I think there is often confusion about hunting in the Last Frontier of Alaska. Most sportsmen don’t consider the draw when planning a hunt in Alaska, largely because many big game tags can be purchased over the counter. But the truth is that the vast majority of Alaska’s best hunting takes place in limited-entry draw areas. That’s why you should be applying!
- Deadline to Apply: December 15, 2025
- Draw Post Date: Typically by the third Friday in February.
- WTA TAGS Species: Bison, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Barren Ground Caribou, Dall Sheep, Emperor Goose, Moose, Mountain Goat, Muskox, and Roosevelt Elk.
- Point System: Alaska does NOT have a point system in place. The draw is completely random.
- Youth: Minimum 10 years old by the start date of the permit.
- Hunter’s Safety: Required if born after January 1, 1986. Bowhunters born after Januaryt 1, 1986 must also complete a bowhunter education course for archery-only hunts.
WTA TAGS offers professional licensing services for 10 species in Alaska. A WTA TAGS consultant will provide a personalized consultation for each of these species, supplying you with the information necessary to make informed decisions. Following are some of our favorite hunts.
Kodiak Island Mountain Goat
This is one of the most affordable guided hunts for this species, and for those that can handle a backpack hunt in the alpine, it’s one of the most successful! Drawing odds are often as high as 1 in 4.
Afognak Island Boat-Based Brown Bear
A brown bear hunt in Alaska ranks among the toughest challenges in North American big game hunting. Ending each day on a comfortable yacht, complete with quality meals and an exceptional crew, removes much of the hardship and elevates the entire experience. This outfitter boasts success rates of over 90% on mature boars, and some of the world’s largest brown bears roam their Native Land concession on Afognak Island. Drawing odds often exceed 50%.
Barren Ground Caribou
The good old days of exceptional Barren Ground Caribou hunting are over, except in the preferred WTA TAGS drawing area. This hunt is outstanding and a legitimate shot at a bona fide booner. While the drawing odds often exceed 1 in 20, and you really don’t have a choice when looking for an exceptional caribou hunt in Alaska. Apply, apply, apply!
If you’ve always dreamed of hunting The Last Frontier, or you’ve been before and are ready for another round, applying for Alaska’s limited-entry tags is almost always your best move. With the December application deadline and draw results released in mid-February, you’ll have plenty of time to adjust your plans if you’re not selected. But if you do draw, you’re in for the hunt of a lifetime. And you can be confident that WTA TAGS will match you with the best outfitter for your tag. It all starts with a phone call to 1-800-755-8247.
