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.

Season Dates

  • Ptarmigan (Willow, Rock, White-tailed):
    • General season: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (most units).
    • Extended seasons:
      • Units 23 & 26: August 10, 2025 – June 15, 2026.
      • Unit 13B: August 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026 (shortened season).
      • Unit 15C (north of Kachemak Bay): August 10, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
  • Grouse (Spruce, Ruffed, Sharp-tailed, Sooty):
    • General season: August 10, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (some units extend to April 30).
    • Closed in Game Management Units (GMUs) 8 & 10.
  • Feral Non-Native Game Birds (Chukar, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, Turkey):
    • Year-round (Units 1-26), no closed season.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Hunting License: $45.
    • Hunting & Sportfishing Combo: $60.
    • Youth (under 18): $5.
    • Senior (60+): $5.
    • Waterfowl Stamp: $10 (required for migratory birds).
  • Non-Resident Licenses:
    • Small Game Hunting License (includes grouse, ptarmigan, etc.): $60.
    • Annual Hunting License (all game): $160.
    • Waterfowl Stamp: $10 (required for migratory birds).
  • Purchase Options:
    • Licenses available online, at Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) offices, or select vendors.
    • Digital or printed formats; e-signed licenses can be stored on a phone.
    • Non-residents may need additional permits for specific hunts, but no extra permits are typically required for upland birds like ptarmigan and grouse.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Ptarmigan:
    • Units 1-5: 20/day, 40 in possession.
    • Units 23 & 26: 50/day, 100 in possession.
    • Unit 15C (north of Kachemak Bay): 5/day, 10 in possession.
    • Other units: Typically 10-20/day, 20-40 in possession (varies by unit).
  • Grouse:
    • Most units: 15/day, 30 in possession.
    • Southern units (e.g., Units 1-6): 5-10/day, 10-20 in possession.
    • Units 7, 15, 14C (Sharp-tailed): 5/day, 10 in possession.
  • Feral Non-Native Game Birds (Chukar, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, Turkey):
    • No bag or possession limits (year-round hunting in all units).
  • Note: Lead shot is banned for bird hunting in specific areas (Units 18, 26, 14C, including parts of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Chugach National Forest, and Chickaloon State Game Refuge). Non-lead shot (steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron, etc.) must be used.

Additional Notes

  • Regulations: Always verify with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) for unit-specific rules, as regulations vary by Game Management Unit (GMU). Check the 2025-2026 Alaska Hunting Regulations guide at adfg.alaska.gov for updates or emergency orders.
  • Conservation: Bag and possession limits are set to ensure sustainable wildlife populations. Hunters must report harvests promptly to avoid penalties.
  • Recommended Gear: Shotgun, non-lead ammunition (where required), hunting boots, and a bird dog for locating/flushing birds. Dress in layers for Alaska’s variable weather.
  • Popular Hunting Areas: Kenai Peninsula, Matanuska Valley, Copper River Basin.

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

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