Planning Guide
Alaska Non-Resident Hunting: Licenses, Guide Requirements & Tags
Alaska law requires non-residents to hunt just three species — brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat — with a licensed guide (or a qualifying resident relative). Hunt one of those species without a guide and you can lose your animal, your license, and your deposit. This guide covers exactly who needs a guide, what tags cost, how to verify credentials, and the mistakes that cost hunters thousands of dollars every season. Always confirm current requirements for your unit at ADF&G.
Key Facts for Non-Resident Hunters
- • Alaska law (AS 16.05.407 and AS 16.05.408) requires non-residents to use a licensed guide or a qualifying resident relative for just three species: brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat — moose and wolverine do NOT require a guide
- • A second-degree relative (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild) who is an Alaska resident and at least 19 years old can serve as guide — they do NOT need a guide license
- • Non-resident hunting license costs $160/year purchased through ADF&G
- • Big game tags range from $300 (Sitka deer) to $1,000 (brown/grizzly bear) and are mandatory in addition to guide fees
- • Moose, wolverine, caribou, black bear, Sitka blacktail deer, wolf, coyote, waterfowl, and small game do not require a guide for non-residents (confirm your unit at adfg.alaska.gov)
- • Violations result in immediate license revocation, forfeiture of the animal, and criminal charges — the ADF&G Wildlife Troopers actively enforce this law
- • Your contracting outfitter must be a Registered Guide-Outfitter (or Master Guide); the guide accompanying you in the field may instead be a licensed Class-A Assistant or Assistant Guide working under that outfitter — verify all licenses at commerce.alaska.gov before sending any deposit
- • Alaska's wanton waste law requires you to salvage all edible meat from any big game kill — taking only antlers and leaving the carcass is a criminal offense
- • Buy licenses and tags at adfg.alaska.gov before you leave home — reliable internet does not exist in most hunting areas
Alaska's Guide Requirement Law (AS 16.05.407 & 16.05.408)
Alaska is one of the few states in the nation with a mandatory guide requirement for non-resident big game hunters pursuing certain species. Under AS 16.05.407 (brown/grizzly bear) and AS 16.05.408 (Dall sheep and mountain goat), non-residents must hunt those three species with a licensed guide or a qualifying resident relative. The law exists because the state determined that non-residents hunting remote Alaska terrain for dangerous and high-value animals needed experienced supervision for both safety and conservation reasons.
The practical consequence is severe: if a non-resident kills a Dall sheep, brown bear, or mountain goat without a licensed guide or qualifying relative, Alaska Wildlife Troopers will seize the animal and all associated trophies, revoke the hunter's license, and file criminal charges. There is no warning, no administrative remedy, and no refund of the tag fee. The guide who ran the hunt — if they were unlicensed — faces separate felony charges.
The guide requirement is actively enforced, and Wildlife Troopers conduct patrols in popular hunting areas, including aerial surveillance in units with high non-resident traffic. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Confirm the current guide requirements and boundaries for your specific unit at adfg.alaska.gov, and verify every aspect of your hunt's legal compliance before you board the bush plane.
Species Requiring a Licensed Guide for Non-Residents
Only three species require non-residents to be accompanied by either a licensed Alaska guide or a second-degree Alaska resident relative (19+) for the entire hunt from initial pursuit through meat pack-out: brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goat. Moose and wolverine are NOT on this list — non-residents may hunt them without a guide. Always confirm the rules for your specific unit at adfg.alaska.gov.
Dall Sheep — ALL units, no exceptions
Ovis dalli dalli. Every unit in Alaska requires a licensed guide for non-resident sheep hunters. No exceptions exist under current regulations. Seasons run approximately August 10 through September 20 in most units. Tags cost $850. This is the most guide-strictly-enforced species in Alaska.
Brown Bear / Grizzly Bear — all units
Ursus arctos. Coastal brown bears and interior grizzlies are the same species — Alaska does not distinguish legally. Guide required for non-residents statewide. Tags cost $1,000, the highest of any Alaska big game species. Bag limit is typically one bear per regulatory year (not calendar year) in most units.
Mountain Goat — all units
Oreamnos americanus. Guide required for non-residents in all units. Many mountain goat units also require a permit drawing, adding another layer of planning complexity. Tags cost $600. Goat country in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska is vertical — this hunt demands serious mountaineering fitness regardless of season.
Note: moose and wolverine do not require a guide for non-residents — see the section below. Always verify current requirements for your specific unit at adfg.alaska.gov.
Species Non-Residents Can Hunt Without a Guide
The following species do not require a licensed guide for non-residents under Alaska law. A guide is still strongly recommended for safety, logistics, and success — but you are legally permitted to hunt these animals without one. These species form the backbone of self-guided Alaska hunting.
Moose
Alces alces gigas. No guide required for non-residents — a hunting license plus the applicable harvest ticket or draw permit is all that's needed. Tag: $800. Seasons, antler restrictions, and any permit requirements vary by unit — confirm yours at adfg.alaska.gov.
Caribou
Alaska's most accessible big game species for non-residents. Drop-camp caribou hunts on the North Slope, Brooks Range, and Western Alaska are a rite of passage. Tag: $650. No guide required. Book a licensed air taxi and a good drop camp and you're legal.
Black Bear
Ursus americanus. No guide required. Spring hunts in Southeast Alaska, Prince of Wales Island, and Kodiak offer excellent self-guided opportunities. Tag: $450. No bag limit statewide in many units — check yours.
Sitka Blacktail Deer
Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis. No guide required. Southeast Alaska and Kodiak island chains offer dense populations. Season runs October through December. Tag: $300. Ideal first Alaska hunt — accessible, relatively affordable, delicious table fare.
Wolf & Coyote
No guide required for non-residents. Wolf regulations vary significantly by unit — some areas are open to trapping and hunting simultaneously, others have closed seasons. Check current unit regs carefully. No tag fee beyond the hunting license.
Wolverine
Gulo gulo. No guide required for non-residents. Typically taken incidentally during trapping or other hunts. Check current unit regulations and any sealing requirements at adfg.alaska.gov.
Waterfowl
Ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes. Federal duck stamp plus Alaska hunting license required — no guide. Alaska is a critical Pacific Flyway staging area with exceptional duck and goose hunting along river deltas and coastal flats throughout September and October.
Small Game
Ptarmigan (rock, willow, white-tailed), spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, and snowshoe hare. No guide required. Ptarmigan hunting on the Alaska Range foothills is world-class and entirely self-guided. Bag limits are generous — 20 ptarmigan per day in many units.
Note: Even when a guide is not legally required, hiring one is almost always recommended for first-time Alaska hunters. Logistics — bush plane access, bears on kills, meat salvage in remote terrain, weather holds — can transform an unguided hunt into a dangerous or costly disaster without local knowledge.
The Resident Relative Option
Alaska law provides one alternative to hiring a licensed guide: a second-degree relative who is an Alaska resident can serve as the accompanying person for hunts requiring a guide. This person does not need a guide license. However, the requirements are specific and strictly interpreted.
Who qualifies as a second-degree relative:
- • Parent (your mother or father)
- • Child (your son or daughter)
- • Sibling (your brother or sister)
- • Grandparent (your grandmother or grandfather)
- • Grandchild (your grandson or granddaughter)
Requirements for the relative to qualify:
- • Must be a genuine Alaska resident under ADF&G's definition (domicile in Alaska with intent to remain)
- • Must be at least 19 years old
- • Must be physically present and accompanying you throughout the hunt
- • You must be able to verify their Alaska residency — carry documentation
- • Uncle, aunt, cousin, niece, nephew, and in-laws do NOT qualify — only the five relationships above
If a Wildlife Trooper questions your relative's status and you cannot prove it on the spot, you may face the same consequences as having no guide at all. Carry your relative's Alaska driver's license, voter registration, or other official Alaska residency documentation in the field.
How to Verify a Guide's License
The outfitter you contract with for a hunt requiring a guide must hold a Registered Guide-Outfitter (or Master Guide) license issued by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. The guide who actually accompanies you in the field may be that outfitter, or a licensed Class-A Assistant or Assistant Guide working under them:
Master Guide License
The highest guide credential in Alaska. Requires multiple years of registered guide experience, written examination, and peer review. Master Guides can independently lead guided hunts for any species in any unit.
Registered Guide-Outfitter License
Requires demonstrated experience and examination. A Registered Guide-Outfitter (or Master Guide) is the outfitter who contracts your hunt. The guide in the field with you may also be a licensed Class-A Assistant or Assistant Guide working under that outfitter — every one must be currently licensed. Verify each at commerce.alaska.gov.
How to verify before paying any deposit:
- Go to commerce.alaska.gov and search the professional license lookup
- Search the guide's full name or business name under "Guide" license type
- Confirm license is active and not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Get the license number and note the expiration date
- Ask the guide to show you their physical license card when you arrive in camp
Never pay a deposit to a guide who cannot produce their license number for verification. Unlicensed or lapsed guides cost hunters the animal, all fees paid, and criminal exposure. If a guide claims their license is "being renewed" or "in process," walk away. The state database updates in real time.
Non-Resident License & Tag Costs
The $160 annual hunting licenseis the base requirement for all non-resident hunters. On top of that, every big game species requires a separate tag purchased before the hunt begins. Tags are non-refundable. Buying the wrong unit's tag — or the wrong sex tag where applicable — is a common and expensive error.
| Species | Tag Cost | Guide Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Brown / Grizzly Bear | $1,000 | Yes |
| Dall Sheep | $850 | Yes |
| Moose | $800 | No |
| Mountain Goat | $600 | Yes |
| Caribou | $650 | No |
| Black Bear | $450 | No |
| Sitka Blacktail Deer | $300 | No |
| Wolverine | See ADF&G | No |
Tag fees are set by the Alaska Legislature and are subject to change. Verify current prices at adfg.alaska.gov before purchasing.
Where to Buy Licenses and Tags
Alaska hunting licenses and tags can be purchased through three channels. The online system is the most reliable and the only one that works before you land in Alaska.
Online at adfg.alaska.gov (recommended)
The ADF&G online licensing portal is available 24/7. Purchase your license, print your tags, and carry printed copies plus digital backups. Do this before you fly to Alaska — connectivity in the bush ranges from slow to nonexistent.
ADF&G Regional Offices
Offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Homer, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Sitka, Palmer, Soldotna, and King Salmon sell licenses and tags in person. If you need a last-minute replacement or have a question about your specific unit, visiting an ADF&G office is the best option.
Licensed Sporting Goods Stores
Sportsman's Warehouse in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks; Cabela's Anchorage; Fred Meyer locations statewide; and many independent sporting goods retailers in hub communities sell non-resident licenses and tags. These are good backup options if the online system has issues.
Critical: Do not count on purchasing tags in a remote village, at a lodge, or from your guide. Your guide cannot sell you a tag and is not responsible for your licensing compliance. Your tag must be on your person before you leave for the field.
Planning Timeline by Species
Alaska hunting requires more lead time than almost any other North American hunt. The combination of limited guide availability, bush plane logistics, and remote camp setup means that waiting until the year of your hunt to book is a reliable way to miss out on quality opportunities.
12–24 months out: Dall Sheep, Kodiak Brown Bear
Top Dall sheep outfitters in the Alaska Range, Chugach Mountains, and Brooks Range routinely book 2–3 years in advance. Kodiak Island brown bear — one of the most sought-after hunts on earth — has a permit drawing system that limits the number of guides operating on the island. If you want a Kodiak bear or a quality sheep hunt, start calling outfitters now regardless of your target date.
6–18 months out: Moose, Alaska Peninsula & Interior Brown Bear
Kenai Peninsula moose guides — particularly those with access to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge drainage — book 12–18 months ahead for September prime rut slots. Interior moose hunts based out of Fairbanks or along the Yukon River have more availability. Alaska Peninsula brown bear, operating out of King Salmon, Cold Bay, or Port Heiden, books 6–12 months out for quality spring hunts.
3–9 months out: Caribou, Black Bear, Sitka Deer
Drop-camp caribou operators flying out of Bettles, Kotzebue, or Galena often have openings into the summer before the season. Self-guided Sitka deer hunters booking ferry passage to Ketchikan or Sitka can often plan on a 2–3 month timeline. Black bear hunts in Southeast Alaska have the most flexibility. That said, prime slots still go to early bookers — earlier is always better.
Minimum tasks regardless of timeline
- • Verify guide license at commerce.alaska.gov (do this before any money changes hands)
- • Read your specific unit regulations at adfg.alaska.gov — not a summary, the actual document
- • Purchase license and tags online before departure
- • Confirm your unit tag — wrong unit tags cannot be transferred
- • Book air taxi with a certificated Part 135 operator — verify at faa.gov
Alaska Wanton Waste Law
Alaska's wanton waste statute is one of the most aggressively enforced hunting laws in the state. It requires hunters to salvage all edible meat from any big game animal taken. The law applies equally to resident and non-resident hunters and to all circumstances, including animals killed in self-defense.
What the law requires:
- • All edible meat from the hindquarters, backstraps, neck meat, and ribs must be salvaged
- • Meat must remain on the bone until removed from the field (bone-in requirement in many units)
- • You cannot leave meat unattended for an unreasonable time that results in spoilage
- • Taking only antlers, horns, or hide and leaving the carcass is a criminal offense
- • Bears are included — black bear, brown bear, and grizzly meat must be salvaged
Violations result in: loss of your hunting license, forfeiture of the animal and all trophies, criminal charges (which can be misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances), and potential civil penalties up to three times the replacement value of the animal. Wildlife Troopers conduct aerial patrols specifically looking for abandoned carcasses.
The practical implication: before you pull the trigger on a moose 10 miles from the nearest strip, have a plan for getting 600+ lbs of boneless meat to that airstrip. Most outfitters include meat handling in guided hunts. Self-guided hunters should plan conservatively — pack more help than you think you need and build weather holds into your timeline.
Common Mistakes Non-Resident Hunters Make
These are the errors that result in lost animals, lost licenses, and wasted deposits. Every one of them is preventable.
Sending a deposit without verifying the guide's license
The verification takes five minutes at commerce.alaska.gov. Not doing it has cost hunters $15,000–$50,000 in deposits paid to operators who were unlicensed, had revoked licenses, or were operating outside their licensed area. There is no recourse once the money is gone.
Buying a tag for the wrong unit
Alaska is divided into hunting units and subunits with different regulations. A Unit 13 moose tag is not valid in Unit 14. If your guide books a camp in a different unit than the one on your tag, the animal cannot legally be taken. Confirm the unit number with your outfitter in writing before purchasing tags.
Leaving meat in the field
Even when a full pack-out seems impossible, you are legally obligated to salvage all edible meat. Hunters who kill an animal and then discover they cannot retrieve all the meat face a choice between wanton waste charges and physically impossible logistics. Plan the pack-out before the shot, not after.
Assuming a relative qualifies without documentation
A cousin, uncle, in-law, or step-sibling does not qualify under the resident relative exception. Neither does a sibling who moved to Alaska three months ago and hasn't established domicile. Bring documentation of Alaska residency and the familial relationship — a Wildlife Trooper has the authority to demand proof in the field.
Underestimating weather and schedule flexibility
Bush plane access means weather rules your schedule. A 10-day hunt can easily turn into a 14-day hunt if a storm pins you in camp for three days and then delays the flight out. Book flights home with at least a 2-day buffer after your hunt end date. Every experienced Alaska hunter has a story about missing a flight home.
Not having a meat-handling plan
A moose produces 400–700 lbs of boneless meat. A brown bear produces 150–250 lbs. You need to know in advance where that meat goes — your guide's processor, a Anchorage processor you've already called, or specific freight arrangements with your airline. Figuring this out after the kill, in the field, with a satellite phone, is a preventable disaster.
What to Expect on a Licensed Guided Alaska Hunt
A legitimate Alaska guided hunt is one of the most logistically intensive outdoor experiences in the world. Understanding what you're paying for helps set realistic expectations and avoid disappointment.
Access: Most quality hunts require a charter bush plane from a hub like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak, King Salmon, or Juneau. Flight times to camp range from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Your guide arranges the air taxi; confirm who books it and who pays separately.
Camp: Remote camps range from fully equipped wall tents with wood stoves, folding cots, and a cook, to spike camps with minimal gear. Ask specifically what is provided. A brown bear hunt on the Alaska Peninsula and a drop-camp caribou hunt involve very different levels of comfort.
Guide-to-client ratio: By law, a Registered Guide-Outfitter may accompany a maximum of one non-resident hunter per guide for sheep, goat, and brown bear. Moose and caribou allow different ratios. Confirm the ratio in your contract.
After the kill: Your guide is responsible for helping you recover and care for the meat, cape, and trophy. On most hunts, this is the hardest day. A mature bull moose requires multiple pack-out trips or multiple guides. Budget for this labor in your tip — tipping guides $1,000–$3,000 on a successful guided big game hunt is standard.
Hunt fees: A fully guided Dall sheep hunt runs $20,000–$35,000 before airfare, tags, and tips. A guided brown bear hunt: $18,000–$30,000. Guided moose hunts start around $8,000–$15,000. Non-guided caribou drop camps run $3,500–$7,000 including air taxi.
Official Regulations & Resources
The ADF&G publishes unit-specific regulation booklets each year. Read your unit's regulations — not a summary, the actual regulation document — before booking anything. Regulations change annually.
- •ADF&G Hunting Main Page — regulations, drawing results, license purchase, unit maps
- •Alaska Guide License Lookup — verify any guide's current license status before paying
- •ADF&G License & Tag Purchase — buy non-resident license and all big game tags online
Related guides on this site: Alaska Hunting Guide Overview · Dall Sheep Hunting · Brown Bear Hunting · Moose Hunting · Caribou Hunting
Find Licensed Alaska Hunting Outfitters
Browse our directory of Alaska guides and registered outfitters for every big game species. Always confirm an outfitter's current license with the Alaska Big Game Commercial Services Board before you book.