Alaska isn’t just another hunting destination—it’s the dream. It’s where rugged meets raw, and where the game animals are as wild as the weather. From massive bull moose in the Yukon River flats to elusive Dall sheep perched high in the Wrangell Mountains, Alaska offers some of the most remote, demanding, and rewarding hunts on the planet.
But hunting in the Last Frontier isn’t as simple as buying a tag and hitting the trail. You need preparation, grit, and respect for a land that doesn’t hand out second chances. Here's what every hunter—newbie or seasoned—needs to know before heading north.
The Species: Big Game, Big Adventure
Alaska is a big game paradise. Some of the most sought-after species include:
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Moose – Alaska-Yukon moose are giants, often tipping the scales at 1,200+ lbs with antler spreads over 60 inches.
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Brown/Grizzly Bear – These apex predators demand peak awareness and skill. Coastal brown bears are bigger, but interior grizzlies are no less impressive.
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Black Bear – Common across forested regions, especially in Southeast Alaska.
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Caribou – Available in multiple herds, with the Western Arctic herd being the largest.
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Dall Sheep – A challenging high-altitude hunt with a rewarding view.
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Mountain Goat – Another mountain hunt requiring endurance and glassing skills.
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Sitka Blacktail Deer – A popular option on islands like Kodiak and Prince of Wales.
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Wolf & Wolverine – Less common, but legal to hunt and highly prized by predator hunters.
Licensing, Tags, and Regulations
Here’s the thing—Alaska's hunting regulations are complex and vary wildly by unit (Game Management Unit or GMU). You'll need to do your homework well before the hunt.
For Nonresidents:
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You must have a nonresident hunting license (starts around $160).
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Most big game species also require species-specific tags (e.g., $1,000+ for brown bear, $800+ for moose).
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Some hunts are drawing only—you must apply months in advance and hope to be drawn.
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Guide requirement: You must hire a registered guide or be accompanied by a resident relative for hunts involving brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat.
Check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) website for the latest rules, maps, and deadlines. Bookmark it. Live on it.
When to Go: Timing is Everything
Alaska’s seasons are short, intense, and vary by species and region.
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Moose: Late August–September. The rut kicks off mid-September. Bulls respond to calls and are more active.
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Caribou: July through October, depending on the herd. Fall hunts see more movement.
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Dall Sheep & Goats: August 10th opener. Earlier hunts are warmer, but later dates bring snow and harder terrain.
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Bear: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October). Salmon-fed bears in coastal areas are heavier in fall.
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Sitka Deer: October–November, with November being peak rut.
Weather swings wildly. You can get snow in August and sunburn in September. Always be ready for four seasons in a day.
Access: Getting There is Half the Battle
Many prime hunting spots are fly-in only. Bush planes, floatplanes, and boats are common. This adds cost, but also isolation—and better chances at mature animals.
Some considerations:
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DIY drop-camp hunts are possible, but require thorough logistics and survival know-how.
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Transporters can fly you in and out but don't guide or assist in the hunt itself.
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Guided hunts often include gear, meals, trophy prep, and local expertise—and for some species, they’re mandatory.
Want a real Alaskan story? Ask any hunter who got weathered in for five days straight with a moose hanging in a tree and no plane in sight.
Gear: Pack for Survival, Not Just the Hunt
This isn’t your uncle’s deer camp in Wisconsin. Alaska gear needs to stand up to cold, wet, wind, and terrain that eats boots for breakfast.
Must-haves:
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Layered clothing system: Base, insulation, and waterproof outer layers.
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Quality optics: Long glassing sessions are common. Don’t skimp.
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Navigation tools: GPS, satellite communicator, paper maps, compass.
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Meat care gear: Game bags, tarps, and a way to keep meat dry and cool.
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Bear protection: A .44 mag or bear spray—even if you’re not bear hunting.
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Boots built for mountains and swamps: Break them in before you arrive.
Field Tips: The Alaska Learning Curve
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Leave ego at home. Alaska rewards humility and awareness, not bravado.
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Take your shot seriously. Recovering wounded game in this terrain is brutally difficult. Know your limits.
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Know meat salvage laws. Alaska has strict rules about what meat must be packed out—and in what order (hint: no taking trophies first).
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Expect solitude. Some hunters go days without seeing another human. Or any cell signal. And they like it that way.
Public Land: Endless Opportunity
Alaska offers millions of acres of public land, from national preserves and refuges to state lands and Native corporation lands (some of which require access permits).
You can hunt:
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State lands (by default unless posted otherwise)
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BLM lands
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Certain federal lands, with some restrictions
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Designated wilderness areas, though often with limited air access
Always verify land ownership with an up-to-date map or GPS chip. It’s easy to cross from huntable land into a no-go zone.
Ready to Chase Your Alaska Dream?
Hunting in Alaska isn’t a vacation—it’s a full-fledged expedition. You’re not just after an animal—you’re testing your limits, your planning, and your passion.
If you’re ready to dive in, consider booking through experienced hunting outfitters listed on Find A Hunt. They’ll help you navigate permits, logistics, and terrain, so you can focus on the moment—when that monster moose steps into the clearing, or a Dall sheep crests the skyline.
Alaska doesn’t hand out success—but it does reward those who earn it. Are you ready?
