Feb 151 wolverine
25DSept 1-Mar 311 wolverine

Wolf Season

UnitOpen SeasonBag Limit
1-5, 8-11, 13, 14A, 14B, 16, 18-26Aug 10-Apr 3010 wolves
6-7, 9, 12, 14C, 15, 17Aug 10-Apr 305 wolves
20D, 20E, 20F, 21, 24Aug 10-Apr 3010 wolves
20A, 20B, 20C, 23, 25DAug 10-Apr 30No limit

Feral Ferret and Feral Swine

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Feral Ferret and Feral Swine1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Pika Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Pika12 and 20ENo closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit
Pika1–11, 13-19, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, and 21-26No open seasonNo open season

Crow Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
CrowNonresidentsNo open seasonNo open seasonNonresidents: No open season
Crow1–9 and 151-Mar15-AprFive per day; however, a bird may be taken only if used for food or clothing, and no bird or part of a bird may be sold or offered for sale
Crow1–9 and 151-Sep17-Nov
Crow10–14 and 16–26No open seasonNo open season

Cormorant (Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants)

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Cormorant6, 8-10, 17-18, 22, 231-Sep1-AprResidents: No limit; however, a bird may be taken only if used for food or clothing, and no bird or part of a bird may be sold or offered for sale
CormorantNonresidentsNo open seasonNo open seasonNonresidents: No open season

Hare Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Hare1-5, 14C1-Sep30-AprFive per day
Hare6-8, 10-13, 14B, 15-16, 19-21, 24-26No limitNo closed seasonNo limit
HareUnit 9 and 17No limitNo closed seasonSnowshoe hare: No limit
HareUnit 9 and 171-Nov31-JanAlaska hare: One per day, four total
HareUnit 14AFive per dayNo closed season
HareUnits 18, 22, 23No limitNo closed seasonSnowshoe hare: No limit
HareUnits 18, 22, 231-Aug31-MayAlaska hare: Two per day, six total

Ptarmigan Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
PtarmiganAll units except 23 and 26 (excl. 26B)1-Aug15-MayTwenty per day, forty in possession
PtarmiganUnit 15C (north of Kachemak Bay and Fox River)10-Aug31-JanFive per day, ten in possession
PtarmiganUnits 6D, 7, 11, 13A, 13C, 13D, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 15C remainder, 1610-Aug31-MarTen per day, twenty in possession
PtarmiganUnits 13B and 13E10-Aug15-FebTen per day, twenty in possession
PtarmiganUnit 14C (excl. Eklutna Management Area)10-Aug31-MarTen per day, twenty in possession
PtarmiganUnit 14C (Eklutna Management Area)1-Sep31-MarTen per day, twenty in possession
PtarmiganUnits 8, 10, 17, 19, 21-22, 24, 25A, 25B, 25D, and 26B within the DHCMA and Prudhoe Bay Closed Area10-Aug30-AprTwenty per day, forty in possession
PtarmiganUnit 910-AugFeb-29Ten per day, twenty in possession
PtarmiganUnits 12, 20, 25C10-AugFeb-29Twenty per day, forty in possession
PtarmiganUnits 12, 20, 25C1-Mar30-AprFive per day, ten in possession
PtarmiganUnit 1810-Aug15-MayFifteen per day, thirty in possession
PtarmiganUnits 23 and 26 (excl. 26B)10-Aug15-JunFifty per day, one hundred in possession

Grouse Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Grouse6-Jan1-Aug15-MayFive per day, ten in possession
Grouse7, 1510-Aug31-MarTen per day, twenty in possession; of which not more than one per day and two in possession may be ruffed grouse
Grouse8, 10No open seasonNo open seasonNo open season
Grouse9, 17–19, 21–24, 2610-Aug30-AprFifteen per day, thirty in possession
Grouse11-12, remainder of 20, 2510-Aug31-MarFifteen per day, thirty in possession
Grouse13, 14A, 14B, 1610-Aug31-MarFifteen per day, thirty in possession of which not more than two per day and four in possession may be ruffed grouse
Grouse14C1-Sep31-MarFive per day, ten in possession, of which not more than two per day and four in possession may be ruffed grouse
GrouseUnit 20D (portion west of Johnson River and south of Tanana River)25-Aug31-MarFive per day, fifteen in possession, provided that not more than ten in possession may be either ruffed or sharp-tailed grouse
GrouseFalconry only10-Aug24-AugTen per day, ten in possession, provided that not more than two per day and two in possession may be sharp-tailed grouse

Snowy Owl Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Snowy Owl17, 18, 22, 23, and 261-Sep1-AprResidents: No limit; however, a bird may be taken only if used for food or clothing, and no bird or part of a bird may be sold or offered for sale
Snowy OwlNonresidentsNo open seasonNo open seasonNonresidents: No open season

Porcupine Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Porcupine1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Shrew and Mouse Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Shrew and Mouse Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Furbearer Season

Beaver Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Beaver1-8, 10-15, 17, 19-20, 21B, 21C, 21D, 24-26No open seasonNo open seasonNo limit
Beaver1610-Aug31-MayNo limit
Beaver9, 18, 22, 23No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit
Beaver21A, 21E1-Sep10-JunNo limit

Coyote Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Coyote1-5, 18, 221-Sep30-AprTwo coyotes
Coyote6-7, 9-17, 19-21, 23-26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Fox Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Arctic Fox81-Sep15-FebTwo foxes
Arctic Fox9, 17-18, 22-23, 261-Sep30-AprTwo foxes
Arctic Fox10No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit
Arctic Fox24, 251-Sep15-MarTwo foxes
Red Fox1–7, 15No open seasonNo open seasonNo limit
Red Fox8–10, 14, 16-171-Sep15-FebTwo foxes
Red Fox11-13, 18–261-Sep15-MarTen foxes, but no more than 2 foxes may be taken before Oct 1

Squirrel Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Squirrel1–26No limitNo closed seasonNo limit

Lynx Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Lynx1–5, 10No open seasonNo open seasonNo limit
Lynx7, 151-Jan15-FebTwo lynx
Lynx6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 1710-Nov28-FebTwo lynx
Lynx20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, 25C1-Dec31-JanTwo lynx
Lynx12, 20E1-Nov15-MarTwo lynx
Lynx1810-Nov31-MarTwo lynx
Lynx19, 21, 24, remainder of 251-Nov28-FebTwo lynx
Lynx22, 23, 261-Nov15-AprTwo lynx

Deleterious Exotic Wildlife

Belgian Hare Season

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Belgian Hare1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

English Sparrow Season

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
English Sparrow Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Eurasian Collared Dove Season

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Eurasian Collared Dove Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Muridae Rodent  Season (gerbil, rat, true mice and their relatives)

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Muridae Rodent Season 1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Raccoon Season

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Raccoon Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Rockdove  Season (pigeon)

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Rockdove Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Starling Season

SpeciesUnit and bag limitHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Starling Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Feral Non-Native Game Birds

Chukar Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Chukar Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Partridge Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Partridge Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Pheasant Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Pheasant Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Quail Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Quail Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Turkey Season

SpeciesUnitsHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limits
Wild Turkey Season1–26No closed seasonNo closed seasonNo limit

Alaska Hunting regulations
Alaska Hunting regulations

AK Hunting Regulations

  • Non-residents need a big game tag and a free harvest ticket to hunt. Any number of hunters may engage in a regular season’s hunt; thus, they must obtain licenses and harvest tickets. Businesses may need more free harvest tickets in rural or high-demand locations. Before leaving your residence in a crowded region, acquire your license, game tags, and harvest tickets.
  • Managers may issue registration permits in places with a large concentration of hunters or a high risk of overharvesting. Hunters will need permission to hunt in the area. When the management has found as many animals as possible, they will finish the registration search. Before hunting, consult a local biologist about conditions and authorization.
  • When animal populations are low, or hunter numbers are high, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game may grant drawing permits. Drawing Permit Hunt Supplements are available online, at ADF&G offices, and via local license vendors in October. Between November 1 and December 15, hunters may apply for drawing permits. Results will be released in February. Local and out-of-town hunters may find drawing hunts in the Supplement. Per species, up to three (3) hunt applications may be submitted, with moose permitting up to six (6). Each hunt has a fee.
  • The animal population has historically been a substantial source of human food. Locals may apply for a Tier I or Tier II subsistence permit where there isn’t enough game for a general season. The Tier I & II Supplement outlines the species, application deadlines, hunt dates, Game Management Unit (GMU), and hunting requirements for these hunts. Cultural and subsistence harvesting permits give specifics.
  • Due to federal and state rules differences, hunting on some federal public lands is restricted. The present Alaska Hunting Regulations include public and private hunting in the state. Certain federal public lands may have harsher requirements than state resources. Alaska’s Public Lands Information Centers may give hunting regulations.

You may read a list of hunting regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Alaska Hunting Licenses, Tags & Permits

Obtaining hunting, trapping, fishing, fishing for personal use, commercial fishing, or guiding sporting or hunting expeditions in Alaska requires a valid license. Everybody from locals to visitors to service personnel to disabled veterans to retirees over 60 may apply for a license. The majority of licenses, as well as stamps for king salmon and Alaska duck, are now available online.

Types of Licenses in Alaska

License TypeAvailabilityFeaturesAvailable On
Digital/PrintedADF&G offices, most license retailers, onlineAvailable in PDF format; can be printed, electronically signed, or digitally stored on a phoneOnline
eSignedADF&G website, through personal accountAvailable as an electronic version that can be accessed on electronic device; can also be printed and carriedOnline
Carbon CopySelect vendors, some ADF&G officesHandwritten; licensee receives carbon copy; lost licenses can be replaced for a fee of $5Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
1255 W. 8th Street
Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Resident License Fees

License TypeFees
Resident hunting license fee$45
Resident trapping license fee$25
Resident hunting and trapping license fee$65
Resident hunting and sportfishing license fee$60
Resident hunting, trapping, and sportfishing license fee$85
Resident low-income license fee$5
Resident waterfowl stamp fee$10

Alaska Nonresident License Fees

Hunting TypeNonresident License Fees
Small game hunting - grouse, hare (other than Belgian bare), peannipn, waterfowl. crane, and snipe$60
Hunting (all game)$160
Hunting and trapping$405
Alien hunting$630
Waterfowl stamp$10

Resident Locking-Tag Fees

CategoriesResident locking-tag fees
Brown/grizzly bear$25
Muskox nonsubsistence hunt drawing fee (Unit 18)$500
Muskox nonsubsistence hunt registration fee (Unit 18)$25
Muskox nonsubsistence hunt drawing fee (Unit 21D and 24D)$500

Nonresident Locking-Tag Fees

Game SpeciesNonresident Locking-Tag Fee (The price is for one locking tag)
Black bear$450
Brown/grizzly bear$1000
Bison$900
Caribou$650
Dall sheep$850
Deer$300
Elk$600
Moose$800
Mountain goat$600
Muskox$2200
Wolf$60
Wolverine$350

Nonresident Alien Locking-Tag Fees

Game SpeciesNonresident Alien-Locking-Tag Fee (The price is for one locking tag)
Black bear$600
Brown/grizzly bear$1300
Bison$1300
Caribou$850
Dall sheep$1100
Deer$400
Elk$800
Moose$1000
Mountain goat$800
Muskox$3000
Wolf$100
Wolverine$500

Hunting Locations

Few suggested hunting locations in Alaska are cited as below

LocationRegionHunting OpportunitiesFishing OpportunitiesOther Outdoor Activities
Southeast corner, PanhandleSouthSitka blacktail deerSalmon, halibutClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
Yakutat, CordovaNorthMoose, brown bear, deerSalmon, halibutClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
North Gulf Coast, Prince William SoundEastMoose, brown bear, caribouSalmon, halibut, rockfish, lingcodClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak/Afognak Archipelago, interior of the stateWestMoose, brown bear, caribou, Dall sheep, Sitka blacktail deer, elkSalmon, halibut, grayling, northern pikeClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
Eastern Arctic (Dalton Highway from Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks, then George Parks Highway south.)EastMoose, brown bear, caribou, Dall sheepSalmon, halibutClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
Central interior (West of Dalton Highway, past Fairbanks, and west of George Parks Highway.)WestMoose, brown bear, caribou, Dall sheep, black bearSalmon, halibut, grayling, northern pikeClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports
Anchorage, Susitna ValleyEastMoose, brown bear, caribou, Dall sheepSalmon, halibutClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmachining
Bristol Bay, Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian IslandsWestMoose, brown bear, caribou, Dall sheepSalmon, halibutClimbing, hiking, mountain biking, winter sports

When does the Alaska hunting season for 2023-2024 begin and end?

The Alaska hunting season for 2023-2024 runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. However, each species and game management unit (GMU) has different start and end dates. This chronology includes hunting seasons for black bear, brown bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat, wolf, wolverine, musk ox, Sitka blacktail deer, and white-tailed deer. Hunters should consult the Alaska Hunting Regulations 2023-2024 pdf page for exact dates to guarantee compliance and a successful and ethical hunt.

How to report a harvest in Alaska?

When hunting in Alaska, hunters must promptly fill out a harvest report so that wildlife management can keep harvest levels low. If you don’t report, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers may give you a penalty, and you won’t be able to apply for a permit the following year.

How long is a hunting license valid in Alaska?

Alaska permits are valid from the date of purchase through December 31. This covers hunting, trapping, fishing, personal usage, commercial fishing, and guiding. Trapping and non-resident temporary fishing licenses are exceptions. Trapping permits are valid from January to December (September 30). Non-residents may buy 1-, 3-, 7-, or 14-day fishing licenses. Certain licenses may be obtained for less than a year.

Can non-residents hunt in Alaska?

Yes, non-residents may hunt in Alaska. They must follow specific rules. Hunting brown/grizzly bear, bison, caribou, Dall sheep, deer, elk, muskox, wolf, and wolverine requires an Alaska-licensed guide. Non-residents must get a license and pay a charge to hunt in Alaska, which varies by species. Non-resident hunters must read the Alaska Hunting Regulations 2023-2024 to comply and have a successful hunt.

Is lead shot banned for bird hunting in certain Alaska hunting areas?

Yes, lead shot is banned for bird shooting in some Alaskan locations during hunting season. Units 18, 26, and 14C have specific area limits and comprise sections of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Chugach National Forest, and Chickaloon State Game Refuge. These hunters must use steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron, tungsten polymer, tungsten matrix, or tin shot instead of lead to protect animals and humans. The non-lead shot protects animals, the environment, and human health, even in locations where lead shot is legal.

Schedule Source: ADFG Alaska Official

John Lewis

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