Hunting Bag Limits
What Should I Know About Hunting Licenses and Regulations in Alaska?
If you're planning to hunt in Alaska, a valid hunting license is required for everyone. For big game hunting, you’ll also need a locking tag and a harvest ticket, both of which are essential for a legal and successful hunt. It’s important to understand how these components work together and what’s required for each species.
Locking tag fees vary significantly — ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as $3,000 for a muskox tag.
Before heading out, take time to review any regulation updates from previous years. These changes may include new bag limits, adjustments to hunting areas, or alterations to season lengths, all of which could affect your hunting plans.
Alaska also provides a special option for elderly or disabled hunters who may not be able to access the field. If you qualify, you can designate another eligible hunter to harvest game on your behalf.
How Do Draw Hunts Work in Alaska?
For certain species and areas, Alaska uses a draw hunt system. Draw results for 2025–2026 seasons will be announced in late February. To enter the draw, you must already have a valid license and the appropriate tag.
Missed the draw? Don’t worry — many hunts in Alaska do not require a draw tag. There are still numerous opportunities to pursue game animals across the state without needing to win a draw.
Understanding Bag Limits in Alaska
Planning to hunt wolves, caribou, or other species? Be sure to check the bag limits — the number of animals you're allowed to harvest — for each species you intend to hunt. These limits are in place to ensure sustainable wildlife populations.
In most cases, bag limits apply to a regulatory year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
| Species | Bag Limits |
|---|---|
| Deer | Limits range from 1-4 bucks in some Units or up to 6 total deer in some areas. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Elk | 1 bull or cow on a permit-by-permit basis. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Coyote | 2 coyotes in Units 1-5, 18, and 22. No limit in Units 6-7, 9-17, 19-21, and 23-26. |
| Black Bear | 3 bears in some Units. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Brown Bear | 1 or 2 bears every regulatory year depending on the Unit. |
| Caribou | 1-2 bulls or caribou, depending on the Unit. |
| Mountain Goat | 1 goat in most Units based on permits. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Sheep | 1 ram or 1 ram every four regulatory years, depending on the Unit. |
| Moose | Bag limits vary. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Muskox | One bull or cow in most Units. Check the specifics for each Unit. |
| Grouse | 5-15 per day, depending on the Unit. |
| Hare | Ranging from 2-5 per day or no limit, depending on the Unit. |
| Ptarmigan | Ranging between 5-20 per day. |
| Arctic Fox | 2 foxes or no limit, depending on the hunting Unit |
| Lynx | 2 lynx in all open Units |
| Squirrels | No limit |
| Hare | 5 per day (Units 1–5, 14C, 14A) 2 per day (Units 18, 22, 23 Alaskan Hare), No limit (other open Units) |
| Wolf | Up to 10 wolves in some Units. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. |
| Wolverine | One wolverine in most Units. |
