Turkey Hunting Regulations

Hunting Seasons, Types of Hunts, and Other Resources

Sometimes seasons need to be changed on short notice. When this happens, ADF&G issues emergency orders to protect a wildlife resource. Emergency orders are as legally binding as regulations adopted by the Board of Game and statutes adopted by the legislature. Emergency orders are posted at ADF&G offices and online.

Not Familiar With This Information?

First, read the statewide general information on.

Game Management Unit (unit) descriptions for each area of the state are. In each unit listing, you will find the big game species you may hunt as well as the bag limits and seasons for each species. A map of each unit is included for your reference. At the beginning of each set of units, or on the map for that unit, restricted areas are clearly listed. Here you will learn which areas of that unit have restrictions, or are closed to hunting, or where methods of access are controlled by state Board of Game regulation. Remember, these restrictions are in addition to any restrictions imposed by landowners (e.g., private or federal).

Make Your Hunt a Legal Hunt

When planning a hunt, you should determine the following details and be certain you understand the ADF&G definition of each, as all these components play a factor in ensuring your hunt is legal.

• Who is going to hunt? (Are you a resident, nonresident, nonresident alien, youth hunter, or a disabled hunter?)
• Where do you plan to hunt? (Which unit, which subunit? Is your hunt in a restricted area?)
• How are you going to hunt? (Are there weapons restrictions or access restrictions?)
• What species do you want to hunt? (Is there an open season for that species in the area you wish to hunt?)
• When do you plan to hunt? (Seasons)
• What is the legal animal? (Bull, cow, horn or antler restrictions?)

Hunting Seasons

Nonresidents are allowed to hunt when there is enough game to allow everyone to participate. When there isn’t enough game, nonresident hunters are restricted or eliminated first. If more restrictions are necessary, seasons and bag limits may be reduced or eliminated for some residents.

Reporting your harvest To protect, conserve, and enhance our wildlife populations in Alaska, ADF&G needs to know how many animals are taken by hunters. ADF&G collects harvest information using a variety of methods.

Harvest reports are used in some general season hunts, permit reports are used in permit hunts, and sealing information is collected for certain species.

ADF&G requires hunters to return harvest and permit reports even when they did not hunt or no game was taken, in order to help measure hunting pressure and hunter effort.

Other Information Sources

Each fall, we publish additional information regarding Drawing and Subsistence (Tier I/II and Community Subsistence Harvest) hunts in separate supplements available online, at ADF&G offices, and vendors.

Migratory game bird (waterfowl) hunting regulations are available in mid-August at ADF&G offices and vendors. To take waterfowl, if you are 18 years of age or older, you must have a hunting license, state and federal duck stamps (some exceptions apply, see the current waterfowl regulations for duck stamp requirements), and follow the seasons, bag limits, and methods and means permitted.

Marine mammal harvest is controlled by the federal government. For information on hunting walrus, polar bears, and sea otters, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (907) 786-3311. For information on hunting seals, sea lions, and beluga whales, contact the National Marine Fisheries Service at 1-800-853-1964.

Hunter Harassment Law It is against state law (AS 16.05.790) to intentionally obstruct or hinder another person’s lawful hunting, fishing, trapping or viewing of fish and game. Illegal activities include positioning one’s self in a location where human presence may alter the behavior of fish or game another person is pursuing. It is also illegal to create a sight, sound, smell, or physical stimulus to alter the behavior of fish and game another person is attempting to take.

The law does not prohibit lawful competitive practices among hunters, fishermen, or trappers. Violators of this statute are subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

Know who owns the land where you plan to hunt

Land Ownership and Public Access Information

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintain general land status records. Both agencies also maintain records indicating the availability of public access (roads, trails, campsites) that can be used to reach public lands and waters. Access and use of the State of Alaska’s navigable and public waters is protected under the state constitution and statutes. Use of these waters, below the ordinary high-water mark, does not require a permit from the upland owner.

For more information on land status and access contact: BLM Public Information Center (907) 271-5960; DNR Public Information Center (907) 269-8400 or visit DNR’s website.

Digital maps that display land ownership are also available commercially for GPS units and mobile devices.

State Lands

State lands are open to hunting unless they are closed by state, local, or municipal laws.

State Park Lands

Parts of the state park system are open to hunting. Laws about the discharge of firearms and land use regulations vary from park to park. For information call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400.

State Refuge Lands

Most state refuge lands are open to hunting, but there may be access or registration requirements. For more information call the ADF&G office nearest the refuge where you plan to hunt.

Federal Public Lands

Subject to federal restrictions and closures, most federal public lands are open to hunting under state regulations; however, National Parks and National Park Monuments are closed to hunting except by those eligible under National Park Service regulations.

If you are planning to hunt on federal lands consult the federal subsistence regulations. Calling federal agencies is also advised as in-season closures can occur at any time and may not be reflected in their biennial regulatory publication.

For more information or a copy of the federal subsistence regulations, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Subsistence Management by phone 1-800-478-1456, by email, or visit their website.

You may also contact the following agencies by phone:

National Parks and Preserves: National Park Service (907) 644-3509

National Wildlife Refuges: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1-800-478-1456

National Recreation Areas: Bureau of Land Management (907) 271-5960

National Forests: U.S. Forest Service (907) 586-8806

Local Restrictions

Local, municipal, or federal governments may prohibit the discharge of firearms or access to an area. Check with the agency with jurisdiction for more information.

Private Lands

State hunting regulations apply to private land, but do not guarantee access. Most of Alaska’s land is in public ownership and managed by federal or state agencies. However, a significant portion of the state is in individual or corporate ownership. If you intend to hunt on private lands in Alaska, make sure you have permission from the landowner.

Regional Native Corporation Lands

The largest private landowners in the state are Native village and regional corporations. If you wish to hunt on these private lands, you must contact the appropriate land management office to determine if a land use permit and/or fees are required. Some of these lands are closed to use by non-shareholders. Many corporations have land status maps available. See table below:

Military Lands

Civilians are allowed to hunt on some military lands. Hunters must obtain a recreation access permit prior to entering military lands. Access may be closed on short notice, and an access fee may be charged. All designated impact areas are permanently closed to access because unexploded ordnance (UXO) may be present in the area. Contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 451-5100 to report potential UXO. See below for more information.

Military Contact Information

Eielson AFB - (907) 377-5182

Ft. Wainwright and Donnelly Training Area information can be found online.

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson JBER) - (907) 552-9453 - (907) 552-8609 - Learn more online

Proxy Hunting Provisions for Disabled and Elderly Alaskans

An Alaska resident (the beneficiary) may obtain an authorization allowing another Alaska resident (the proxy) to hunt bison, caribou, deer, moose, or muskox, for them if they are blind, 70-percent physically disabled, 65 years of age or older, or are developmentally disabled. A person may not be a proxy for more than one beneficiary at a time.

Proxy hunting is allowed for some bison hunts, most caribou hunts, most deer hunts, some moose hunts, and some muskox hunts. See below for details:

You may proxy hunt for bison in Units 19 and 20.

You May Proxy Hunt for Caribou EXCEPT:

• Mulchatna Caribou Herd (RC503) hunts before Nov 1 in Units 9A, 9B, 9C within the Alagnak River drainage, 17B, 17C, 18, 19A,19B, and 19E.

You May Proxy Hunt for Deer EXCEPT:

• in Unit 5A, Youth Hunt Mgmt. Area from Oct 15-Oct 31.

You May Proxy Hunt for Moose in:

• Tier II hunts;
• bull hunts with no antler restrictions;
• antlered bull hunts with no antler restrictions;
• antlerless moose hunts;

EXCEPT, You May NOT Proxy Hunt Moose in:

• 20D moose (DM795);
• Unit 20E moose (RM865);
• Units 21B, 21C, 21D, and 24 if either the proxy hunter or the beneficiary holds a Drawing permit for moose in Units 21B, 21C, 21D, and 24.

You May Proxy Hunt for Muskox in Tier II Hunts.

Antler destruction in proxy hunts:

• Consists of removing at least one antler from the skull plate, or cutting the skull plate in half to destroy the trophy value.
• Is required for moose, caribou, and deer.
• Is required for each animal taken by the proxy hunter (both the proxy hunter’s animals and the beneficiary’s animals).
• Must occur at the kill site unless uncut antlers must be submitted to ADF&G for measuring. Antler destruction will be completed after measuring by ADF&G.

Additional special restrictions:

• Unit 13, you may not be a proxy hunter more than once per season per species.
• Units 20B, 20D, 20E, 20F, and 25C caribou Registration hunts (RC860 and RC867) you may not be a proxy hunter more than once per regulatory year.
• Units 20A and 20B, you may not be a proxy hunter more than once per season for moose.

Either party may obtain the Proxy Hunting Authorization form to be completed and signed by both parties. Both beneficiary and proxy must have obtained licenses, regardless of age, and any necessary harvest tickets and/ or permits, before applying for a Proxy Hunting Authorization at any ADF&G office or other issuing location. Resident hunters age 10–17 may proxy hunt, but must obtain a current hunting license. In order for the beneficiary to qualify based on a physical or developmental disability, a physician’s affidavit is required. The affidavit must document a 70-percent or greater physical disability, or a qualifying developmental disability, and must be signed by an Alaska-licensed physician. Physician’s affidavits and definitions of qualifying physical and developmental disabilities may be obtained online.

Once validated, this authorization will allow the proxy to hunt for the beneficiary until the end of the regulatory year. As a proxy, you may hunt for the beneficiary and yourself at the same time, as long as the appropriate licenses, harvest tickets and/or permits for both hunters are in your possession. The beneficiary may not hunt while the proxy is hunting for them.

The beneficiary is responsible for all harvest and permit reporting, whether or not the proxy is successful. The proxy is responsible for providing the beneficiary with the information necessary for the beneficiary to properly report. The Proxy Hunting Authorization may not be used in federal subsistence Registration hunts.

To ensure the efficient and timely completion of your proxy paperwork, please verify your physician’s affidavit clearly states a developmental disability or a 70-percent or greater physical disability.

Other Disability Provisions

Those who are at least 70-percent physically disabled qualify for the special provisions outlined below:

A person with physical disabilities may obtain a permit to shoot big game from a boat in Units 1-5, or black bear from a boat in Unit 6D. Permit holders may only shoot from a boat when the motor is turned off and when progress from the motor has ceased. Applications are available at the ADF&G office nearest the hunt area.

A person with physical disabilities may take game from a motorized vehicle in portions of Units 7 and 15 within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. This person must require a wheelchair for mobility, obtain a permit from ADF&G, and be in compliance with Kenai National Wildlife Refuge regulations. ADF&G may require that the permit holder be accompanied by another hunter with a valid hunting license capable of assisting with the retrieval of game taken by the permit holder. For more information on acquiring a permit to hunt within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, contact ADF&G in Soldotna at (907) 262-9368.

For further information on disability provisions, contact ADF&G by phone at (907) 465-4148 or by email.

Hunter Education Requirements

ADF&G offers four types of certification courses: Basic Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Crossbow Education and Muzzleloader Education. If certification is required, proof of that certification is required in the field. For more information, call (907) 267-2187, visit the Hunter Education website, or email.

Requirements for All Hunters:

Hunter education is mandatory in most states. In Alaska, all hunters must successfully complete a Basic Hunter Education course before hunting in the following areas:

• Eagle River Management Area (14C bears and small game)
• Eklutna Lake Management Area (14C bears)
• Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (14C)
• Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Management Area (JBER) (14C small game and big game)
• Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge (1C; hunters under 13 years old may complete Basic Hunter Education or hunt under the direct supervision of an
  adult 21 years old or older who has completed Basic Hunter Education.
• Palmer/Wasilla Management Area (14A shotgun for big game)

In addition, hunters wishing to hunt in a weapons restricted area must successfully complete a course for the weapon with which they will be hunting. Weapons specific courses do not satisfy the Basic Hunter Education certification, and Basic Hunter Education does not satisfy bowhunter, crossbow, or muzzleloader certifications.

Classes fill up quickly, do not wait until the last minute. If you have successfully completed a hunter education course elsewhere, check to see if you need to attend the Alaska course. ADF&G recognizes approved hunter education courses from other states.

Requirements for Hunters Before Hunting in Units 7, 13, 14, 15, and 20:

If you were born after January 1, 1986 and are 18 years old or older, you must have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course before you hunt in the units listed above.

If you are under 18 years of age, you must have either successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course or be under the direct immediate supervision of a licensed hunter who:

(a) is 18 years of age or older and has successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course, OR
(b) was born on or before January 1, 1986.

Youth Hunting

Big Game Bag Limit for Hunters Under Age 10, All Hunts:

Hunters under age 10 may not have their own big game bag limit, so they may not obtain harvest tickets or permits. They may only take big game on behalf of a licensed hunter at least 18 years of age, and they must be under the direct, immediate supervision of that hunter. The supervising adult hunter is responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met, and must comply with big game locking-tag requirements, if applicable, and validate required harvest tickets or permits.

Big Game General Season Hunts for Hunters Age 10 and Older:

Hunters age 10 and older have their own big game bag limit and must obtain their own harvest tickets. Adult supervision is not a requirement for hunters with their own harvest tickets.

Big Game Youth Hunts Only:

Basic Hunter Education is required for all youth hunters participating in “youth hunts.”

Big Game Permit Hunts for Hunters Age 10 and Older:

Hunters age 10 and older are allowed their own big game bag limit and may obtain their own permits. Adult supervision is not a requirement for hunters with their own permits (except youth hunts).

Hunters age 10–17 who have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course are allowed to hunt on behalf of an adult permit holder, under the direct, immediate supervision of that adult. The adult permit holder must be a licensed hunter, 18 or older, and is responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met. This does not apply to harvest tickets.

In all cases, if a youth is hunting big game on behalf of an adult, the bag limit and responsibility to report belongs to the adult.

Hunter Education Volunteers

Each year, ADF&G trains volunteer instructors to provide quality training and education to thousands of Alaskans, teaching Hunter, Bowhunter, Crossbow, and Muzzleloader education certification courses. Common themes taught in each of these courses are hunter responsibility, ethics, wildlife conservation, management and the safe handling of firearms, muzzleloaders, crossbows, and archery equipment. During calendar year 2023, volunteer instructors around the state provided 4,430 hours of valuable instruction to 2,366 students. The 2023 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year was William Kubik of Wasilla. The 2023 Bowhunter Education Instructor of the Year was Kenneth Calkins of Salcha. The 2023 HIT Program Outstanding Educator of the Year was Joedy Wake of Anchorage. The 2023 Apprentice Instructor of the Year was Sophie Reid of Palmer. Ellen Hannan of Craig and Frederick Voss of Anchorage were given Lifetime Achievement Awards. Vikki Gross of Wasilla was recognized with a Legacy Award.

General Season Hunts - Harvest Tickets and Reports

General season hunts are the least restrictive hunts. These hunts are generally open to most people and require less preplanning than permit hunts. They are not managed as conservatively as permit hunts and are subject to fewer emergency closures. These hunts are indicated in the unit sections with the letters “HT” in the “permit/hunt #” column. Reporting your harvest is mandatory for most big game species. You must submit a harvest report for every harvest ticket you possess, even if you did not hunt. Information below explains how to complete harvest tickets and reports.

Harvest Tickets

Harvest tickets are required in general season hunts for caribou, Sitka blacktailed deer, moose, and sheep in all units. Harvest tickets are also required in general season hunts for black bear in Units 1-7, 11-16, and 20. Harvest tickets are free and available online, from license vendors, and at ADF&G offices. They are valid from the date issued through June, or until the season ends. The harvest ticket number must be written on your hunting license. Harvest ticket numbers issued during the previous calendar year which are still valid must be recorded on your new hunting license.

Harvest tickets are not required or valid for hunts where permits are required.

Your harvest ticket(s) must be carried in the field and must be validated by cutting out the month and day immediately upon killing game. You must keep each validated harvest ticket(s) in your possession until that animal has been delivered to the location where it will be processed for human consumption.

You must use your deer harvest tickets in sequential order, and you must carry any unused deer harvest tickets on your person whenever you are hunting deer. Do not use deer harvest tickets to report any mule or white-tailed deer harvested.

Harvest Reports

Harvest reports are attached to your harvest tickets. All hunters who obtain a harvest ticket are required to report.

The report need not be carried in the field, but must be completed and returned within 15 days of taking the bag limit, or within 15 days after the close of the season, even if you did not hunt or did not take an animal.

For sheep, the harvest report must accompany the horns at the time of sealing.

Reports of personal harvest locations are confidential.

Reporting Your Hunt Online

In many cases, hunters may now report their hunting activities online.

Filing your hunt reports electronically has many advantages over reporting by mail. Using this system, you can be sure we have received your report. Online reporting also allows you to verify which reports you have filed and which you have not.

When you file online, you will immediately see a confirmation number, and you will receive a certified receipt by email. If there is ever a question, we will accept this receipt as proof you filed your report. When you file electronically, you’ll help save printing, postage, and labor costs. Not all hunts have this option available.

If you give false information when applying for or reporting on a license, permit, locking-tag or harvest ticket, these documents are void and you have broken the law. It is illegal to alter, change, loan, or transfer any license, permit, locking-tag, or harvest ticket issued to you, and you may not use anyone else’s license, locking-tag, permit or harvest ticket. There is an exception provided for Alaska residents who are blind, physically disabled, 65 or older, or developmentally disabled. A person whose hunting license privileges have been revoked/suspended in any other state may not purchase an Alaska hunting license during the period of the revocation/suspension.

Use of Game

Game taken under a hunting license MAY NOT be used for the following purposes: (exceptions noted)

Buying or selling of game meat, EXCEPT hares.

Buying, selling, or bartering of any part of a bear gall bladder.

Buying or selling of any part of a brown/grizzly bear, EXCEPT:

• an article of handicraft made from the fur of a brown bear;
• brown bears taken in a brown bear control area with a control permit, where ADF&G will issue permits allowing permittees to sell untanned hides (with claws attached) and skulls, after sealing;
• brown bear hides (with claws attached) and skulls from bears harvested in areas with a two brown bear bag limit per regulatory year may be sold after sealing; a permit is required. Hides and skulls will be permanently marked by ADF&G;
• trophies may be sold; a permit is required.

Buying or selling of any unsealed beaver taken in Units 1-11 and 13-17, lynx, wolf, or wolverine pelt.

Buying or selling of any big game animal skulls, EXCEPT black bear, wolf, and wolverine, taken under a hunting license.

Buying, selling, or bartering horns or antlers, UNLESS they have been naturally shed or have been completely removed from any part of the skull. HOWEVER, in Unit 23:

• you MAY NOT remove caribou antlers from the skull and buy, sell or barter them, UNLESS they have been transformed into a handicraft;
• you MAY buy, sell, or barter naturally shed, unmodified caribou antlers, AS LONG AS the pedicle is still attached to the antler;
• you MAY remove caribou antlers from the skull for your own use, but you MAY NOT sell them before they are transformed into a handicraft.

You MAY NOT barter, advertise, or otherwise offer for barter a big game trophy, including any trophy made from any part of a big game animal.

You MAY barter subsistence taken game meat, EXCEPT:

individuals or businesses licensed under AS 43.70 or AS 43.75, or if you are an Alaska resident employed by an individual or business holding a license under AS 43.70 or AS 43.75 to engage in the commercial sale of the food items or nonedible items provided by the barter exchange, or to engage in providing the services provided by the barter exchange.

Using the meat of game as bait or food for pets and livestock. HOWEVER, you MAY use the following as bait or food for pets or livestock:

• the skin, guts, heads, or bones of game legally taken or killed by vehicles, after the salvage of edible meat,
• brown bear meat (EXCEPT taken under a subsistence brown bear management permit),
• black bear meat taken June 1 - Dec 31 (as long as the black bear hide is salvaged),
• the skinned carcasses of furbearers and fur animals, and the meat from small game (other than birds) and unclassified game, and
• game that died of natural causes MAY be used as bait, AS LONG AS the game is not moved from where it was found. Natural causes do not include death caused by humans.

Illegally Taken Game

Any game animal taken illegally is the property of the state. If you mistakenly take an animal you thought was legal, you must comply with salvage requirements for that species.

You may transport game taken illegally only if your purpose is to salvage and transport the game to the nearest office of ADF&G or Alaska Wildlife Troopers and surrender it.

If you comply with this regulation, you will not be prosecuted for illegally possessing the animal, and you are less likely to be punished severely for illegally taking the animal. You may not possess, transport, give away, receive, or barter any illegally taken game or game parts.

Roadkills

Any wildlife killed or injured by a vehicle belongs to the state. If your vehicle hits and injures or kills a big game animal, you must notify the Alaska Wildlife Troopers as soon as possible.

Marked or Tagged Game

Unless otherwise prohibited, it is legal to harvest marked or tagged game, however, data provided by that animal is important and the department asks hunters to avoid taking marked or tagged game. If you do take a marked or tagged animal, you must notify ADF&G when and where you took it, and return the identification equipment to ADF&G. If sealing is required, any tag, collar, tattoo, or other identification must be retained until sealed. Even if you just find any of these items, returning them to ADF&G provides biologists with valuable insight into the animal’s movements, habitat, and lifespan.

General Hunting Restrictions for All Game:

You MAY NOT take any game by:

• Shooting on, from, or across the driveable surface of any constructed road or highway.
• Driving, herding, harassing, or molesting game with any motorized vehicle such as an aircraft, airboat, snowmachine, motor-driven boat, etc.
• A motor-driven boat or motorized land vehicle, unless the motor has been shut off and the progress from the motor’s power has ceased, EXCEPT:
  • A motor-driven boat may be used as follows:
    • in Units 23 and 26 to take caribou;
    • in Unit 22 to position hunters to select individual wolves for harvest;
    • under the authority of a permit issued by the department.
  • A motorized land vehicle may be used as follows:
    • under the authority of a permit issued by the department;
    • in Units 7 and 15 with a permit;
    • A snowmachine may be used to position a caribou for harvest, and a caribou may be shot from a stationary snowmachine in Units 22, 23, and 26A;
    • A snowmachine may be used in Unit 17 to assist in the taking of a caribou and caribou may be shot from a stationary snowmachine. In Unit 17, “Assist in the taking of a caribou” means a snowmachine may be used to approach within 300 yards of a caribou at speeds under 15 miles per hour, in a manner that does not involve repeated approaches or that causes a caribou to run. A snowmachine may not be used to contact an animal or to pursue a fleeing caribou;
    • A snowmachine may be used to approach and pursue wolves and wolverine, but the snowmachine may not come in contact with a live animal;
    • A snowmachine may be used to position hunters to select a bear for harvest in bear control areas and bears may be shot from a stationary snowmachine, see predator control supplement online for area descriptions;
    • An ATV may be used to position hunters to select individual wolves for harvest, and wolves may be shot from a stationary ATV in Units 9B, 9C, 9E, 17, 22, and 25C, except on any National Park Service or National Wildlife Refuge lands not approved by the federal agencies.
• Using an electronic control Taser-type device that temporarily incapacitates wildlife, EXCEPT under the authority of a permit issued by the department.
• Using poison or other substances that temporarily incapacitates wildlife, without written permission from the Board of Game.
• Using a bow that shoots more than one arrow at a time.
• Using a machine gun, set gun, or shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
• Pursuing with a vehicle an animal that is fleeing.
• Using a helicopter for hunting or for transporting hunters, hunting gear, game meat, trophies, or any equipment used to pursue or retrieve game, EXCEPT helicopter use may be authorized to rescue hunters, gear, or game in a life-threatening situation.
• Using a crossbow in a hunt restricted to bow and arrow only. You may use a crossbow in any hunt that does not restrict weapons.
• Using a pit, fire, laser sight (excluding rangefinders), electronically-enhanced night vision, any forward looking infrared device, any device that has been airborne, controlled remotely, or communicates wirelessly, and used to spot or locate game with the use of a camera or video device, any camera or other sensory device that can send messages through wireless communication, artificial salt lick, explosive, expanding gas arrow, bomb, smoke, or chemicals (excluding scent lures), EXCEPT:
  • Electronic calls may be used for all game animals except moose;
  • Scent lures, without urine from the deer (Cervidae) family, may be used for ungulates, and for bears ONLY under a black bear baiting permit.
• Using or being in immediate possession of urine from any species of the deer (Cervidae) family, including scent lures.
• Using wireless communication to take a specific animal by a person until after 3:00 a.m. following the day after the use of the device, EXCEPT:
  • Communications equipment may be used for safety but may not be used to aid in taking of game;
  • In the Unit 20D bison hunt, the use of ground-based wireless communications to locate bison is allowed;
  • In Targeted moose hunts, the use of ground-based wireless communication to locate individual moose for harvest is allowed.
• Using artificial light, EXCEPT:
  • Artificial light may be used while tracking and dispatching a wounded game animal; however, a hunter may not be on or in a motorized vehicle while using artificial light;
  • Artificial light may be used by resident hunters taking black bear under customary and traditional use activities at a den site Oct 15-Apr 30 in Unit 19A, Unit 19D upstream from the Selatna and Black River drainages, Unit 19E, and Units 21B, 21C, 21D, 24, and 25D.
• Using a trap or a snare to take big game, fur animals, or small game, EXCEPT: you may use a trap or snare to take grouse, hare, and ptarmigan.
• Intentionally or negligently feeding deer, elk, moose, bear, wolf, coyote, fox, wolverine, sheep, or deleterious exotic wildlife, or intentionally leaving human food, animal food, mineral supplements or garbage in a manner that attracts these animals, EXCEPT: you may hunt wolves, fox, and wolverine with game parts that are not required to be salvaged. Use of any type of bait other than those allowed will be considered a violation of the feeding regulation.
• Wearing foot gear with felt soles or other absorbent fibrous material while wading in freshwater streams.

Weapons Restricted Hunts

A bow and arrow, crossbow, or muzzleloader may be used to hunt during any open season unless otherwise restricted. Hunts or areas may be restricted to “Certified bowhunters only”, or “bow and arrow only”, or “crossbow only”, or “muzzleloader only”, or specifically exclude the use of other weapons, including crossbows. If certification is required, proof of that certification is required in the field. ADF&G recognizes approved bowhunter and hunter education courses from other states.

Archery/Bow and Arrow

In any hunt or area specifically restricted to bow and arrow only, you MAY NOT:

• Hunt with a crossbow.
• Hunt with a bow designed to shoot more than one arrow at a time.
• Hunt with expanding gas arrows.
• Hunt using poisons or substances that temporarily incapacitate wildlife.

Equipment:

You MAY NOT hunt big game with a bow, UNLESS:

• the bow is at least:
  • 40 pounds peak draw weight when hunting black bear, Dall sheep, caribou, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolf, wolverine;
  • 50 pounds peak draw weight when hunting bison, brown/grizzly bear, elk, moose, mountain goat, muskox;
• the arrow is at least 20 inches in overall length, tipped with a broadhead, and at least 300 grains in total weight;
• the broadhead is a fixed, replaceable or mechanical/retractable blade type and not barbed.

You MAY NOT use electronic devices or lights attached to the bow, arrow, or arrowhead with the exception of a nonilluminating camera or a lighted nock on the end of the arrow or a battery-powered sight light.

You MAY NOT use scopes or other devices attached to the bow or arrow for optical enhancement.

You MAY NOT use any mechanical device that anchors a nocked arrow at full or partial draw unaided by the bowhunter.

Muzzleloader

You MAY NOT use a muzzleloader for big game:

• UNLESS it is a shoulder-mounted long gun and is at least .45 caliber or larger with a barrel that is either rifled or smooth bore and discharges a single projectile.
• that is equipped with a scope or uses smokeless powder during any permitted, registered, or special season hunt for muzzleloader only.

Crossbow

You MAY NOT use a crossbow for big game UNLESS:

• the crossbow is at least 100 pounds peak draw weight;
• the bolt is at least 16 inches in overall length, tipped with a broadhead, and at least 300 grains in total weight;
• the broadhead is a fixed, replaceable or mechanical/retractable blade type and not barbed;
• no electronic devices are attached to the crossbow, except scopes or electronic sights that do not project light externally;
• the crossbow is shoulder-mounted.

Education Requirements:

Bowhunters

If you:

• were born on or after January 1, 1986 and are hunting big game; OR
• are participating in an archery-only hunt for big game (regardless of age);

you must have successfully completed a bowhunter certification course.

An International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) or equivalent certification is required to hunt big game with a bow and arrow in weapons restricted hunts.

A hunter who applies for a “certified bowhunter only” permit hunt must have successfully completed an ADF&G approved bowhunter certification course prior to submitting a permit application.

Muzzleloader Hunters

You may not hunt with a muzzleloader in any hunt or area with weapon restrictions for the taking of big game unless you have successfully completed a muzzleloader hunter education course that includes ballistic limitations of muzzleloading weapons and a proficiency test.

A hunter who applies for a “certified muzzleloader hunter only” permit hunt must have successfully completed a muzzleloader certification course prior to submitting a permit application.

Shotgun Hunters

You may not hunt for big game with a shotgun in a weapons restricted hunt unless you have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course.

Crossbow Hunters

If you:

• were born on or after January 1, 1986; OR
• are participating in a crossbow-only hunt (regardless of age);

you must have successfully completed a crossbow certification course.

A hunter who applies for a “certified crossbow only” permit hunt must have successfully completed an ADF&G approved crossbow certification course prior to submitting a permit application.

Definitions:

Bow - a longbow, recurve bow, or compound bow; that is, a device for launching an arrow which derives its propulsive energy solely from the bending and recovery of two limbs. The device must be handheld and hand-drawn by a single and direct pulling action of the bowstring by the shooter with the shooter’s fingers or a hand-held or wrist-attached release aid. The energy used to propel the arrow may not be derived from hydraulic, pneumatic, explosive, or mechanical devices, but may be derived from the mechanical advantage provided by wheels or cams so long as the available energy is stored in the bent limbs of the bow. No portion of the bow’s riser (handle) or an attachment to the bow’s riser may contact, support, or guide the arrow from a point rearward of the bowstring when strung and at rest. “Bow” does not include a crossbow or any device which has a gun-type stock or incorporates any mechanism that holds the bowstring at partial or full draw without the shooter’s muscle power;

Barbed - an arrowhead with any fixed portion of the rear edge of the arrowhead forming an angle less than 90 degrees with the shaft when measured from the nock end of the arrow; a notch or space of no more than two millimeters between the base of the blade and the shaft shall not be considered a barb;

Broadhead - a fixed, replaceable, or mechanical/retractable blade-type arrowhead that is not barbed, with two or more sharp cutting edges having a minimum cutting diameter of seven-eighths inch (7/8”);

Bow Peak Draw Weight - the peak poundage at which a bow is drawn through or held at full draw by the shooter at the shooter’s draw length;

Muzzleloader - any firearm where firing components are loaded into the muzzle end of the firearm.