Alaska Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Alaska hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through ADF&G.
Alaska Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $45.00 — Non-Resident: from $160.00
- Managed by: Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main
Alaska Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Alaska is the ultimate hunting destination, managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). The Last Frontier offers unparalleled big game hunting including brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, moose, caribou, mountain goat, black bear, and Sitka blacktail deer across its vast wilderness. Alaska's resident hunting license costs $45, with the hunt/fish combo at $60. Non-residents pay $160 for hunting alone. However, non-residents must purchase expensive big game locking-tags: $1,000 for brown/grizzly bear, $850 for Dall sheep, $800 for mountain goat, and $700 for moose. Non-resident military stationed in Alaska get resident rates ($45 hunting). Alaska residents 60+ get free permanent identification cards for hunting and fishing. The state's immense size and remote terrain make guided hunts common for non-residents.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $45.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Hunt/Fish Combo | $60.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Hunt/Fish/Trap Combo | $85.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $160.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Hunt/Fish Combo | — | $260.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Small Game Only | — | $60.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Brown/Grizzly Bear Tag | — | $1000.00 | Season | |
| NR Dall Sheep Tag | — | $850.00 | Season | |
| NR Mountain Goat Tag | — | $800.00 | Season | |
| NR Moose Tag | — | $700.00 | Season | |
| NR Caribou Tag | — | $650.00 | Season | |
| NR Military Hunting | — | $45.00 | 1 year | Active duty stationed in AK |
| Resident Low Income | $5.00 | — | 1 year |
Prices from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Alaska license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time license buyers. Alaska accepts certificates from other states.
How to Buy a Alaska Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Alaska Department of Fish and Game or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Alaska.
Need help? Call Alaska Department of Fish and Game at 907-465-2376
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Alaska Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | General | September 1 | September 20 | 2026 dates; Varies by unit |
| Caribou | General | August 10 | September 30 | 2026 dates; Varies by herd |
| Brown/Grizzly Bear | Fall | September 1 | October 31 | 2026 dates |
| Brown/Grizzly Bear | Spring | April 15 | May 31 | 2027 dates |
| Dall Sheep | General | August 10 | September 20 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | General | September 1 | June 30 | 2026-27 dates |
| Sitka Blacktail Deer | General | August 1 | December 31 | 2026 dates |
| Duck | General | September 1 | January 20 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Alaska season regulations on ADF&G
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Free | Alaska residents 60+ — free permanent ID card for hunting and fishing |
| Youth | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced rates |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled veterans may qualify for reduced fees |
| Active Military | Resident rates ($45) | NR active duty military permanently stationed in Alaska |
Alaska Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Alaska official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Check blaze orange requirements for your specific season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Alaska does not require blaze orange — but it's strongly recommended.
- Non-resident brown bear and Dall sheep hunters must use registered guides.
- Locking-tags must be purchased before hunting and affixed immediately upon harvest.
- Aircraft cannot be used for hunting on the same day as flying (same-day airborne).
Read full Alaska regulations on ADF&G
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Alaska Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guideAlaska Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Alaska?
Resident hunting costs $45, hunt/fish combo $60. Non-residents pay $160 for hunting. Big game tags are additional: $1,000 for brown bear, $850 for sheep, $800 for moose.
Do I need a guide to hunt in Alaska?
Non-residents must use a registered guide for brown/grizzly bear and Dall sheep. Other species don't require a guide but one is highly recommended.
Can non-residents hunt in Alaska?
Yes, but it's expensive. Besides the $160 license, each big game species requires a separate locking-tag ranging from $450 to $1,000.
Are there free hunting licenses in Alaska?
Alaska residents 60+ get a free permanent identification card for hunting and fishing. Low income residents pay just $5 for the combo license.
What big game can I hunt in Alaska?
Alaska offers moose, caribou, brown/grizzly bear, black bear, Dall sheep, mountain goat, Sitka blacktail deer, elk (limited), muskox (limited), and bison (very limited).
When is moose season in Alaska?
Most moose seasons run September 1-20, but dates vary significantly by Game Management Unit. Some units have additional seasons.