Small Game Hunting in Alaska
Regulations
In general the small game hunting seasons are long (late summer through the winter) and the bag limits are very liberal. The current Alaska hunting regulations cover harvest limits, seasons, and general hunting restrictions. Regulations are available free at Fish and Game offices, most sporting goods stores, and online at the ADF&G website. Small game specific regulations are also available on this page.
Prior to hunting for big or small game be sure to read and understand the general hunting regulations. General hunting regulations address land access, license types, restrictions, and legal definitions. Read the section on small game which details harvest limits and seasons (generally toward the rear of the regulations booklet). To better manage discrete populations and hunting pressure Alaska is divided into 26 game management units, or GMUs. Find the unit where you plan to hunt. Alaska's small game bag limits are generous compared to most states, but they differ between GMUs. Some units are divided into subunits, and within each, seasons and bag limits may vary. Generally there are very few locations throughout Alaska that have restrictions on small game hunting.
Within the Anchorage metro area (GMU 14C) regulations are generally more restrictive. Methods vary by location and a registration permit is required to hunt inside the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and within a portion of the Eagle River Management Area. The permit for the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is available online during the hunting season, or at the Anchorage ADF&G office. To register to hunt in the Eagle River Management Area, hunters must sign up at the Anchorage ADF&G office. Hunter education certification is required for both areas. Before venturing into the field in 14C be sure to review and understand the restrictions, bag limits and season dates for your desired hunting location found in the GMU 14C Small Game Summary.
With the exception of hunting inside the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and the Eagle River Management Area, small game hunters do not require a permit. Residents simply require a hunting license and non-residents can either purchase a hunting license or opt for the less expensive small game only license.
Small Game Regulations and Unit 14 Guide to Regulations
- Small Game Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits (PDF 297 kB)
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Unit 14 Small Game Hunting — Guide to Regulations as of 2023 (PDF 1,198 kB)
This guide is intended to help hunters navigate regulations for grouse, ptarmigan and snowshoe hare in Unit 14, but hunters should familiarize themselves with current grouse, ptarmigan and snowshoe hare hunting regulations (see above).