Alaska, nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” boasts a majestic wilderness teeming with diverse wildlife and unparalleled hunting opportunities.

However, before embarking on your Alaskan hunting expedition, familiarizing yourself with the latest regulations is crucial. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) meticulously manages wildlife populations to ensure sustainability. Here, we’ll delve into some key regulations you need to know for the 2024 season, followed by top game locations to consider.

Alaska Game Schedule 2024

General Caribou:

Most seasons run from August 1st to March 31st.
Exceptions exist for specific units with variations like:
- Earlier starts (July 1st) for units 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D (north), 16A, 16B, 18, 19 (various sub-units), 20F, 21A, 21E, 23, 24 (all sub-units), 25A, 25D, 26A.
- Later closures (until April 30th) for units 8, 9C, 9E, 13D (remainder), 14A, 14B, 19A (West, Central Kuskokwim), 19C, 19D (East).

Specific Unit Variations:

6C and 6D have a shorter period, running from August 10th to September 30th.
11 offers a split schedule with caribou hunting allowed from August 1st to September 30th and again during February 1st to April 30th.
12 also has a split schedule allowing hunting from August 1st to September 30th and again from October 21st to March 31st.
15A and 15B have a shorter period from August 10th to October 15th.
Units with extended cow protection (cannot be hunted) include 18, 19 (various sub-units), 21 (various sub-units), 23, 25 (various sub-units) during May 16th to August 31st.
Units with extended bull protection (cannot be hunted) include 15C, 15D (during October 16th to January 31st).

Fall Fortymile Caribou:

This specific hunt targets bull caribou only within Zones 1 and 4.
The time is very short, running from August 10th to August 13th.
A quota of 360 bulls is expected for this hunt.

Bag Limits:

Most units allow hunters to take two caribou.
Exceptions include:
- Units 6C and 6D with a limit of one caribou.
- Units 16A, 16B, 20F, 21A, 21E, 24 (all sub-units) where hunters can take five caribou per day with a permit.
- Units 18, 19 (various sub-units), 21 (various sub-units), 23, 25 (various sub-units) allowing ten caribou per day (cows protected during May 16-Aug 31).
- Units 22D and 22E with the most liberal limit of twenty caribou per day with a permit.

Archery Elk:

Unit 3: Residents and non-residents can hunt elk with archery equipment during two separate seasons:
- Early: September 1st to September 30th.
- Late: October 1st to November 30th.
Unit 8: Residents and non-residents can hunt elk with archery equipment from September 25th to November 30th

Dall Sheep

Bag Limit: Hunters are allowed one ram with a full-curl horn or larger for each permit they obtain.

Unit Specific Dates:

1C, 1D, 2, 4, 7, 15A: Open from Aug 10 – Oct 15
3: Open from Aug 10 – Sept 20
6A, 6B, 6C, 6D: Open from Aug 10 – Oct 5
8, 15B, 15C, 15D, 19A-E, 21A, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20F, 22, 24A, 24B, 25A, 25D: Open from Aug 10 – Sept 20
20D, 20E: Open from Aug 10 – Sept 20 (with a different closing date than other units in the 20 group)
23: Open from July 15 – Dec 31 (This unit has a different season start and end date than all other units)
26A: Dates not specified
26B: Open from Aug 10 – Apr 30 (The only unit with a season extending past the end of the year)

Bison

Limited Permits: In all bison hunting units, licenses are awarded through a permit system. You’ll need to apply and be successful in the draw to hunt bison. Season Dates: Most bison seasons run from September 1st to March 31st. However, there are some exceptions:

Northern Range (Units 11, 13E): Aug 1 – Mar 31
Central Range (Units 6B, 6C, 20C): Aug 1 – Mar 31
Southern Range (Units 19A-B, 19D, 20A, 20B, 20D, 20E, 20F, 21D, 24, 25D): Aug 1 – March 31 and for 25D Aug 1 – Apr 15 respectively

Bag Limit: Hunters are restricted to one bison every 10 years, regardless of the specific unit.

Musk Oxen

Season Variations: The opening day for muskox hunting is consistent across most units, starting on August 1st. However, closing dates differ:
- Nunivak Island (Unit 18): September 30th
- Unit 22E: March 15th (early closure)
- Units 20C, 23, 25A, 26A: March 31st
- All other listed units (19A-B, 19D, 20A-B, 20D-F, 21C-D, 24, 24A-B): March 31st
Permit System: In all areas, muskoxen requires a permit.
Bag Limit: Regardless of the unit, hunters are limited to one bull muskox per permit.

Planning Tips:

If you prioritize a shorter hunt, Nunivak Island offers the opportunity.
For a longer season with slightly more flexibility, Units 20C, 23, 25A, and 26A could be your target.
Remember, permit applications and specific regulations might vary by unit. Always consult official wildlife management sources before planning your muskox hunt.

Moose

Early Moose (mid-August to mid-September):

Units 1C, 5C, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 13A, 13B, 13E, 17A, 17B, 17C, 24A, 25A, 25D, 26A (entire season) – Moose hunting kicks off in these units in mid-August, offering an opportunity for an early start.

Standard Moose (September 1st to September 25th):

This timeframe encompasses the majority of moose hunting opportunities across Alaska in units 1C, 1D, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 8, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 11, 13C, 14A, 14B, 14C, 15A, 15B, 20A, 20F, 21A, 21C, 22A, 22B, 22C, 24C, 24D. During this period, bag limits typically allow for one bull moose with specific antler restrictions (e.g., minimum 50-inch spread or brow tine requirements).

Late Moose (late September to April):

Units with extended seasons beyond the standard September timeframe include:
- 5B: (November 15th to November 30th) – Offering a chance to hunt moose later in the fall.
- 20E: (September 1st to September 30th) – Extends the season by a week compared to most other units.
- 22E: (September 1st to March 15th) – Provides a significantly longer window for bulls.
- 23: (July 1st to April 30th) – Has the longest season allowing almost year-round hunting with a permit.

Unit-Specific Seasons:

Units 18, 19D, 20B, 21B, and 24D have unique season dates that differ from the standard categories.

Goat

Long Seasons (August 20th – January 31st):

This extended hunting window applies to most units (1C-6D, 8A, 9A-E, 14-Nov, 18, 19A-D, 24A-B, 26A-B) offering ample opportunity to target mountain goats.

Earlier Closures (Specific Dates):

7 and 15A have an earlier season closure compared to others. In Unit 7, it wraps up on November 14th.
15A hunters need to plan their trips between August 10th and October 15th.
Within Unit 15C, there’s a specific season for the Nanwalek and Port Graham areas, also running from August 10th to October 15th.
25A follows a similar timeframe, closing on October 15th.

Black Bear

By Units:

1A-1D, 3, 8, 11-13, 14B, 18-21, 22A-E, 24-26: Enjoy extended black bear, running from September 1st all the way through June 30th.
4, 5: These units have split opportunities in fall (September 15th to December 31st) and spring (March 15th to May 31st).
6A-D: Hunters targeting black bears in Units 6A, 6B, and 6C have a shorter spring window, running from April 15th to June 15th. Unit 6D offers an even shorter period ending on June 10th.
7, 9A-B, 9E: Similar to Units 6A-D, these areas starts on April 15th, but the closing dates differ. Unit 7 wraps up on June 30th, while Units 9A-B and 9E end the season on May 31st.
9C-D: This unit allows for an extended spring hunt for black bears, running from September 1st to May 31st. Hunters can harvest two bears during this period.
14A, 14C: Black bear hunting in these units follows the standard September 1st to June 30th but with a bag limit of one bear.
15, 16, 20B, 21A, 21B, 21E, 23, 24A-B, 25A-C: These areas offer the most liberal black bear regulations, allowing hunters to harvest up to three bears (September 1st to June 30th).
17: Hunters can harvest two bears from September 1st to May 31st, with an additional opportunity to take one more bear during the June 1st to August 31st timeframe, bringing the total limit to three bears.

Brown Grizzly Bear

Spring and Fall:

Many units (1B, 1C, 1D, 4, 5, 16B, 17A-B, 18) offer brown bear opportunities in both spring (typically March 15th to May 31st) and fall (usually September 15th to December 31st).

Spring Only:

1C allows for an additional brown bear season solely in the spring (March 15th to May 31st).

Extended Seasons:

6A, 6B, 6C, and 9B have extended seasons stretching from September 1st all the way through May 31st.

Unique Seasons:

Units with specific season dates include:
- 6D: (September 1st to June 15th)
- 8A: (September 15th to December 31st)
- 12: (September 1st to May 20th)
- 15: (August 10th to June 30th)
- 16A: (October 15th to November 30th)
- 20B: (September 1st to May 31st)
- 20C: (October 15th to May 31st)
- 20E: (September 1st to October 31st)
- 23: (August 10th to May 31st)
- 26B: (September 1st to May 31st)

Bag Limit: The bag limit for brown bears is typically one bear every four regulatory year

Wolverine

Season Length: Most wolverine seasons run from September 1st to February 15th (Units 1-5, 8-11, 13, 16, 20-26).
Exceptions:
- Units 6-7, 12-15, and 17-19 have a longer season ending on March 31st.
- Unit 9 and Unit 18 also have a February 15th closure but with a bag limit of one wolverine.
- Units with unique season dates include:
  - 14C (November 10th to February 15th)
  - 20D and 20F (September 1st to March 31st)
  - 21 and 24 (extended to February 28th)
  - 23 (November 10th to February 15th)
  - 25D (September 1st to March 31st)
Bag Limit: Wolverine bag limits vary by unit. Most areas allow one wolverine, but some offer a limit of two (Units 6-7, 12-15, 14C, and 17-19).

Wolf

Season Length: Wolf seasons in Alaska typically run from August 10th to April 30th.
Bag Limit: Bag limits for wolves also depend on the unit. Most areas have a limit of five wolves (Units 6-7, 9, 12, 14C, 15, and 17), while others allow ten wolves (Units 1-5, 8-11, 13, 14A, 14B, 16, 18-26, 20D, 20E, 20F, 21, and 24). There’s no bag limit for wolves in Units 20A, 20B, 20C, 23, and 25D.

Small Games

Open All Year with No Bag Limits:

Feral ferret and feral swine can be hunted year-round throughout all units (1-26) without any restrictions on the number you harvest.
Similarly, non-native game birds like Chukar, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Wild Turkey can be hunted throughout the year in any unit (1-26) without bag limits.
Pika hunting follows the same structure, with no closed season or bag limit restrictions in Units 12 and 20E. Units 1-11, 13-19, 20A-F, and 21-26 also allow unrestricted Pika hunting year-round.

Crows

Crow hunting has specific regulations depending on the unit and time of year:
- Units 1-9 and 15 allow from March 1st to April 15th with a daily bag limit of five. However, crows can only be harvested for personal use (food or clothing), and selling them is strictly prohibited. An additional crow season runs from September 1st to November 17th in these units.
- Units 10-14, 16-26 have no open season.
- Crow hunting is entirely closed for non-residents of Alaska.

Cormorant

Cormorant hunting for residents is allowed during specific timeframes in certain units:
- Units 6, 8-10, 17-18, 22, and 23 have a cormorant season from September 1st to April 1st. Residents can harvest cormorants without bag limits, but similar to crows, they can only be taken for personal use (food or clothing) and not for commercial purposes.
Cormorant hunting is completely closed for non-residents in all units.

Hare

By Units

1-5 & 14C: Snowshoe hare season is open year-round with a bag limit of 5 per day.
6-8, 10-13, 14B, 15-16, 19-21, 24-26: No closed season or bag limit for snowshoe hare.
9 & 17: Snowshoe hare hunting allowed year-round with no bag limit.
9 & 17 (Alaska Hare): November 1st – January 31st with a limit of 1 per day (4 total).
14A: Hare hunting open all year with a bag limit of 5 per day.
18, 22, 23: Snowshoe hare is open year-round with no bag limit.
18, 22, 23 (Alaska Hare): August 1st – May 31st with a limit of 2 per day (6 total).

Ptarmigan:

Most units (except 23 & 26) have a ptarmigan season from August 1st to May 15th with a bag limit of 20 per day (40 in possession).
Specific regulations apply in certain Units:
- 15C (north of Kachemak Bay): August 10th – January 31st (5 per day, 10 in possession)
- With varied closures: August 10th – March 31st/April 30th (10 per day, 20 in possession)
- 13B & 13E: August 10th – February 15th (10 per day, 20 in possession)
- 14C (excluding Eklutna): August 10th – March 31st (10 per day, 20 in possession)
- 14C (Eklutna): September 1st – March 31st (10 per day, 20 in possession)
- Specific units around Prudhoe Bay: August 10th – April 30th (20 per day, 40 in possession)
- 12, 20 & 25C: Open all year (season splits with different bag limits)
- 18: August 10th – May 15th (15 per day, 30 in possession)
- 23 & 26 (excluding 26B): August 10th – June 15th (50 per day, 100 in possession)

Grouse

Here’s a quick breakdown by unit:

6-D: Open August 1st to May 15th (5 per day, 10 total).
7 & 15: Open August 10th to March 31st (10 per day, 20 total, with a limit on ruffed grouse).
8 & 10: Closed for grouse game.
9, 17-19, 21-24, 26: Open August 10th to April 30th (15 per day, 30 total).
11-12, rest of 20, 25: Open August 10th to March 31st.
13, 14A, 14B, 16: Open August 10th to March 31st (15 per day, 30 total, with a limit on ruffed grouse).
14C: Open September 1st to March 31st (5 per day, 10 total, with a limit on ruffed grouse).
20D (west of Johnson River): Open August 25th to March 31st (mixed bag limit with restrictions on ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse).
Falconry Season (specific areas): Open August 10th to August 24th (limit on sharp-tailed grouse).

Snowy Owl

Residents of Units 17, 18, 22, 23, and 26 can hunt Snowy Owls from September 1st to April 1st, but only for personal use (food or clothing). Non-residents cannot hunt Snowy Owls in any unit.

Porcupine

Hunting is allowed year-round throughout all units (1-26) with no bag limit.

Shrew and Mouse

Similar to porcupine, Shrew and Mouse hunting is permitted year-round in all units (1-26) without any restrictions on harvest numbers.

Furbearer

Beaver: Open season and bag limits differ by unit. Generally closed in Units 1-8, 10-15, 17, 19-20, 21B-D, 24-26. Open all year in Units 9, 18, 22, 23. Unit 16 has a season from August 10th to May 31st. Units 21A and 21E have a season from September 1st to June 10th.

Coyote: Mostly open year-round with no bag limit in Units 6-7, 9-17, 19-21, 23-26. Closed season in Units 1-5, 18, 22 (season runs September 1st to April 30th with a limit of 2 coyotes).

Fox: Regulations depend on species and unit. Red fox is closed in Units 1-7, 15. Open all year with a bag limit of 10 in Units 11-13, 18-26 (but no more than 2 before October 1st). Open with a limit of 2 foxes in specific units during set dates for arctic fox. No closed season for arctic fox in Unit 10.

Squirrel: No closed season or bag limit throughout Alaska (Units 1-26).

Lynx: Closed in Units 1-5, 10. Units with varying open seasons and bag limits from November to March.

Raccoon: No closed season or bag limit throughout Alaska (Units 1-26).

Deleterious Exotic Wildlife

Alaska allows hunting for several invasive species year-round throughout all units (1-26) with no bag limits. These include:

Belgian Hare
English Sparrow
Eurasian Collared Dove
Rockdove (pigeon)
Muridae Rodents (gerbils, rats, true mice, etc.)
Starling

Feral Non-Native Game Birds

Alaska welcomes hunting of various non-native game birds year-round throughout all units (1-26) with no bag limit restrictions. This applies to Chukar, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Turkey.

Unpacking the Latest Alaska Hunting Regulations

The ADF&G meticulously regulates hunting seasons and bag limits to ensure the sustainability of Alaska’s wildlife populations. Staying informed about these regulations is paramount for a responsible and legal game experience. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect for the season:

Focus on Big Game Permits: The application period for many big game hunts, such as moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, typically occurs in December or January of the preceding year. Don’t miss out; ensure you submit your application well within the designated timeframe.
Drawing System: Alaska employs a drawing system for certain high-demand hunts. This system provides a fair chance for hunters to secure coveted tags for specific species and regions.
Hunting License Requirements: Every hunter in Alaska requires a valid license. Additional permits or tags may be necessary depending on the species you target.
ADF&G Website: The ADF&G website (link: Alaska Department of Fish and Game) is a valuable resource for all regulations, licensing information, and downloadable maps

Top Alaskan Hunting Locations to Consider

Alaska boasts a diverse landscape teeming with a variety of game species. Choosing the ideal game location hinges on your target animal and preferred terrain. Here are a few of Alaska’s most sought-after hunting destinations:

Interior Alaska: Renowned for its vast caribou herds, roaming bears, and abundant moose populations, Interior Alaska beckons big game hunters. Areas like the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park offer unparalleled hunting opportunities.
Southcentral Alaska: This region caters to hunters seeking a mix of coastal and mountainous terrain. Kodiak Island, renowned for its giant brown bears, and the Kenai Peninsula, teeming with moose, sheep, and deer, are prime examples.
Southeast Alaska: Lush rainforests and a network of islands characterize Southeast Alaska. This region provides a unique opportunity to hunt for Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, and black bears.

Region	Notable Game Species
Interior Alaska	Moose, Caribou, Bear
Southcentral Alaska	Brown Bear, Black Bear, Mountain Goat
Southeast Alaska	Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, Waterfowl
Kodiak Island	Brown Bear
Alaska Peninsula	Caribou, Elk, Dall Sheep

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

Alaska Hunting: Discovering 2024 New Seasons and Top Spots