Alaska Hunting Laws
Alaska regulates big game (moose, brown/black bear, caribou, deer, and other species) under one statewide methods-and-means rule rather than species-by-species caliber minimums. Under 5 AAC 92.085, a big-game rifle or handgun need only fire a centerfire cartridge — there is no minimum bullet diameter, though individual Game Management Units may post their own local restrictions. Alaska has no wild turkey season, so turkey-specific rules do not apply.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in Alaska
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Planning to apply in Alaska?
See draw odds by point level, fees, and deadlines on the Alaska draw odds page.
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
Air Gun
1 rule| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species |
Airguns are not among the enumerated legal big-game firearms (shotgun, muzzleloader, or centerfire rifle/pistol) and are not a lawful method for taking big game.
"with the use of a firearm other than a shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle or pistol using a center-firing cartridge" |
5 AAC 92.085(1) | Aug 2026 |
All weapons
2 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species | Suppressors are reported usable for hunting if lawfully NFA-registered; Alaska's weapons statute (AS 11.61.200) lists silencers as a 'prohibited weapon' but allows an affirmative defense for NFA-registered items. We have not yet verified the statute text against a state-hosted source. | AS 11.61.200, prohibited-weapons statute (pending primary verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| All species | Alaska is commonly reported as having no statewide requirement to wear blaze orange or fluorescent clothing while hunting, but we have not yet located a primary-source statute or regulation confirming this. | Statewide safety/clothing requirements (pending primary verification — not addressed in 5 AAC 92.085/92.080 methods-and-means provisions we reviewed) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Handgun
1 rule| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game statewide; shotguns and muzzleloaders meeting their own requirements are also allowed.
"with the use of a firearm other than a shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle or pistol using a center-firing cartridge" |
5 AAC 92.085(1) | Aug 2026 |
Muzzleloader
4 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species |
Muzzleloaders for big game must be a shoulder-mounted long gun of .45 caliber or larger; muzzleloading pistols are not legal for big game.
"the use of a muzzleloader is prohibited unless the firearm is a shoulder mounted long gun, 45 caliber or larger, with a barrel that is either rifled or smoothbore, and discharges a single projectile" |
5 AAC 92.085(1)(B) | Aug 2026 |
| All species |
Muzzleloaders must discharge a single projectile — sabots with multiple projectiles or shot are not allowed for big game.
"discharges a single projectile" |
5 AAC 92.085(1)(B) | Aug 2026 |
| All species |
During muzzleloader-only seasons, a muzzleloader may not be equipped with a scope.
"the use of a muzzleloader equipped with a scope... during any permitted, registered, or special season hunt for muzzleloaders only, is prohibited" |
5 AAC 92.085(1)(C) | Aug 2026 |
| All species |
During muzzleloader-only seasons, smokeless powder may not be used as the charge — black powder or an approved substitute is required.
"a muzzleloader using smokeless powder as a charge, during any permitted, registered, or special season hunt for muzzleloaders only, is prohibited" |
5 AAC 92.085(1)(C) | Aug 2026 |
Rifle
1 rule| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game statewide; shotguns and muzzleloaders meeting their own requirements are also allowed.
"with the use of a firearm other than a shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle or pistol using a center-firing cartridge" |
5 AAC 92.085(1) | Aug 2026 |
Shotgun
1 rule| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl |
Nontoxic shot is required for waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and snipe statewide; lead shot may not even be in possession while hunting migratory birds, and shot may be no larger than size T (0.20").
"Nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl, sandhill cranes and snipe in Alaska. It is a violation to have shells loaded with lead shot in personal possession while hunting migratory birds. Shot sizes larger than..." |
ADFG Non-Toxic Shot — Waterfowl Hunting | Aug 2026 |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in Alaska on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
2021-2022 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Bison General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Brown/Grizzly Bear Draw Hunt Statistics (Reported Harvest)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Caribou General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Goat General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Moose General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Muskox General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2021 Sheep (Dall) General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022-2023 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Bison General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Brown/Grizzly Bear Draw Hunt Statistics (Reported Harvest)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Caribou General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Goat General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Moose General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Muskox General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2022 Sheep (Dall) General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023-2024 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Bison General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Brown/Grizzly Bear Draw Hunt Statistics (Reported Harvest)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Caribou General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Goat General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Moose General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Muskox General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2023 Sheep (Dall) General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024-2025 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Bison General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Brown/Grizzly Bear Draw Hunt Statistics (Reported Harvest)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Caribou General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Goat General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Moose General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Muskox General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2024 Sheep (Dall) General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025-2026 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Bison General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Brown/Grizzly Bear Draw Hunt Statistics (Reported Harvest)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Caribou General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Goat General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Moose General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Muskox General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2025 Sheep (Dall) General Harvest Reports -- Sex Composition of Harvest by Subunit (Id=130) and Summary of Hunter Effort vs. Success by Subunit (Id=510)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
2026-2027 Alaska Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
ADFG — Firearms and Ammunition for Hunting in Alaska
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved August 30, 2026
ADF&G License, Stamp and Tag Prices
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
ADFG — Non-Toxic Shot, Waterfowl Hunting
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved August 30, 2026
Alaska Admin. Code 5 AAC 92.085 — Unlawful methods of taking big game; exceptions
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Alaska Administrative Code) · retrieved August 30, 2026
Alaska Drawing Hunt Information - FAQs
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
Alaska Game Management Unit and Subunit boundaries (wc_public/GMUSubunits)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation · retrieved September 1, 2026
How Does the Random Drawing Work
Alaska Department of Fish and Game · retrieved September 1, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official Alaska hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.