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Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

Your Guide to the Alaska Hunting Seasons 2025

Author Image for Teri Williams

22 Minute Read

Have you ever hunted in Alaska? If not, this could be your year to plan a trip for game you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to hunt in the rest of the U.S.

Alaska is the destination for Sitka deer (to mix things up if you're typically a whitetail hunter), brown (or grizzly) bears, mountain goats, moose, and even wolves and wolverines.

Ready to plan a big trip for a big hunt? We’ve got the information you need! We’ve compiled a guide to the Alaska hunting seasons for 2024-2025. This guide will also help you find and mark the best spots to hunt before you even arrive up north. 

Updated July 14, 2025

A U.S. map highlighting Alaska, hunting season Alaska concept.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Alaska?

There's no need to travel to Alaska for a squirrel hunt. You can probably find plenty of squirrels and rabbits in your backyard. However, if you're up for trapping lynx or arctic fox, Alaska is a great place for it.

Instead, go to Alaska for the big game hunting experience that draws hunters to this state. You'll want to target species like the grizzly bear, goats, and even muskox to bring home a trophy and plenty of stories to tell friends and family.

Hunters also hunt Alaska because of the challenging terrain. If you're looking for one of the most challenging experiences in high altitudes, try elk hunting Alaska style!

Where Should I Hunt?

Alaska is known for many mountain ranges, unbelievable summits, and wild, rugged terrain. Half of the challenge of a hunt in this state is making sure you're conditioned and prepared for tough hikes, high altitudes, and extreme temperatures.

Your hunt can take you from coastal communities to tundra and anything in between. So, be sure to plan your gear wisely and talk to local guides before packing your bags. Your late-season deer hunting clothes and gear could come in handy.

As you plan your trip, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas so you can think ahead to what you'll need before you arrive. Use our maps, layers, and animal movement predictors to e-scout the terrain and the best times to get geared up and out in the wilderness for your hunt.

 

A large moose walks through the brush near trees, hunting season Alaska concept.

When Can I Hunt?

Ready to get your license and tags and plan your hunt? Here's the info you need for Alaska hunting seasons this year. 

Season dates and Alaska hunting regulations are set up based on hunting Units. So, pay close attention to what you want to hunt and where it is within the state to determine when you can hunt.

The information below is the latest 2025-2026 Alaska season and hunting regulations. As new information becomes available, we'll update it here accordingly. We also always recommend checking the latest season dates and details with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).


Deer Hunting Season in Alaska


You can now hunt mule, whitetail, and Sitka black-tailed deer in Alaska. Check the latest regulations (i.e., bag limits for does vs. bucks, bow vs. firearms, etc.) for each species in the units (and the smaller area designations within each unit) you plan to hunt.

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)
Dates range from August 1 – September 14, 2025, August 1 – November 30, 2025, August 1 – December 31, 2025, or September 15 – December 31, 2025


Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – December 31, 2025

Unit 3

  • Residents and Non-Residents
    • Petersburg Management Area: August 1 – December 15, 2025
    • Remainder: August 1 – November 30, 2025
  • Residents Only: October 1 – November 7, 2025
  • Non-Residents Only (Remainder of Mitkof, Woewodski, and Butterworth Islands): October 15 – 31, 2025

 
Unit 4

  • Residents: August 1 – September 14, 2025 or September 15 – December 31, 2025
  • Non-Residents: August 1 – December 31, 2025


Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 5A: October 15 – 31, 2025 (youth only) or November 1 – 30, 2025
  • 5B: No open season


Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • Bucks: August 1 – September 30, 2025
  • Any Deer: October 1 – December 31, 2025


Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

No deer season.

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Dates range from August 1 to December 31, 2025 based on hunting in the Kodiak Road System Management Area or the remainder of the unit and the limits on the sex of deer allowed.  

Units 9 – 26

No deer seasons.

Mountain Goats

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 1C: October 1 – November 30, 2025 (some areas). No open season (other areas).
  • All Other Unit 1 Areas: Season dates are between August 1 – December 31, 2025, with various starting and ending dates, depending on where you hunt and if you're a resident or non-resident.


Units 2-3, 9-10, 12, 16-26

No mountain goat hunting.

Units 4 & 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – December 31, 2025

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 6A & 6B: August 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • 6C: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • 6D: September 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026


Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – October 15, 2025 or November 1 – 14, 2025 (may be announced)

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting August 20, 2025 through January 31, 2026.

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – November 30, 2025

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 13D: September 1 – November 30, 2025 or August 10 – November 30, 2025
  • 13 Remainder: No open season


Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 14A (South and east of the Matanuska River): September 1 – 30, 2025
  • 14A Remainder & 14B: No open season
  • 14C: August 16 – 31, 2025 and September 1 – October 15, 2025


Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting August 10, 2025 through November 14, 2025.


Black Bear


Unit 1 (Non-Residents Only)

September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 or January 1 – June 30, 2026

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Units 4, 8, and 10

No black bear season.

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026


Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 6A & 6B: August 20, 2025 – June 30, 2026
  • 6C: September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
  • 6D: September 10, 2025 – June 10, 2026


Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

No closed season, but pay attention to where you can hunt and how many bears you can take based on resident vs. non-resident status.
 

Units 9 – 15, 17-26

No closed season.

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 16B: September 15, 2025 – May 31, 2026
  • 16 Remainder: No closed season


Check with the ADFG for details about hunting and harvesting black bears for each unit.

Brown Bear (Grizzlies)

For all Units, check with the ADFG for specifics about the number of bears you can harvest and other details, including season dates based on permit numbers. The limit is usually one bear every four regulatory years with a permit.

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Depending on where you hunt within this unit, season dates are September 15 – December 31, 2025 or March 15 – May 31, 2026.

Unit 2

No brown bear season.

Unit 3 (Residents Only)

September 15 – December 31, 2025 or March 15 – May 31, 2026

Unit 4 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 15 – December 31, 2025 or March 15 – May 31, 2026

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 6A, B, C: September 1, 2025 – June 10, 2026
  • 6D: October 15 – December 31, 2025, April 1 – May 25, 2026, or October 15, 2025 – May 25, 2026.


Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

October 25 – November 30, 2025 or April 1 – May 15, 2026

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

May 10 – 31, 2025, October 1 – 21, 2025, or September 20 – October 21, 2025

Unit 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

October 1 – December 31, 2025 or May 10 – 31, 2026

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 12 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 13E: August 10, 2025 – June 15, 2026
  • 13: Remainder: No closed season

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 14A: September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
  • 14B: August 10, 2025 – May 31, 2026
  • 14C: September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 or October 1 – 31, 2025


Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 16A and 16B Remainder: No closed season
  • 16B (Within one mile of the mouth of Wolverine Creek): September 15, 2025 – May 31, 2026


Unit 17 (Residents and Non-Residents)

No closed season

Unit 18 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 19

  • Residents: No closed season.
  • Non-Residents: August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026


Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – June 15, 2026 or August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 21A: No closed season.
  • 21B, C, D, E: August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026


Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

All seasons open on August 1, 2025. However, depending on where you hunt in Unit 22, the season ends May 31, 2026, June 15, 2026, June 30, 2026 or October 31, 2025.

Unit 23

  • Residents: No closed season.
  • Non-Residents: August 1 – October 31, 2025 or April 15 – May 31, 2026


Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

July 25, 2025 – June 30, 2026 or August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 25

  • 25A & 25B: July 25, 2025 – June 30, 2026
  • 25C: September 1, 2025 – June 15, 2026
  • 25D (Residents): July 1 – November 30, 2025 or March 1 – June 30, 2026
  • 25D (Non-Residents): September 1 – November 30, 2025 or March 1 – June 15, 2026


Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Be sure to check the federal restrictions before hunting brown bears in this area.

  • 26A: No closed season
  • 25B: August 10, 2025 – June 15, 2026
  • 25C: July 25, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Moose

Units 1

  • 1A, B, C (Residents and Non-Residents): September 15 – October 15, 2025
  • 1D (Residents): September 15 – October 7, 2025
  • 1D (Non-Residents): No open season


Units 2, 4, 8, 10

No moose hunting.

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 15 – October 15, 2025

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Portions of 5A have no open season. The remaining areas of Unit 5 are open September 1 – December 15, 2025, October 1 – November 15, 2025, or October 15 – November 15, 2025.

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – November 30, 2025, September 1 – October 31, 2025, or September 1 – 30, 2025, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 20 – September 30, 2025, August 20 – October 10, 2025, or September 1 – 25, 2025, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting September 1, 2025 through January 20, 2026.  

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 20 – September 17, 2025 or August 20 – September 20, 2025.

Unit 12 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 24 – 28, 2025, August 20 – September 17, 2025, September 8 – 17, 2025, or September 1 – 30, 2025.

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • Residents: August 20 – September 20, 2025 or September 1 – 20, 2025
  • Non-Residents: September 1 – 20, 2025


Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – 19 2025, August 25 – September 25, 2025, November 1 – 30, 2025, or December 1 – 25, 2025, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 14C (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 20, 2025 through January 15, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 22 through November 30, 2025 depending on where you hunt.

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 16A: August 10 – 19, 2025 or August 20 – September 25, 2025
  • 16B (Residents): August 20 – September 25, 2025, or December 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026
  • 16B (Non-Residents): August 20 – September 25, 2025


Unit 17 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 20, 2025 through February 28, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 18

  • Residents: 
    • Zone 1: September 1 – 8, 2025 or September 1 – 9, 2025 
    • Zone 2: September 1 – October 15, 2025, August 1 – September 30, 2025, October 1 – November 30, 2025, September 1 – 30, 2025, December 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026, or December 1 – April 30, 2026
  • Non-Residents: No open season.


Unit 19 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 10, 2025 through March 31, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 15, 2025 through February 28, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 22 through March 15, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 1, 2025 through March 15, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 23 (Residents Only)

  • North of and including Singoalik River Drainage: July 1 – December 31, 2025 or September 1 – 20, 2025
  • Remainder: August 1 – December 31, 2025 or September 1 – 20, 2025


Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from September 1, 2025 through April 15, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from September 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 26 (Residents Only)

  • 26A: July 1 – September 14, 2025 or August 1 – September 30, 2025
  • 26B: September 1 – 14, 2025 (more may be announced)

Wolf

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 1A & 1B: August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
  • 1B Remainder, 1C, 1D: August 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026


Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Units 3, 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Units 4, 5, 12, 19, 23-25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Units 6, 7, 11, 13-18, 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Unit 8

No wolf hunting.

Unit 9, 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 20C: August 10, 2025 – April 15, 2026
  • 20 Remainder: August 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026


Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 26A: August 10, 2025 – April 30, 2026
  • 26B & 26C: August 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

 

Wolverine

Units 1-5, 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Units 6, 7, 12, 15, 17-25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Units 8 & 10

No wolverine hunting.

Units 9

September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Units 11, 14, 14C (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 16A: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • 16B: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026


Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 26A: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
  • 26B: August 20, 2025 – March 31, 2026


Elk Hunting Alaska


Units 1-2, 4-7, 9-26

No elk hunting.

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates start September 1, 2025 and run through November 30, 2025 depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates start September 25, 2025 and run through November 30, 2025 depending on where you hunt in this area.


Caribou


Units 1-6, 11, 13, 14C, 15, 18

No open season

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – September 20, 2025

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

There is no open season for a few areas within Unit 9. However, some sections have open dates running August 1 – October 21, 2025, August 10 – October 10, 2025, November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026, November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026, or November 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026.

Unit 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • Adak Island: No closed season.
  • Unimak Island: May be announced.
  • Umnak Island: No open season.
  • Remainder: No closed season.


Unit 12 (Residents Only)

September 1 – 20, 2025 or August 10 – 27, 2025.

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 14A: August 10 – September 20, 2025

  • 14B: December 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

  • 16A: August 10 – September 20, 2025
  • 16B: August 10 – September 30, 2025


Unit 17

No open season (currently), but dates may be announced for 17A and 17C.

Unit 19

  • 19A, B, E: No open season.
  • 19C & 19D: August 10 – September 20, 2025
  • 19D (Residents Only): February 1 – 28, 2026

Fortymile Caribou Hunt Zone

Check with the ADF&G offices in Fairbanks, Tok, Delta Junction, Douglas, Anchorage, and Palmer for details and regulations in these zones.

  • Zones 1 & 3: August 1 – 21, 2025
  • Zones, 1, 3, & 4: August 20 – September 30, 2025
  • Zone 2: August 10 – Seeptember 30, 2025
  • Zone 1-4 (Residents only): October 27, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Some areas are open for various dates, including August 10 – September 20, 2025, August 10 – 27, 2025, August 10 – September 30, 2025, and August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026 depending on where you hunt. More dates may be announced in this Unit.

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026. A few areas have no closed season.

Unit 23 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026. Some areas have no closed season.

Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 depending on where you hunt and if you are hunting as a resident or a non-resident.

Unit 25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026.

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.

Muskox

Unit 18 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Season dates range from August 1 – September 30, 2025, January 15 – March 31, 2026, or February 1 – March, 2026, depending on where you hunt within the Unit.

Unit 21

  • 21A, B, C, E: No open season
  • 21D (Residents only): February 1 – March 15, ,2026


Unit 22 (Residents Only)

Season date ranges include August 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026 or January 1 – March 15, 2026 depending on where you hunt.

Unit 23 (Residents Only)

August 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026, July 1 – October 31, 2025, or June 1 – 30, 2026

Unit 24 (Residents Only)

February 1 – March 15, 2026 (24D only).

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates vary starting August 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Several Unit 26 areas do not have an open season.

Bison

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Unit 13D (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Unit 19C, D (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 22 – October 10, 2025 or March 1 – March 31, 2026

Unit 20D (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 27, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Small Game

  • Grouse:
    • Units 1–6: August 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026
    • Units 7 and 15: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Units 8 and 10: no open season
    • Units 9, 17–19, 21–24, and 26: August 10, 2025 – April 30, 2026
    • Units 11-12, remainder of Unit 20, and Unit 25: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Units 13, 14A, 14B, and 16: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Unit 14C: September 1, 2025 – Marhc 31, 2026
    • Unit 20D: August 25, 20225 – March 31, 2026
  • Ptarmigan:
    • Units 1-5, 6A, 6B, and 6C: August 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026
    • Unit 15C, that portion north of Kachemak Bay and north of the Fox River: August 10, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • Units 6D, 7, 11, 13A, 13C, 13D, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 15C remainder, and 16: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Unit 13B: August 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026
    • Unit 13 E: August 10, 2025 – February 15, 2026
    • Unit 14C, excluding Eklutna Management Area: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Unit 14C, Eklutna Management Area: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Units 8, 10, 17, 19, 21-22, 24, 25A, 25B, 25D, and Unit 26B within the DHCMA and Prudhoe Bay Closed Area: August 10, 2025 – April 30, 2026 
    • Unit 9: August 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Units 12, 20, and 25C: August 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026 
    • Unit 18: August 10, 2025 – MAy 15, 2026
    • Units 23 and 26, excluding Unit 26B within the DHCMA and Prudhoe Bay Closed Area: August 10, 2025 – June 15, 2026
  • Hare:
    • Units 1–5, and 14C: September 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
    • Units 18, 22, 23: Snowhose hare (no closed season), Alaska hare (August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026)
    • All other open units: no closed season

Fur Animals

  • Coyote:
    • Units 1-5, 18, and 22: September 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
    • Units 6-7, 9-17, 19-21, and 23-26: No closed season
  • Arctic Fox:
    • Unit 8: September 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
    • Units 9, 17-18, 22-23, and 26: September 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
    • Unit 10, Pribilof Islands: September 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
    • Unit 10, remainder: No closed season
    • Units 24 & 25: September 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026 
  • Lynx: 
    • Units 1–5, 10: No open season
    • Units 7 & 15: January 1 – February 15, 2026
    • Units 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17: November 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Units 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, and 25C: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • Units 12 & 20E: November 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026
    • Unit 18: November 10, 2025 – March 31, 2025
    • Units 19, 21, 24, and remainder of 25: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Units 22, 23, and 26: November 1, 2025 – April 15, 2026
  • Squirrels: No close season
 

For additional details about the animals noted here (and others not noted), check the latest trapping and hunting regulations from the ADFG.


A brown bear in a river, Alaska hunting seasons concept.

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses and Regulations?

Everyone who hunts in Alaska needs a current hunting license. If you plan to hunt big game, you'll also need the appropriate locking tag and a harvest ticket. Make sure you understand the terminology and how each of these items work together to prepare you for a legal hunt.

Fees for locking tags range from a few hundred dollars to $3,000 for a muskox tag.

You'll also want to review changes in regulations from prior years. From changes in bag limits to adjustments to hunt areas and the lengths of some seasons, some changes can impact how, when, and where you hunt this year.

Alaska also offers a unique hunting opportunity for elderly or disabled hunters who can't get into the field. If you meet the requirements, you can choose another eligible hunter to hunt on your behalf.

What About Draw Hunts?

Draw results will be announced in late February for hunts in 2025 and 2026 for some species in designated areas. You'll need a license and tag to be eligible for draws.  

However, not all hunts require a draw tag, so if you missed the deadline for 2025-2026, there are still plenty of game animals and areas to hunt in Alaska that don't require you to win a draw.

What Are the Bag Limits During Hunting Season Alaska?

How many wolves or caribou can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations in Alaska, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.

In most cases, bag limits apply to a regulatory year (July 1 – June 30).

 

DeerLimits range from 1-4 bucks in some Units or up to 6 total deer in some areas. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. MuskoxOne bull or cow in most Units. Check the specifics for each Unit.
Elk1 bull or cow on a permit-by-permit basis. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. Grouse5-15 per day, depending on the Unit. 
Coyote2 coyotes in Units 1-5, 18, and 22. No limit in Units 6-7, 9-17, 19-21, and 23-26.HareRanging from 2-5 per day or no limit, depending on the Unit. 
Black Bear3 bears in some Units. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt.PtarmiganRanging between 5-20 per day. 
Brown Bear1 or 2 bears every regulatory year depending on the Unit.Arctic Fox2 foxes or no limit, depending on the hunting Unit
Caribou1-2 bulls or caribou, depending on the Unit. Lynx2 lynx in all open Units
Mountain Goat1 goat in most Units based on permits. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. SquirrelsNo limit
Sheep1 ram or 1 ram every four regulatory years, depending on the Unit. Hare5 per day (Units 1–5, 14C, 14A) 2 per day (Units 18, 22, 23 Alaskan Hare), No limit (other open Units)
MooseBag limits vary. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. WolfUp to 10 wolves in some Units. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. 
  WolverineOne wolverine in most Units.

 

For more details on bag limits, visit the ADFG website. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

All hunters in Alaska must pass a Basic Hunter Education course before hunting in some specific areas within the state. If you are under the age of 18, you can hunt without a safety certification if you are accompanied by a licensed hunter who is older than 18 and has completed a course.

You'll also need the right gear! From clothing (including layers) to optics and odor control, HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our app partners. Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including a good pair of binoculars, a hunting knife, and a spotting scope for glassing big game.

Do I Need a Guide?

Alaska requires the use of guides for some hunts. Make sure you follow those rules and book a guide if it is required.

Otherwise, a good guide can be invaluable when hunting in Alaska, even if it's not required — but it's up to you!

 

A wolf looks on from a safe spot in the trees.

HuntWise Helps You Bring Home Big Game During Alaska Hunting Seasons

We hope this information helps you plan a hunt-of-a-lifetime in Alaska! There are a lot of details that go into planning a big hunt like this, so we hope the information in this guide helps you have a successful hunt.

Before you head out, make sure you've downloaded the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Alaska, including links to the latest state regulations and season and license information. 

You'll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically before heading out to your hunt area to gain an advantage over other hunters this year and increase your chances of tagging out. Using our Hunt Area & Custom Markers feature, you can select (or draw) and label your hunt areas on a map. Place hundreds of unique markers to identify animal activity, landmarks, infrastructures, and more. 

HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting public or private hunting land! It's the ideal hunting app for all hunters, whether you're a casual, beginner, or seasoned hunter. 

Download the app and start your free trial now, so you're ready to hunt when the season opens!

Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details July 14, 2025.

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