2026 Spring Brown and Black Bear Hunt

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)