Alaska Hunting Licenses in 2026: Costs, Requirements & Regulations
Getting an Alaska hunting license for the 2026–2027 season requires understanding which license type applies to you, what big game tags cost, and whether you need a draw permit. Resident hunters pay $45 for an annual hunting license, while nonresidents pay $160, and nonresident aliens pay $630. Licenses are purchased through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) online portal and are valid through December 31 of the calendar year. Draw hunt applications are accepted November 1 through December 15 annually, and specific big game species require locking tags purchased separately on top of the base license. This guide covers every fee, rule, deadline, and purchasing step you need for a legal and successful hunt in Alaska.
If you’ve ever stared at the ADF&G website wondering where to start — you’re not alone. Alaska’s licensing system involves more moving parts than most states, between residency requirements, big game tags, draw permits, and guide requirements for nonresidents. The good news? Once you understand how the pieces fit together, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let’s break it all down.
What You Need Before You Hunt in Alaska
No one may legally harvest game or fur-bearing animals in Alaska without first obtaining the appropriate license — and in many cases, additional tags, permits, or harvest tickets. Here’s a quick overview of what you may need depending on your situation:
- A valid Alaska hunting license (annual or short-term)
- Big game locking tags for applicable species (required for most nonresidents, and some residents)
- Draw or registration permits for limited-entry hunts
- A state waterfowl stamp for migratory bird hunting
- HIP enrollment (Harvest Information Program) for waterfowl hunters
- A licensed guide or registered guide-outfitter if you’re a nonresident hunting bear, sheep, or goat
Alaska Hunting License Fees for 2026–2027
The fee structure varies based on residency status. Here’s a complete breakdown directly from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game official pricing page.
Resident Annual License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Hunting | $45.00 |
| Resident Annual Sport Fishing | $20.00 |
| Resident Annual Hunting + Fishing | $60.00 |
| Resident Annual Hunting + Fishing + Trapping | $85.00 |
| Resident Annual Trapping | $25.00 |
| Resident Low Income Hunting + Fishing + Trapping | $5.00 |
| Resident Hunting License for the Blind | $45.00 |
| Resident Duplicate (Replacement) License | $5.00 |
Nonresident Annual License Fees (U.S. Citizens)
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Annual Hunting | $160.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Fishing | $260.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Fishing (14-day) | $235.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Fishing (7-day) | $205.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Fishing (3-day) | $190.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Fishing (1-day) | $175.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Small Game Only | $60.00 |
| Nonresident Annual Hunting + Trapping | $405.00 |
| Nonresident Duplicate (Replacement) License | $5.00 |
Nonresident Alien (Foreign) Hunting License
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Alien Annual Hunting | $630.00 |
| Nonresident Duplicate (Replacement) License | $5.00 |
Military Nonresident License Fees (Active Duty, Stationed in Alaska)
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Military Annual Hunting | $45.00 |
| Nonresident Military Annual Hunting + Fishing | $60.00 |
| Nonresident Military Duplicate (Replacement) License | $5.00 |
Pro tip: Active-duty service members permanently stationed in Alaska for less than 12 months qualify for military nonresident rates — a significant discount compared to standard nonresident pricing.
Alaska Big Game Locking-Tag Fees 2026–2027
Big game locking tags are purchased in addition to your base license. Nonresident hunters must buy the appropriate locking tag for every big game animal they pursue. The tag must be affixed to the animal immediately after harvest and remain until the animal is fully processed or exported.
Resident Big Game Tags
| Species | Resident Tag Fee |
|---|---|
| Brown/Grizzly Bear (select locations) | $25.00 |
| Muskox – Bull | $500.00 |
| Muskox – Cow | $25.00 |
| All other species | No tag required |
Nonresident Big Game Tag Fees (U.S. Citizens vs. Aliens)
| Species | Guide Required? | U.S. Nonresident | Military NR | Nonresident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown/Grizzly Bear | Yes | $1,000 | $25 | $1,300 |
| Black Bear | No | $450 | Free | $600 |
| Bison | No | $900 | Free | $1,300 |
| Caribou | No | $650 | Free | $850 |
| Deer | No | $300 | Free | $400 |
| Elk | No | $600 | Free | $800 |
| Mountain Goat | Yes | $600 | Free | $800 |
| Moose | No | $800 | Free | $1,000 |
| Muskox – Bull | No | $2,200 | $500 | $3,000 |
| Dall Sheep | Yes | $850 | Free | $1,100 |
| Wolf | No | $60 | Free | $100 |
| Wolverine | No | $350 | Free | $500 |
Nonresident aliens must be accompanied by a licensed guide for ALL big game species. U.S. nonresidents only require a guide for brown/grizzly bear, sheep, and mountain goat.
Alaska Residency Requirements: Who Qualifies?
Alaska has a strict legal definition of residency that directly affects which license tier you pay for. To qualify as an Alaska resident, you must:
- Have maintained a domicile in Alaska for the 12 consecutive months immediately before applying
- Be physically present in the state with the intent to remain indefinitely
- Not be claiming residency in any other state, territory, or country
- Not be using Alaska residency solely based on owning a business in the state
Military members or their dependents permanently stationed in Alaska for at least 12 months also qualify as residents. If you’ve been stationed in Alaska for fewer than 12 months, you qualify for the reduced nonresident military rate rather than the standard nonresident rate.
Age Requirements: License Obligations by Hunter Age
Alaska applies different rules depending on the hunter’s age and residency status.
| Category | License Required? | Tag Required? | Harvest Ticket/Permit? | Duck Stamp? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident under age 10 | ❌ No | Uses supervising hunter’s tag | ❌ Not required | ❌ Not required |
| Resident age 10–17 | ❌ No | ✅ Required (applicable species) | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Resident age 18+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required (applicable species) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Nonresident under age 10 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
| Nonresident age 10+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
Resident minors under 10 must be supervised by a licensed hunter who is at least 16 years old. The supervising hunter’s big game locking tag covers the harvest.
How to Buy Your Alaska Hunting License in 2026
Purchasing your license is simple, and most hunters complete the process entirely online in under 10 minutes.
Step-by-step purchasing guide:
- Visit the ADF&G online store at adfg.alaska.gov/store
- Create or log in to your ADF&G customer account
- Select your license type — resident, nonresident, or military based on your status
- Add big game locking tags if you plan to hunt moose, caribou, bear, or other applicable species
- Add required stamps — king salmon stamp ($10 resident / $100 nonresident) if needed; state waterfowl stamp ($10) for duck hunters
- Complete payment and print or save your license to your phone
- Carry your license in the field at all times — digital copies on your phone are acceptable
Alternatively, you can purchase licenses at any licensed ADF&G vendor throughout the state, including sporting goods stores and fly-in outfitters. However, buying online is faster and gives you instant access.
Licenses are valid from the date of purchase through December 31 of that calendar year. A replacement license costs just $5.00 if yours is lost or damaged.
The Alaska Draw Hunt System Explained
Beyond general season hunting, Alaska offers a drawing permit hunt system for certain big game species and restricted areas. These hunts are awarded by lottery and are highly competitive for trophy species.
How the Draw System Works
- ADF&G publishes a Draw Hunt Supplement each fall listing all available draw hunts, hunt codes, area boundaries, and success rates
- Both residents and nonresidents can apply for most draw hunts
- Applications are only accepted online — paper applications are no longer permitted
- You may apply for up to 6 hunts for the same species across all individual and party applications combined
- All application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether you draw a permit
Draw Hunt Application Window
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | November 1 at 8:00 a.m. AKST |
| Application Closes | December 15 at 5:00 p.m. AKST |
| Results Announced | February (approximately) |
Draw Hunt Application Fees (Per Choice)
| Species | Application Fee Per Choice |
|---|---|
| Black bear, brown bear, caribou, elk, moose, mountain goat, sheep | $5.00 |
| Other species | $5.00 |
Important: You must purchase a valid Alaska hunting license before submitting a draw application. Nonresident applicants for some species also need a completed Guide-Client Contract.
Alaska Hunting Season Overview 2026–2027
Alaska divides its territory into 26 Game Management Units (GMUs), each with its own season dates, bag limits, and species-specific rules. General season dates vary by unit and species — always confirm your specific GMU before heading into the field.
| Season Type | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Most Fall Big Game Seasons (Moose, Caribou, Deer) | August 1 – October 31 |
| Dall Sheep | August 10 – September 20 (varies by GMU) |
| Spring Bear | April – May (varies by GMU) |
| Migratory Waterfowl | September – November (varies) |
| Small Game & Fur Animals | Year-round in some areas |
| Regulatory Year Begins | July 1 annually |
New hunting regulation booklets become available each July and can be picked up at any ADF&G office or downloaded from the department’s website. For a deeper look at what’s open and when, check Alaska’s updated hunting seasons guide for species-by-species breakdowns.
Required Stamps and Additional Permits
Beyond the base license and locking tags, certain hunting activities in Alaska require additional documentation:
| Requirement | Who Needs It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Waterfowl Stamp | All waterfowl hunters (resident & nonresident) | $10.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | All waterfowl hunters 16+ | ~$25.00 (federal) |
| King Salmon Stamp (Annual) | Anglers targeting king salmon | $10 (resident) / $100 (NR) |
| HIP Enrollment | All waterfowl hunters | Free |
| Registration Permit | Required for some GMU-specific hunts | Varies |
| Draw Permit | Limited-entry big game hunts | Lottery-based |
Guiding Requirements for Nonresident Hunters
One of the most critical rules nonresidents must understand before booking a trip is Alaska’s mandatory guide requirement for certain species.
U.S. Nonresidents must use a licensed guide for:
- Brown/Grizzly Bear
- Dall Sheep
- Mountain Goat
Nonresident aliens must use a licensed guide for ALL of the following:
- Brown/Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Bison, Caribou, Deer, Elk, Mountain Goat, Moose, Muskox, Dall Sheep, Wolf, and Wolverine
The guide must be a licensed Alaska registered guide or master guide operating under Alaska Statute 16.05.407 or 16.05.408. Nonresidents must complete a Guide-Client Contract affidavit as part of their application for draw hunts requiring a guide.
If you’re also interested in understanding predator species management and related state laws across the U.S., this breakdown of predator hunting laws by state is worth a read before finalizing your hunting plans.
Key Rules Every Alaska Hunter Must Follow
Here’s a quick-reference list of regulations that apply across the board:
- Carry your license at all times while hunting — digital copies are accepted
- Affix your locking tag immediately after harvesting big game — it must stay on the animal until processing or export
- Submit harvest reports within 15 days of the close of the season
- No same-day airborne hunting — you cannot hunt on the same day you fly in most circumstances
- Wanton waste laws apply — you must salvage all edible meat from big game
- Emergency orders from ADF&G can modify season dates and bag limits — check for updates regularly
- Hunter education certification may be required depending on age and state of origin
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does an Alaska hunting license cost in 2026?
A resident annual hunting license costs $45. A nonresident annual hunting license costs $160. Nonresident aliens pay $630. Active-duty military stationed in Alaska pay the resident rate of $45.
Q: Do Alaska residents need locking tags for big game?
Most resident big game hunters do not need locking tags, with two exceptions: brown/grizzly bear in certain locations ($25) and muskox ($500 for a bull). All nonresident hunters must purchase locking tags for every applicable species.
Q: When does the 2026–2027 draw permit application period open?
The application window opens November 1 at 8:00 a.m. AKST and closes December 15 at 5:00 p.m. AKST annually. Applications are online-only through the ADF&G portal.
Q: Can a nonresident hunt Alaska without a guide?
Yes — for most species. U.S. nonresidents can hunt moose, caribou, black bear, deer, elk, and several other species without a guide. However, brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat require a licensed guide for all nonresidents. Nonresident aliens must use a guide for every big game species.
Q: Where can I buy an Alaska hunting license online?
Licenses are available directly through the official ADF&G online store at adfg.alaska.gov/store. You can also purchase at physical ADF&G offices and authorized license vendors statewide.
Q: Are Alaska hunting licenses valid for the full year?
Most licenses are valid from the date of purchase through December 31 of the same calendar year. Trapping licenses are valid through September 30 of the following year. Short-term nonresident fishing licenses are valid for their stated duration (1, 3, 7, or 14 days).
Q: What happens if I lose my Alaska hunting license?
You can obtain a duplicate (replacement) license for $5.00 — available through the ADF&G online portal or at any licensed vendor.
Q: Do Alaska residents under 18 need a hunting license?
No. Resident hunters under age 18 do not need a hunting license, though they still need locking tags for applicable species (if age 10–17) and must follow all harvest ticket and permit requirements.
Q: Can I apply for draw permits as a nonresident?
Yes. Most drawing hunts are open to both residents and nonresidents. You must hold a valid Alaska hunting license at the time of application and pay the $5.00 non-refundable application fee per choice.
Q: What stamps are required for waterfowl hunting in Alaska?
All waterfowl hunters need a state waterfowl stamp ($10), a federal duck stamp (~$25) if age 16 or older, and must enroll in the HIP (Harvest Information Program) — enrollment is free.