Your Guide to the Alaska Hunting Seasons 2025

Alaska is the destination for Sitka deer (to mix things up if you're typically a whitetail hunter), brown (or grizzly) bears, mountain goats, moose, and even wolves and wolverines.

Ready to plan a big trip for a big hunt? We’ve got the information you need! We’ve compiled a guide to the Alaska hunting seasons for 2024-2025. This guide will also help you find and mark the best spots to hunt before you even arrive up north. 

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Alaska?

There's no need to travel to Alaska for a squirrel hunt. You can probably find plenty of squirrels and rabbits in your backyard. However, if you're up for trapping lynx or arctic fox, Alaska is a great place for it.

Instead, go to Alaska for the big game hunting experience that draws hunters to this state. You'll want to target species like the grizzly bear, goats, and even muskox to bring home a trophy and plenty of stories to tell friends and family.

Hunters also hunt Alaska because of the challenging terrain. If you're looking for one of the most challenging experiences in high altitudes, try elk hunting Alaska style!

Where Should I Hunt?

Alaska is known for many mountain ranges, unbelievable summits, and wild, rugged terrain. Half of the challenge of a hunt in this state is making sure you're conditioned and prepared for tough hikes, high altitudes, and extreme temperatures.

Your hunt can take you from coastal communities to tundra and anything in between. So, be sure to plan your gear wisely and talk to local guides before packing your bags. Your late-season deer hunting clothes and gear could come in handy.

As you plan your trip, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas so you can think ahead to what you'll need before you arrive. Use our maps, layers, and animal movement predictors to e-scout the terrain and the best times to get geared up and out in the wilderness for your hunt.

When Can I Hunt?

Ready to get your license and tags and plan your hunt? Here's the info you need for Alaska hunting seasons this year. 

Season dates and Alaska hunting regulations are set up based on hunting Units. So, pay close attention to what you want to hunt and where it is within the state to determine when you can hunt.

The information below is the latest 2024-2025 Alaska season and hunting regulations. As new information becomes available, we'll update it here accordingly. We also always recommend checking the latest season dates and details with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).

Deer Hunting Season in Alaska

You can now hunt mule, whitetail, and Sitka black-tailed deer in Alaska. Check the regulations (i.e., bag limits for does vs. bucks, bow vs. firearms, etc.) for each species in the units (and the smaller area designations within each unit) you plan to hunt.

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: Dates range from August 1 – September 14, August 1 – November 30, August 1 – December 31, or September 15 – December 31

Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – December 31

Unit 3

• Residents and Non-Residents

  • Petersburg Management Area: August 1 – December 15

  • Remainder: August 1 – November 30

• Residents Only: October 1 – November 7

• Non-Residents Only (Remainder of Mitkof, Woewodski, and Butterworth Islands): October 15 – 30

  Unit 4

• Residents: August 1 – September 14 or September 15 – December 31

• Non-Residents: August 1 – December 31

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 5A: October 15 – 31 (youth only) or November 1 – 30

• 5B: No open season

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• Bucks: August 1 – September 30

• Any Deer: October 1 – December 31

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

No deer season.

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Dates range from August 1 to December 31, based on hunting in the Kodiak Road System Management Area or the remainder of the unit and the limits on the sex of deer allowed.  

Units 9 – 26

No deer seasons.

Mountain Goats

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 1C: No open season.

• All Other Unit 1 Areas: Season dates are between August 1 – December 31, with various starting and ending dates, depending on where you hunt and if you're a resident or non-resident.

Units 2-3, 9-10, 12, 16-26

No mountain goat hunting.

Units 4 & 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – December 31

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 6A & 6B: August 20 – January 31

• 6C: October 1 – January 31

• 6D: September 15 – January 31

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – October 15 or November 1 – 14

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting August 20 through January 31.

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – November 30

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 13D: September 1 – November 30 or August 10 – November 30

• 13 Remainder: No open season

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 14A (South and east of the Matanuska River): September 1 – 30

• 14A Remainder & 14B: No open season

• 14C: September 1 – October 15

Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting August 10 through November 14.

Black Bear

Unit 1 (Non-Residents Only)

September 1 – June 30

Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – June 30 or January 1 – June 30

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – June 30

Units 4, 8, and 10

No black bear season.

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• September 1 – June 30

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 6A & 6B: August 20 – June 30

• 6C: September 1 – June 30

• 6D: September 10 – June 10

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

No closed season, but pay attention to where you can hunt and how many bears you can take based on resident vs. non-resident status.  

Units 9 – 15, 17-22

No closed season.

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 16B: September 15 – May 31

• 16 Remainder: No closed season

For Units 23, 24, 25, and 26, check with the ADFG for details about hunting and harvesting black bears.

Brown Bear (Grizzlies)

For all Units, check with the ADFG for specifics about the number of bears you can harvest and other details, including season dates based on permit numbers. The limit is usually one bear every four regulatory years with a permit.

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Depending on where you hunt within this unit, season dates are March 15 – May 31 or September 15 – December 31.

Unit 2

No brown bear season.

Unit 3 (Residents Only)

March 15 – May 31 or September 15 – December 31

Unit 4 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Depending on where you hunt within this unit, season dates are March 15 – May 31 or September 15 – December 31.

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – May 31

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 6A, B, C: September 1 – June 10

• 6D: October 15 – December 31, April 1 – May 25, or October 15 – May 25.

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – June 30

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

October 25 – November 30 or April 1 – May 15

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open only in the fall of odd-numbered years (i.e., 2025) and only in the spring of even-numbered years.

Unit 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

October 1 – December 31 or May 10 – 31

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – June 30

Unit 12 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – June 30

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 13E: August 10 – June 15

• 13: Remainder: No closed season

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 14A: September 1 – May 31

• 14B: August 10 – May 31

• 14C: September – May 31, October 1 – 31, or September 1 – June 15 (depending on various areas with this Unit)

Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – June 30

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 16A and 16B Remainder: No closed season

• 16B (Within one mile of the mouth of Wolverine Creek): September 15 – May 31

Unit 17 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 20 – May 31

Unit 18 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – June 30

Unit 19

• Residents: No closed season.

• Non-Residents: August 10 – June 30

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – June 15 or August 10 – June 30

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 21A: No closed season.

• 21B, C, D, E: August 10 – June 30

Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

All seasons open on August 1. However, depending on where you hunt in Unit 22, the season ends May 31, June 15, June 30, or October 31.

Unit 23

• Residents: No closed season.

• Non-Residents: August 1 – October 31 or April 15 – May 31

Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

July 25 – June 30 or August 10 – June 30.

Unit 25

• 25A & 25B: July 25 – June 30

• 25C: September 1 – June 15

• 25D (Residents): July 1 – November 30 or March 1 – June 30

• 25D (Non-Residents): September 1 – November 30 or March 1 – June 15

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Be sure to check the federal restrictions before hunting brown bears in this area.

• 26A: No closed season

• 25B: August 10 – June 15

• 25C: July 25 – June 30

Moose

Units 1

• 1A, B, C (Residents and Non-Residents): September 15 – October 15

• 1D (Residents): September 15 – October 7

• 1D (Non-Residents): No open season

Units 2, 4, 8, 10

No moose hunting.

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 15 – October 15

Unit 5 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Portions of 5A have no open season. The remaining areas of Unit 5 are open September 1 – December 15, October 1 – November 15, or October 15 – November 15.

Unit 6 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – November 30, September 1 – October 31, or September 1 – 30, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 20 – September 30, August 20 – October 10, or September 1 – 25, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates starting September 1 through January 20.  

Unit 11 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 20 – September 17 or August 20 – September 20.

Unit 12 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 24 – 28, August 20 – September 17, September 8 – 17, or September 1 – 30.

Unit 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• Residents: August 20 – September 20 or September 1 – 20

• Non-Residents: September 1 – 20

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – 19, August 25 – September 25, November 1 – 30, or December 1 – 25, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 14C (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 20 through January 15, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 15 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 22 through November 30, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 16A: August 10 – 19 or August 20 – September 25

• 16B (Residents): August 20 – September 25 or December 15 – March 31

• 16B (Non-Residents): August 20 – September 25

Unit 17 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 20 through February 28, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 18

• Residents: September 1 – 8 (Zone 1) or September 1 – October 15 (Zone 2)

• Non-Residents: No open season.

Unit 19 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 10 through February 28, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 15 through February 28, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 22 through March 15, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from August 1 through March 15, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 23 (Residents Only)

• North of and including Singoalik River Drainage: July 1 – December 31 or September 1 – 20

• Remainder: August 1 – December 31 or September 1 – 20

Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from September 1 through April 15, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Various dates ranging from September 1 through February 28, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 26 (Residents Only)

• 26A: July 1 – September 14 or August 1 – September 30

• 26B: May be announced

Wolf

Unit 1 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 1A & 1B: August 1 – May 31

• 1B Remainder, 1C, 1D: August 1 – April 30

Unit 2 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – March 31

Units 3, 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – May 31

Units 4, 5, 12, 19, 23-25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – April 30

Units 6, 7, 11, 13-18, 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – April 30

Unit 8

No wolf hunting.

Unit 9, 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – June 30

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 20C: August 10 – April 15

• 20 Remainder: August 1 – April 30

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 26A: August 10 – April 30

• 26B & 26C: August 1 – April 30

Wolverine

Units 1-5, 13 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – February 15

Units 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17-25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – March 31

Units 8 & 10

No wolverine hunting.

Units 11, 14, 14C (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 1 – January 31

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 16A: September 1 – January 31

• 16B: September 1 – March 31

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 26A: September 1 – March 31

• 26B: August 20 – March 31

Elk Hunting Alaska

Units 1-2, 4-7, 9-26

No elk hunting.

Unit 3 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates start September 1 and run through November 30, depending on where you hunt in this Unit.

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates start September 25 and run through December 31 depending on where you hunt in this area.

Caribou

Units 1-6, 11, 14C, 15

No caribou hunting.

Unit 7 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – September 20

Unit 8 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 1 – January 31

Unit 9 (Residents and Non-Residents)

There is no open season for a few areas within Unit 9. However, some sections have open dates running August 1 – September 30, August 10 – October 10, November 1 – February 28, November 1 – April 30, or November 15 – March 31.

Unit 10 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• Adak Island: No closed season.

• Unimak Island: May be announced.

• Umnak Island: No open season.

• Remainder: No closed season.

Unit 12 (Residents Only)

September 1 – 20 or August 10 – 27.

Units 13, 18

No open season.

Unit 14 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 10 – September 20 or December 1 – March 15.

Unit 16 (Residents and Non-Residents)

• 16A: August 10 – September 20

• 16B: August 10 – September 30

Unit 17

No open season (currently), but dates may be announced for 17A and 17C.

Unit 19

• 19A, B, E: No open season.

• 19C & 19D: August 10 – September 20

• 19D (Residents Only): February 1 – 28

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Some areas are open for various dates, including August 10 – September 20, August 10 – 27, August 10 – September 30, and August 10 – March 31, depending on where you hunt. More dates may be announced in this Unit.

Unit 21 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1 through March 31.

Unit 22 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1 – March 31. A few areas have no closed season.

Unit 23 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open dates range from July 1 – March 31. Some areas have no closed season.

Unit 24 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1 – June 30, depending on where you hunt and if you are hunting as a resident or a non-resident.

Unit 25 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1 – April 30.

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates range from July 1 – June 30.

Muskox

Unit 18 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Season dates range from August 1 – September 30, January 15 – March 31, or February 1 – March, depending on where you hunt within the Unit.

Unit 21

• 21A, B, C, E: No open season

• 21D (Residents only): February 1 – March 15

Unit 22 (Residents Only)

Season date ranges include August 1 – March 15 or January 1 – March 15, depending on where you hunt.

Unit 23 (Residents Only)

August 1 – March 15.

Unit 24 (Residents Only)

February 1 – March 15 (24D only).

Unit 26 (Residents and Non-Residents)

Open season dates vary starting July 1 through March 31. Several Unit 26 areas do not have an open season within Unit 26.

Bison

Unit 19 (Residents and Non-Residents)

August 22 - October 10 or March 1 – March 31 (19 C and 19D only).

Unit 20 (Residents and Non-Residents)

September 28 – March 31 (20D only).

Grouse

Season dates range from August 1 through May 15. However, there are no open season dates for Units 8 and 10.

For details about fur animals and other small game (including ptarmigan and hare), check the latest trapping and hunting regulations from the ADFG.

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What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses and Regulations?

Everyone who hunts in Alaska needs a current hunting license. If you plan to hunt big game, you'll also need the appropriate locking tag and a harvest ticket. Make sure you understand the terminology and how each of these items work together to prepare you for a legal hunt.

Fees for locking tags range from a few hundred dollars to $3,000 for a muskox tag.

You'll also want to review changes in regulations from prior years. From changes in bag limits to adjustments to hunt areas and the lengths of some seasons, some changes can impact how, when, and where you hunt this year.

Alaska also offers a unique hunting opportunity for elderly or disabled hunters who can't get into the field. If you meet the requirements, you can choose another eligible hunter to hunt on your behalf.

What About Draw Hunts?

Draw results will be announced in late February for hunts in 2025 and 2026 for some species in designated areas. You'll need a license and tag to be eligible for draws.  

However, not all hunts require a draw tag, so if you missed the deadline for 2025-2026, there are still plenty of game animals and areas to hunt in Alaska that don't require you to win a draw.

What Are the Bag Limits During Hunting Season Alaska?

How many wolves or caribou can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations in Alaska, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.

In most cases, bag limits apply to a regulatory year (July 1 – June 30).

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. 

Wolf

Up to 10 wolves in some Units. Check the specifics for each Unit before your hunt. 

Wolverine

One wolverine in most Units.

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. 

For more details on bag limits, visit the ADFG website. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

All hunters in Alaska must pass a Basic Hunter Education course before hunting in some specific areas within the state. If you are under the age of 18, you can hunt without a safety certification if you are accompanied by a licensed hunter who is older than 18 and has completed a course.

You'll also need the right gear! From clothing (including layers) to optics and odor control, HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our app partners. Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including a good pair of binoculars, a hunting knife, and a spotting scope for glassing big game.

Do I Need a Guide?

Alaska requires the use of guides for some hunts. Make sure you follow those rules and book a guide if it is required.

Otherwise, a good guide can be invaluable when hunting in Alaska, even if it's not required — but it's up to you!

HuntWise Helps You Bring Home Big Game During Alaska Hunting Seasons

We hope this information helps you plan a hunt-of-a-lifetime in Alaska! There are a lot of details that go into planning a big hunt like this, so we hope the information in this guide helps you have a successful hunt.

Before you head out, make sure you've downloaded the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Alaska, including links to the latest state regulations and season and license information. 

You'll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically before heading out to your hunt area to gain an advantage over other hunters this year and increase your chances of tagging out. Using our Hunt Area & Custom Markers feature, you can select (or draw) and label your hunt areas on a map. Place hundreds of unique markers to identify animal activity, landmarks, infrastructures, and more. 

HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting public or private hunting land! It's the ideal hunting app for all hunters, whether you're a casual, beginner, or seasoned hunter. 

Download the app and start your free trial now, so you're ready to hunt when the season opens!