Alaska’s vast wilderness has long been a haven for hunters seeking adventure and the chance to pursue big game in one of the most rugged landscapes in the world. For the 2025-2026 hunting season, the Alaska Board of Game has rolled out significant updates to the state’s hunting and trapping regulations. These changes affect everything from bag limits and season lengths to hunter education requirements and game management unit boundaries. Whether someone is chasing brown bears, caribou, or small game, staying informed about these new rules is critical for a successful and legal hunt. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new for the upcoming season.
Hunter Education Requirements Tighten Up
One of the biggest shifts for the 2025-2026 season is the introduction of mandatory education courses for specific hunts. Starting July 1, 2025, nonresident moose hunters must complete a moose hunting orientation course before heading into the field. This requirement aims to ensure hunters understand Alaska’s unique regulations and can navigate the challenges of pursuing one of the state’s most iconic big game animals.
Goat hunters also face a new hurdle. Anyone looking to hunt mountain goats must now pass a mountain goat identification quiz. This test helps hunters distinguish between legally harvestable goats and those protected by regulations, reducing the risk of accidental violations. It’s a practical step to promote ethical hunting and protect Alaska’s goat populations.
For sheep hunters, a new rule kicks in starting July 2026. Anyone participating in general harvest ticket hunts for sheep between August 10 and September 10 will need to complete a state-approved hunter orientation course. These hunts are limited to one ram with a full-curl horn or larger, and the course ensures hunters are equipped to identify legal targets and follow state guidelines. This change reflects Alaska’s commitment to sustainable hunting practices and wildlife conservation.
Brown Bear Hunting Gets a Boost
Brown bear hunting is a bucket-list experience for many, and the 2025-2026 season brings exciting changes for bear hunters. In Units 9D, 9E, and RB368, the hunting season for brown bears has been extended for both resident and nonresident hunters. This gives hunters more time to pursue these formidable animals in some of Alaska’s most remote and rugged regions.
In Unit 13, the bag limit for brown bears has increased to two bears per regulatory year, offering hunters a greater opportunity to harvest. Units 14A, 14B, and 17 also see longer brown bear seasons, making these areas more appealing for those planning multi-day hunts in Alaska’s backcountry. These changes open up new possibilities for hunters looking to test their skills against one of North America’s most powerful predators.
Caribou Season Extended in Unit 9D
Caribou hunting remains a cornerstone of Alaska’s big game offerings, and for the 2025-2026 season, hunters in Unit 9D will benefit from a longer caribou season. This extension provides more flexibility for planning trips and increases the chances of a successful hunt. Caribou herds in Alaska are known for their long migrations, and the extended season in Unit 9D allows hunters to better time their trips to intercept these animals in their seasonal ranges.
Sheep Hunting Faces New Restrictions
Sheep hunting in Alaska is a challenging and rewarding pursuit, but new regulations aim to balance opportunity with conservation. Statewide, the period during which aircraft cannot be used to locate sheep or guide hunters to sheep has been extended to run from August 1 to September 20. This change levels the playing field for hunters relying on ground-based scouting and ensures fair chase practices.
In Unit 19C, the general season for resident sheep hunters has been closed entirely. This closure reflects concerns about overhunting or population declines in the area and underscores the state’s commitment to protecting Dall sheep populations. Hunters planning sheep hunts will need to carefully review unit-specific regulations to avoid restricted areas.
Wolverine and Fur Animal Updates
For those targeting wolverines, the hunting season in Unit 9 has been shortened. This adjustment may limit opportunities for hunters in this region, so it’s worth checking the updated season dates before planning a trip. Similarly, fur animal hunters face changes in Unit 10, specifically the Pribilof Islands, where the Arctic fox season has been shortened, and the bag limit for nonresidents has been reduced. These changes aim to protect local populations while still allowing limited harvest.
Bison Hunting Opens for Proxy Hunters
One of the more unique updates for 2025-2026 is the addition of bison hunting to the list of species eligible for proxy hunting. Proxy hunting allows elderly or disabled hunters who are unable to go afield themselves to designate another eligible hunter to harvest game on their behalf. Adding bison to this program expands opportunities for those who qualify, ensuring more Alaskans can participate in the state’s hunting traditions.
Small Game Seasons See Closures and Shortened Dates
Small game hunters will notice some significant changes as well. The season for Alaska hares has been closed entirely in Units 9 and 17, likely due to population concerns or conservation efforts. In Unit 13B, the ptarmigan season has been shortened to run from August 20 to February 15. These adjustments mean small game hunters will need to plan their trips carefully and focus on other regions or species if they hunt in these units.
Game Management Unit Boundary Changes
Alaska’s 26 Game Management Units (GMUs) are critical for organizing hunting regulations, and two units see boundary updates for 2025-2026. The boundaries of Units 25C and 25D have been realigned to follow the Steese Highway between Milepost 147 and Circle. Additionally, the Ladue River controlled use area in Unit 20E is now defined by the beginning and end of the Nine Mile Trail. These changes may affect access and hunting strategies, so hunters should consult updated GMU maps available through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) website.
Streamlined Transfer of Possession
A practical update for all hunters is the option to complete Transfer of Possession forms digitally. These forms are required when gifting, donating, or allowing a third party to transport unprocessed game meat. Hunters can find these forms in the back of the 2025-2026 Alaska Hunting Regulations guide or create their own, making it easier to comply with regulations while sharing their harvest. This change simplifies logistics, especially for hunters in remote areas where paperwork can be a hassle.
Why These Changes Matter
Alaska’s hunting regulations are designed to balance opportunity with conservation, ensuring that wildlife populations remain healthy for future generations. The new education requirements for moose, goat, and sheep hunters reflect a focus on ethical and informed hunting practices. Adjustments to season lengths and bag limits for species like brown bears and caribou show the state’s effort to provide more opportunities where populations can support it. Meanwhile, closures and restrictions for sheep, wolverines, Arctic foxes, and small game highlight the need to protect vulnerable species or regions.
For hunters planning a trip to Alaska in 2025-2026, these changes mean more preparation is needed. Checking the latest regulations, completing required courses, and reviewing updated GMU boundaries are all essential steps. The ADFG’s 2025-2026 Alaska Hunting Regulations guide, available online at adfg.alaska.gov, is the go-to resource for all the details. Hunters can also contact local ADFG offices for clarification or to request a hard copy of the guide.
Planning for a Successful Hunt
Alaska’s hunting seasons offer unmatched opportunities for adventure, but they come with unique challenges. The state’s vast size, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather demand careful planning. Hunters should ensure they have the proper licenses, tags, and permits, as well as the right gear for the conditions. For nonresidents, hiring a registered guide may be required for certain species, such as moose or brown bears, and can make navigating Alaska’s wilderness easier.
With these new regulations in place, hunters have a chance to experience Alaska’s wild landscapes while contributing to the state’s conservation efforts. Whether stalking a massive brown bear, tracking caribou across the tundra, or pursuing small game in the backcountry, the 2025-2026 season promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Alaska’s hunting legacy. By staying informed and prepared, hunters can make the most of their time in the Last Frontier.
