Alaska Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Alaska hunting seasons vary greatly from hunting seasons and game found in the lower 48 states. The state takes first place in offering a wide selection of large game animals. From black bear, caribou and moose to mountain goats and muskox, Alaska is a premier hunting destination.
Unlike hunting seasons in the continental United States, many game seasons extend throughout the year, while other seasons vary by animal, time of year or nuisance problems. Seasons also greatly vary by region – Alaska hunting seasons differ in each of the 26 hunting zones.
Hunting seasons also differ by residency; not all seasons are open to nonresidents. In years where game herds are small or limited, nonresidents are often restricted from hunting. Hunting licenses and tags can be purchased online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Alaska Bear Seasons
| Black Bear | Sept. 1-June 30** |
| Brown/Grizzly Bear | Sept. 15-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
In many regions, bag limits affect the next several years of hunting. After a bear is taken, hunters may need to wait between one and four years to hunt another.
Alaska Muskox Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-March 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Caribou SeasonsD
| General Season | Aug. 10-March 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone; some zones allow open season hunting so long as no more than two caribou are taken per year.
Alaska Deer Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Elk Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Mountain Goat Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-Jan. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Moose Seasons
| General Season | Sept. 1-Nov. 30** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Wolf and Wolverine Seasons
| Wolf, General Season | Aug. 1-Apr. 30** |
| Wolverine, General Season | Sept. 1-March 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Alaska Small Game Seasons
| Grouse | Aug. 1-May 15** |
| Ptarmigan | Aug. 1-June 15** |
| Hare | Sept. 1-Apr. 30** |
| Crow | Sept. 1-Nov. 17 March 1-Apr. 15** |
| Pika | Open season in some zones; closed season in many zones** |
| Snowy Owl | Sept. 1-Apr. 1; closed season for nonresidents |
| Pheasant | Open season |
| Chuckar | Open season |
| Quail | Open season |
| Wild Turkey | Open season |
| Partridge | Open season |
| Squirrel | Open season |
| Feral Ferrets and Swine | Open season |
**Season dates vary by zone, some zones may have open season yearround.
Alaska hunting season regulations affect the use of weapons (which depend on animal and weight). Generally, archery and muzzleloader take methods are prohibited for big game hunts. For additional information or suggestions on planning a hunt, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.