Hunting in Alaska

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110 hunting trips from 32 outfitters starting from $3,379

110

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$3,379

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About hunting in Alaska

The word Alaska means “The Great Land,” and the state’s nickname is “The Last Frontier.” Both are appropriate monikers for a state containing huge swaths of wild country and uninhabited areas—a true hunter’s paradise, home to North America’s largest and most sought-after game animals. Covering 365,000,000 acres, an area one-fifth the size of the entire United States, Alaska has plenty of room for the adventurous hunter to roam. Alaska has more than a dozen species of big-game animals as well as excellent small game and waterfowl hunting opportunities. Big-game species include bison, caribou, elk, muskox, wolves, black bears, Dall sheep, moose, brown and grizzly bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and mountain goats. Most hunting in Alaska occurs between August and October, but bears may be taken in either fall or spring in some locations. Alaska requires nonresidents hunting brown/grizzly bears, Dall sheep, or mountain goats to be accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide or by an Alaska resident at least 19 years of age who is a close relative, defined as within the "second degree of kindred.” Nonresident aliens are required to have a guide to hunt any big-game animal in Alaska. All big-game guides in Alaska must be licensed by the state. For some hunts in Alaska, it is possible to hire a transporter instead of a guide. These are licensed individuals and companies who help hunters get to remote areas by bush plane, boat, horse, ATV, snow machine, etc. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game (adfg.alaska.gov) has an excellent website with in-depth information about hunting in the state. Check the site for specific license and tag requirements for each species. The Alaska Professional Hunters Association is another great source of information about Alaska: alaskaprohunter.org.

Alaska on map

TAGs & licenses

Big Game

Big game hunting in Alaska includes many sought after species such as Moose, Caribou, Dall sheep, and many others.

Most hunts are general season, i.e. available with “over-the-counter” tags/permits, while certain high-demand hunts are allocated by lottery drawing. The application period for drawing permits is typically in November – December, with results announced in late winter. Both residents and non-residents can apply for most draws.

Non-resident hunters, in addition to purchasing Alaska annual hunting license, must buy an appropriate locking-tag for each big game animal hunted (e.g. moose tag, caribou tag) which needs to be affixed to the animal immediately after harvest and remain until the meat is processed.

Residents of Alaska do not need to buy tags for most species (except a locking-tag for brown bear or muskox in certain hunts).

Besides drawing options, some hunts are registration permits (first-come, first-served, often available in-season) or harvest tickets (free, but required for general hunts of species like moose, caribou, deer) which need to be carried in the field and returned to Fish and Game with harvest report.

Small Game

Small game in Alaska – including upland game birds (ptarmigan, grouse), waterfowl (ducks, geese), and small mammals like snowshoe hare – is generally available over the counter with no special draw. A standard hunting license allows residents and non-residents to hunt small game. However, migratory bird hunting does require acquiring Federal and State Duck Stamps. Additionally, Alaska requires proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP) for migratory bird hunters (a free HIP registration).

Upland game bird and small game hunting do not require tags or stamps, but bag limits and season dates vary by area.

Documents that you need for hunting in Alaska:

Alaska Hunting License – Available in Resident, Non-Resident, and Non-Resident Alien versions (e.g. an annual non-resident hunting license)
Permits/Harvest Tickets – a drawing permit (if you won a lottery), a registration permit, or a harvest ticket per huntable species
Non-resident hunters will need big game tags (Locking-Tags) for each big game species hunted
Residents need a locking-tag only for certain species (brown/grizzly bear and muskox in some hunts)
Hunter Education Certificate
Bowhunter/Crossbow/Muzzleloader Education proof (if needed)
State & Federal Duck Stamps + HIP registration confirmation

Minimum Hunter Age

Alaska does not specify a minimum age for hunting, but there are strict supervision and education rules for young hunters. Hunters under 10 years old cannot hunt big game and must be under direct immediate supervision of a licensed adult if they accompany a hunt.

10+ years old - a successfully completed Hunter Education course is required.

Links to Read More Information

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/ (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)

Price distribution

$3,379

$16,285

$29,191

$42,097

$55,003

Hunting methods

Rifle Hunting 104 hunts

Stalking 86 hunts

Bow Hunting 62 hunts

All methods (13)

Game classification

Big Game 107 hunts

Predators 81 hunts

Dangerous Game 79 hunts

All classifications (7)

Reviews

Steve

9.3

of 10

Verified review

Nov 27, 2025

Good transporter and fishing was awesome

9.3

of 10

Driftwood Wilderness Lodge

Outfitter

Lots of deer tough hunt with bad weather days but awesome when weather straightened out we shot three bucks, fishing was superb duck hunting was real slow food was incredibly good crab pots were a blast great trip with tons of meat and fish to fly home

Nothing good value for the money

Reliable

Useful

Unique

Good Value for Money

Eric

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

May 27, 2025

Two Bears Down and a Great Alaskan Adventure

10.0

of 10

Barela's Alaskan Outfitters

Outfitter

From the moment you step onto the boat at the Yakutat harbor, the adventure with Barela Alaskan Outfitter begins in unforgettable fashion. Heading north through a three-hour scenic masterpiece, the journey alone is worth the trip. Roughly halfway in, you reach the incredible Hubbard Glacier. Dodging floating ice while scooping up crystal-clear glacier pieces to take back to camp is just the beginning. Watching massive sections of the glacier crash into the sea while cruising past awe-struck cruise ship passengers — who clearly envy your rugged adventure — is a memory I’ll never forget. About an hour and a half later, you arrive at camp — two cozy cabins and a small outhouse that become home for the next twelve days. After settling in, it’s off to the island to start glassing for bear. The weather is no joke — rain is a near-daily companion — but that doesn’t take away from the experience. You prepare for it and you own it and it doesn’t even phase you it’s just part of the wonderful experience. Setting up under a rain fly and scanning the wild coastlines is an experience in itself. You start seeing bears, slowly at first, then in growing numbers. The anticipation builds. After several stalks that didn’t pan out, our luck turned. My highly motivated and passionate guide, Hunter, spotted a true giant known as “The Beach Boss.” After a painstaking stalk along the beachline, we thought we lost him but using a predator call Hunter was able to draw him out of the brush and we got him at just 30 yards. He was a monster: 9'8" with a 28 1/8" skull — one of only nine bears ever recorded over 28 inches Southeast Alaska! We had the opportunity to hunt for the elusive Glacier bear. We didn't get a chance on a Glacier, but harvested a great Black Bear. Beyond the hunt, the camp life is nothing short of exceptional. Hot meals, warm bunks, fresh-caught shrimp and mussels — we truly ate like kings. The entire experience is the definition of wild, remote, and real. An extraordinary team of experienced guides, untouched Alaskan wilderness, and a hunt you’ll remember for a lifetime. As Pete says, “Come with a positive mindset and adventure in your heart” — and you’ll leave with stories that few in the world can match.

Communication was a little difficult.

Brice

United States

9.0

of 10

Verified review

Sep 28, 2024

Late September hunt.

9.0

of 10

Bearfoot Adventures

Outfitter

Unfortunately got Covid days before the hunt and Chet and his team was kind enough to postpone the hunt by 10 days to allow me to recover before heading out. These guys will do whatever they can to get you in front of your animal. Sam, my guide was great. hard working, funny and got me within 150 yards of my moose. These animals are hard to come by these days and this outfit can still pull it off. Highly recommended them.

It’s hard to pack for this time of year. It was hot and it was snowing. Good luck!

Robert

United States

6.7

of 10

Verified review

Jun 3, 2024

grizzly hunting is difficult

6.7

of 10

Track Of The Grizzly

Outfitter

Stayed in a lodge with meals and showers

Only saw 1 bear

Alison

United States

9.0

of 10

Verified review

May 29, 2024

Great experience with a great guide.

9.0

of 10

Bearfoot Adventures

Outfitter

Food choice & quality was great for camping in the mountains. Knowledge of guide on Alaskan animals.

Lack of animals.

Daniel

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

Sep 13, 2023

Experienced Outfitter

10.0

of 10

Bearfoot Adventures

Outfitter

Chet and his guides took every precaution to keep us safe, happy, and succesful on the hunt. They worked extremely hard spotting animals, packing meat, and making us laugh daily. We took two great Bull Moose on our hunt.

The rain. Ha. The Alaska weather is no joke, cold and rainy. I could’ve been better prepared with my gear list. But it all worked out fine.

Meet your guides

Check out what outfitters have to say about their properties and hunting experience with them!

Jerry Cates

United States

6.7

1 review

I have always loved sharing the wilderness spirit that can only be found in the last remaining truly wild places, Alaska is one of those places and perhaps the best. Come experience a hunt that will be shared again and again around campfires and anywhere where hunters gather. Happy hunting to all.

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Bob Cusack

Nestled on the Alaska Peninsula between Lake Clark National Park and the Katmai National Monument is the Cusack's Alaska Lodge. The lodge sits 200 miles to the southwest of Anchorage amid the beauty of wild Alaska. Your hosts are Bob and Lula Cusack, who built the lodge. Bob is a professional grade bush pilot and has been flying fisherman to remote locations for nearly 40 years. This is a rustic, luxury lodge that blends the best of wild Alaska with the best of modern society.

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Alisha Mutts Decker

United States

9.8

4 reviews

With over 40 years of guiding experience in Southeast Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park, We are an exceptional choice for your next hunting adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. We were formed in 1974 by Master Guides Jimmie C. and MaryAnn. Over the years, the business has grown to be one of the largest professional Guide/Outfitter operations in the State of Alaska. We are a family-owned and operated, with Master Guide Mutts and Zach carrying on the outfitting tradition.

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