Alaska Bird Hunting

Seasons Span August – June 15, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Official License Fees (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)

  • Resident:
    • Annual Hunting License: $45.00
    • Annual Hunting & Sport Fishing Combination: $60.00
    • Annual Hunting, Sport Fishing, & Trapping Combination: $85.00
    • Low-Income Annual License (Hunting, Sport Fishing, & Trapping): $5.00
  • Non-Resident:
    • Annual Small Game Hunting License (Grouse & Ptarmigan only): $60.00
    • Annual General Hunting License: $160.00
    • Annual Hunting & Sport Fishing Combination: $260.00

Target Upland Game Bird Species

  • Ptarmigan: Willow Ptarmigan, Rock Ptarmigan, White-Tailed Ptarmigan
  • Grouse: Spruce Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-Tailed Grouse, Sooty (Blue) Grouse
  • Feral / Non-Native Game Birds: Chukar Partridge, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Quail

Season Dates, Daily Bag Limits & Possession Limits

Ptarmigan (Willow, Rock, White-Tailed)

  • GMUs 1–5 & 6A–C (Southeast Alaska):
    • Season Dates: August 1 – May 15
    • Limits: 20 daily / 40 in possession
  • GMUs 23 & 26 (Arctic & North Slope):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – June 15
    • Limits: 50 daily / 100 in possession
  • GMU 15C (Kenai Peninsula – North of Kachemak Bay):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – January 31
    • Limits: 5 daily / 10 in possession
  • GMUs 6D, 7, 9, 11–14, 16–22, 24–25 (Most Southcentral & Interior Units):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – March 31 / April 30 (varies slightly by subunit)
    • Limits: 10 to 20 daily / 20 to 40 in possession

Grouse (Spruce, Ruffed, Sharp-Tailed, Sooty)

  • GMUs 1–6 (Southeast & Prince William Sound):
    • Season Dates: August 1 – May 15
    • Limits: 5 daily / 10 in possession
  • GMUs 7 & 15 (Kenai Peninsula):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – March 31
    • Limits: 10 daily / 20 in possession
  • GMUs 8 & 10 (Kodiak & Aleutian Islands):
    • Season Dates: No open season
  • GMUs 9, 17–19, 21–24, 26 (Western & Northern Interior):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – April 30
    • Limits: 15 daily / 30 in possession
  • GMUs 11–13, 14A, 14B, 16, 20, 25 (Interior & Mat-Su):
    • Season Dates: August 10 – March 31 (GMU 14C runs Sept 1 – Mar 31)
    • Limits: 15 daily / 30 in possession (Note: In GMUs 13, 14, and 16, no more than 2 daily / 4 in possession may be Ruffed Grouse).

Feral Non-Native Game Birds (Chukar, Pheasant, Quail)

  • Statewide (GMUs 1–26):
    • Season Dates: Open year-round
    • Limits: No daily or possession limit

Weather Assessment & Bird Hunting Outlook

Winter conditions across Alaska saw heavy snow accumulation across Southcentral and Interior corridors, followed by extended cold snaps into early spring. Deep snowpack delayed spring breakup and plant phenology in alpine ptarmigan habitats, while localized spring flooding during rapid May thaws created localized challenges for nesting grouse in river bottoms. However, warm and relatively dry weather during early June across key Interior nesting zones provided favorable brood-rearing conditions for newly hatched chicks. Hunters can expect average to slightly improved brood survival for Interior ruffed and spruce grouse compared to previous years, while high-elevation alpine ptarmigan hunting may require hunting further up sub-alpine drainages where lingering snow cover delayed initial brood movements.

For the most accurate and detailed information, consult the ADFG website or contact local ADFG offices, as regulations may change.