State Guide

Alaska Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Alaska hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Alaska Hunting Seasons

Moose

Res: $30 Non-res: $800

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 1	Sep 20
Archery	Sep 1	Sep 20

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Season dates and antler restrictions vary significantly by Game Management Unit. Some units require drawing permits. Bull-only in most units with 50-inch or 4 brow tine restrictions.

Elk

Res: $30 Non-res: $800

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 1	Nov 15

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Limited to Afognak and Raspberry Islands and select areas. Drawing permit required. Small but huntable population.

Bear

Res: $25 Non-res: $650

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 1	Jun 30

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per regulatory year

Both black bears and brown/grizzly bears. Brown bear tags required for non-residents. Season dates vary widely by GMU. Guide required for non-resident brown bear hunts.

Mule Deer

Res: $30 Non-res: $300

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Aug 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2-5 depending on unit

Sitka blacktail deer predominant in Southeast Alaska and Kodiak. Liberal bag limits. Dates vary by GMU. Excellent public land access.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $30 Non-res: $110

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Sep 1	Dec 16

Bag limits: daily: 7, season: No season limit

Federal duck stamp required. Alaska is a major breeding ground for waterfowl. Liberal bag limits. Dates vary by zone.

Caribou

Res: $25 Non-res: $650

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Aug 1	Sep 30

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1-5 depending on herd

Multiple herds. Some OTC, some draw.

Mountain Goat

Res: $25 Non-res: $600

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 1	Nov 15

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime

Once-in-a-lifetime draw. Extremely limited tags.

Dall Sheep

Res: $25 Non-res: $850

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Aug 10	Sep 20

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 full-curl ram per year

Full-curl ram requirement. Remote backcountry.

Musk Ox

Res: $25 Non-res: $2500

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Fall/Winter	Aug 1	Mar 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per draw

Extremely limited tags. Draw required.

Bison

Res: $25 Non-res: $900

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 1	Mar 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per draw

Delta Junction herd. Extremely limited draw.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Alaska Hunting Guides

methods

Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunting: Alaska's Coastal Deer

destinations

Alaska Moose Hunting: The Complete Guide

Alaska Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Alaska?

Yes. All hunters in Alaska must hold a valid hunting license from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Alaska?

Alaska license costs vary by species. Moose: resident $30, non-resident $800. Elk: resident $30, non-resident $800.

When is deer season in Alaska?

Alaska deer seasons: Rifle: Aug 1 - Dec 31.

Does Alaska require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Alaska requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Alaska. Their website (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.