Alaska Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

Are you thinking about hunting in Alaska this year? If so, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the state's hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of both topics and answer some common questions. So, whether you are a first-time Alaskan hunter or just need a refresher, keep reading for all the information you need!

Hunting in Alaska

Hunting seasons and game in Alaska are very different from those in the lower 48 states. In terms of major game animals, the state ranks #1. Alaska is a top hunting location for black bear, caribou, and moose, as well as mountain goats and muskox.

Unlike hunting seasons in the continental United States, many game seasons last all year, while others change depending on the species, the time of year, or nuisance issues. Hunting seasons in Alaska vary widely by location, with each of the 26 hunting zones having its own set of rules.

Non-residents are not permitted to hunt during all seasons. Nonresidents are often prohibited from hunting during years when wildlife herds are small or scarce. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sells hunting permits and tags through their website.

Alaska Bear Seasons

Black Bear	Sept. 1-June 30**
Brown/Grizzly Bear	Sept. 15-Dec. 31**

**Season dates vary by zone

In many regions, bag limits affect the next several years of hunting. After a bear is taken, hunters may need to wait between one and four years to hunt another.

Alaska Muskox Seasons

General Season

Aug. 1-March 31**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska Caribou Seasons

General Season

Aug. 10-Dec. 31**

**Season dates vary by zone; some zones allow open season hunting so long as no more than two caribou are taken per year.

Alaska Deer Seasons

General Season

Aug. 1-Dec. 31**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska Elk Seasons

General Season

Aug. 1-Dec. 31

Alaska Mountain Goat Seasons

General Season

Aug. 1-Jan. 31**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska Moose Seasons

General Season

Sept. 1-Nov. 30**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska Wolf and Wolverine Seasons

Wolf, General Season	Aug. 1-Apr. 30**
Wolverine, General Season	Sept. 1-March 31**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska Small Game Seasons

Grouse	Aug. 1-May 15**
Ptarmigan	Aug. 1-June 15**
Hare	Sept. 1-Apr. 30**; open season in some zones
Crow	Sept. 1-Nov. 17; March 1-Apr. 15**
Pika	Open season in some zones; closed season in many zones**
Snowy Owl	Sept. 1-Apr. 1; closed season for nonresidents
Pheasant	Open season
Chuckar	Open season
Quail	Open season
Wild Turkey	Open season
Partridge	Open season
Squirrel	Open season
Feral Ferrets and Swine	Open season

How To Get A Hunting License In Alaska?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Alaska hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or office.

Alaska License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from the date of purchase to Dec. 31 of the same year.

Where to Buy an Alaska Hunting License

Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office.
Mail in a paper application.

**Season dates vary by zone

Alaska hunting season regulations affect the use of weapons (which depend on animal and weight). Generally, archery and muzzleloader take methods are prohibited for big game hunts. For additional information or suggestions on planning a hunt, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.