Game Hunting Dates in Alaska

Alaska’s hunting seasons vary greatly and serve up a wide variety of large game animals, such as moose, black bear, and muskox. Hunting seasons vary by region, but many game seasons extend throughout the year.

Big Game Seasons

Hunting enthusiasts can hunt down black bear, brown bear, and grizzly bear from September through June. Keep in mind that exact dates vary greatly by area. In addition, after a bear is hunted down, hunters may need to wait from one to four years to be able to hunt down another.

Hunting is open for caribou, deer, elk and mountain goat August through December. In some regions, hunting may be year-round. Moose hunting season runs from September through October, wolf seasons runs from August through May and wolverine season runs from September through February.

Small Game Seasons

Here is a list of small game seasons:

• Ptarmigan: August 1st through June 15th
• Hare: September 1st through April 30th
• Grouse: August 1st through May 15th
• Crow: March 1st through April 15th
• Pheasant, Quail, Partridge, Wild Turkey and Snowy Owl: Open Season

Big game hunters should take safety precautions when out hunting. Wearing hunter orange saves lives. Over 80 percent of big game hunters wear hunter orange. Hunters who wear hunter orange are seven times less likely to get accidently shot by another hunter. Heart attacks are common with hunters due to putting more stress on the heart with dragging a carcass or carrying gear. It’s important to be sure that you’re physically fit before hunting. It’s wise to build up your strength and endurance before hunting season. It’s also recommended to bring along a rescue laser and carry a cannister of bear spray.

In Alaska, all hunters born after January of 1986 must complete a hunter education certification course in order to hunt in Alaska. The goal of the course is to make hunters follow hunting safety rules, learn about being responsible for wildlife and knowledgeable in demonstrating acceptable behavior while hunting. It’s all designed to have hunters have a safe, fun and successful hunt. Educated hunters play a critical role in keeping the state a leader in wildlife management.