Alaska

Alaska Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Alaska hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $45 General hunting

Non-Resident License $160 General hunting

Hunter Education Not Required Check local requirements

Online Purchase Yes Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Alaska Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting License $45 —

Resident Combination Hunt/Fish/Trap $105 —

Resident Senior (60+) $10 —

Resident Youth (Under 18) Free —

Resident Disabled Veteran $5 —

Resident Low-Income $5 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Hunting License — $160

Non-Resident Alien Hunting License — $630

Non-Resident Military (Active Duty in AK) — $45

Non-Resident Youth (Under 18) — $20

Tags & Permits

Moose Free $800

Caribou Free $650

Sitka Blacktail Deer Free $300

Brown/Grizzly Bear $25 $1000

Black Bear Free $450

Dall Sheep Free $850

Mountain Goat Free $600

Bison (Draw) Free $900

Muskox (Draw) Free $1100

Elk (Restricted) Free Free

Wolf Free $60

Endorsements & Stamps

Draw Hunt Application Fee $5 $5 per species per choice; non-refundable; applies to bison, muskox, limited entry

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

State Waterfowl Conservation Stamp $5 Required for waterfowl hunting in Alaska

King Salmon Stamp (Fishing) $15 Required for king salmon retention; relevant for combination license holders

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Alaska Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit ADF&G online store. Create account or sign in. Select annual hunting license (combo available). Purchase required locking-tags for each species (NR). Apply for draw hunts during application periods. Pay with credit/debit card; print license and carry tags

Buy In Person

Licensed vendors statewide, ADF&G regional offices (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer), Major sporting goods stores (Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's)

Buy By Phone

Call 907-465-2376. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Alaska hunting license is online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Alaska

Who needs it: Check with state wildlife agency

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: No field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Not available

Military exemption: No military exemption

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Alaska?

Youth (Under 18) Free (res) / $20 (NR) Resident youth hunt free; non-resident youth $20; must be accompanied by licensed adult

Senior (60+) $10 Reduced license for AK residents 60+

Disabled Veteran (50%+) $5 Significantly reduced fee for disabled veterans with 50%+ rating

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in AK pay $45 resident rate regardless of home of record

Subsistence Priority seasons Alaska residents have subsistence use priority on federal lands under ANILCA; longer seasons, higher limits

Low-Income $5 Residents qualifying under state income guidelines; includes general hunting

SEASONS

Alaska Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Moose General Sep 1 – Sep 30 Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader

Moose Archery Only (select units) Aug 20 – Aug 31 Bow only

Caribou Fall Aug 1 – Sep 30 Rifle, shotgun, bow

Caribou Winter Oct 1 – Mar 31 Rifle, shotgun, bow

Sitka Blacktail Deer General Aug 1 – Dec 31 Rifle, shotgun, bow

Brown/Grizzly Bear Fall Sep 1 – Oct 31 Rifle, bow

Brown/Grizzly Bear Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Rifle, bow

Black Bear General Sep 1 – Jun 30 Rifle, shotgun, bow

Dall Sheep General Aug 10 – Sep 20 Rifle, bow

Mountain Goat General Aug 1 – Dec 31 Rifle, bow

Wolf Hunting Season Aug 1 – Apr 30 Rifle, shotgun, bow

Ptarmigan/Grouse General Aug 10 – Mar 31 Shotgun, rifle, bow

Waterfowl/Duck Regular Sep 1 – Dec 16 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Bison (Draw) Draw Only Oct-Mar – Varies Rifle

BAG LIMITS

Alaska Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Moose 1 1 One moose per year; antler restrictions vary by GMU (50-inch spread or 3+ brow tines common)

Caribou 1 1-5 per unit Varies by herd; Western Arctic herd allows up to 5; some herds restricted

Sitka Blacktail Deer Varies 2-6 per unit Unit-specific; Kodiak and Southeast offer generous limits

Brown/Grizzly Bear 1 1 per regulatory year Some units: 1 per 4 years; skull/hide MUST be sealed by ADF&G

Black Bear 1 1-3 per year Liberal limits in most units; some units allow 3 per year

Dall Sheep 1 1 Full-curl rams only in most units; one of the most challenging hunts

Mountain Goat 1 1 Draw required in some units; either sex

Wolf 5-10 5-10 per unit Liberal limits; no bag limit in some units; trapping also available

COMPARE

How Alaska Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Alaska $45 $160

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Alaska?

Residents pay $45 (youth free). Non-residents pay $160 plus species-specific locking-tags: moose $800, caribou $650, brown bear $1,000, Dall sheep $850, deer $300, black bear $450. Foreign nationals pay $630 base license. Resident tags are FREE for most species.

Do non-residents need a guide in Alaska?

NR US citizens need a guide or AK resident relative (within 2nd degree kindred) for brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat. Moose, caribou, and deer do NOT require a guide. Non-resident aliens need a guide for ALL big game.

Do Alaska residents get free big game tags?

Yes — residents get free harvest tickets for moose, caribou, deer, sheep, goat, black bear, and wolf. Only brown/grizzly bear requires a $25 tag. This makes Alaska one of the most affordable states for resident hunters despite expensive living costs.

Does Alaska require hunter education?

No. Alaska is one of very few states that does NOT require hunter education to purchase a hunting license. However, bowhunter education is required for certain archery-only hunts. Voluntary courses are available and recommended.

What is subsistence hunting in Alaska?

Alaska has a dual management system where rural residents get priority for subsistence hunting on federal lands under ANILCA. Subsistence seasons are longer with higher limits. This is unique to Alaska and deeply embedded in Native culture and state law.

How big are Alaska moose?

Alaska-Yukon moose are the world's largest subspecies — bulls weigh 1,200-1,600+ lbs with antler spreads exceeding 70 inches. NR tags cost $800 + $160 license. No guide required for moose, but many hire bush pilots and transporters.

What are the Dall sheep requirements?

Dall sheep tags are free for residents, $850 for NR. Full-curl rams only in most units. NR must hire licensed guide ($15,000-$25,000 typical). Physically demanding backcountry hunts in Alaska Range, Brooks Range, or Wrangell Mountains.

Can I buy an Alaska hunting license online?

Yes, at store.prior.adfg.alaska.gov. NR must purchase locking-tags BEFORE hunting. Tags are non-refundable and non-transferable. Draw applications for bison, muskox, and limited-entry hunts open separate application periods.