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AK

Deer Hunting in Alaska: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Alaska starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $45 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $300 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 1 – Dec 31 General
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Alaska Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Alaska deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $45

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $300

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type OTC access

Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.

Primary Season Aug 1 - Dec 31

General.

For Alaska deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Residents use a hunting license plus free harvest ticket; nonresidents also need the Sitka black-tailed deer locking tag. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Alaska does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Alaska

Alaska deer hunting is centered on Sitka black-tailed deer in Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and Kodiak-region units. Residents hunt deer with a $45 hunting license plus a free harvest ticket in units where the hunt is open. Nonresidents need the $160 Alaska hunting license and the Sitka black-tailed deer locking tag, which is listed at $300 in the current Alaska fee structure. Deer bag limits, season length, and access vary sharply by Game Management Unit, so hunters should plan by unit rather than treat Alaska as one statewide deer season. Alaska has not detected CWD in wild cervids, but it does regulate importation of high-risk cervid parts to protect that status.

Species present: Sitka Black-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Alaska Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
General Aug 1 Dec 31 Rifle, shotgun, bow
COSTS

Alaska Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$45

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$300

Over-the-counter tag available

Residents use a hunting license plus free harvest ticket; nonresidents also need the Sitka black-tailed deer locking tag

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Alaska deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Alaska

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Not Detected

CWD Testing / Transport

No in-state detection listed

Alaska has no in-state CWD zones, but import restrictions apply to high-risk cervid parts entering Alaska from outside jurisdictions.

Bag Limit

Daily: Varies · Season: 2-6 per unit

Unit-specific; Kodiak and Southeast offer generous limits

Allowed Weapons

Rifle, shotgun, bow

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Alaska — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Alaska?

No. CWD has never been detected in Alaska, so there are no mandatory testing zones. However, hunters bringing game meat from out-of-state must follow strict importation bans on certain carcass parts.

What are the antler restrictions?

There are no minimum point restrictions for Sitka black-tailed deer. However, hunters must leave evidence of sex naturally attached to the meat until it is processed.

Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Alaska?

No, Alaska offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.

What deer species can I hunt in Alaska?

Alaska deer hunting is centered on Sitka Black-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, shotgun, and bow according to the current unit regulations.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Alaska?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Alaska, but they need more than one product. Nonresidents buy the Alaska hunting license and the Sitka black-tailed deer locking tag, which is listed at $300 in the current fee schedule.

Plan Your Alaska Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Alaska.