Alaska Elk

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ALASKA STATE PAGE

Dates & Fees | Alaska Elk Hunting

Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Hunts
December 16, 2024 5 p.m. (AKST)

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License $160.00
Annual Hunting & Fishing License $260.00
Application Fee (per Choice) $5.00
Application Fee (per Choice, Bison or Muskox) $10.00
POST DRAW LOCKING-TAG FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Dall Sheep Tag $850.00
Bison Tag $900.00
Black Bear Tag $450.00
Brown Bear/Grizzly Bear Tag $1,000.00
Mountain Goat Tag $600.00
Moose Tag $800.00
Muskox Bull Tag $2,200.00
Caribou Tag $650.00
Deer Tag $300.00
Elk Tag $600.00
Wolf Tag $60.00
Wolverine Tag $350.00

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License $45.00
Annual Hunting & Fishing License $60.00
Application Fee (per Choice) $5.00
Application Fee (Per Choice, Bison or Muskox) $10.00
POST DRAW LOCKING-TAG FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Brown Bear/Grizzly Bear Tag $25.00
Muskox Bull Tag $500.00

Disclaimer: Dates vary by GMU/permit and can change via emergency order. Always verify with ADF&G current regulations before planning.

YEAR RESULTS POSTED
2025 February 21, 8:05 a.m. (AKST)
2024 February 16, 8:00 a.m. (AKST)
2023 February 17, 8:05 a.m. (AKST)
2022 February 18, 7:40 a.m. (AKST)
2021 February 19, 8:15 a.m. (AKST)
2020 February 21, 8:53 a.m. (AKST)
2019 February 15
2018 February 16
2017 February 17

PO Box 115526
1255 W. 8th Street
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
ph. 907-465-4190
APPLY

Alaska Elk Hunting 2024

The success rates on the famed Raspberry Island are still dismal at best. Most hunters willing to make the investment to harvest an Alaska elk are finding higher success on the western Afognak Island hunt. The following table provides information on most bull elk hunts available to non-residents. A guide is not required in Alaska to hunt Roosevelt elk for those lucky enough to draw a permit.

Alaska's Best Elk Units from Our Application Service Team

APP TEAM
Unit Unit Description
3, Etolin Island and smaller associated islands, Bull only Most elk herds reside on the south and west portions of Etolin Island. Plan on hiring an air charter or boat transporter to access the island. Only a few permit holders actually go on the hunt. In 2023, no bulls were harvested on the archery hunt. Three bulls were harvested between both rifle hunts. The island is best known for its steep terrain and thick vegetation. Most elk herds reside on the south and west portions of Etolin Island. Certified bowhunter applicants only, with IBEP certification card required, for the archery-only hunt. The southern portion of Etolin Island is typically the best area for the later seasons.
3, Zarembo Island, Bull only Zarembo Island only. This is the first elk hunt on the island in 17 years. The total population is estimated at around 50 animals. The last bull hunt took place in 2006, and the population has struggled to grow since. The Department reluctantly offered a hunt for this year, citing local support.
8, Raspberry Island,Bull only Permit numbers remain low for all Raspberry Island hunts due to poor herd condition. Some rut activity should be present on this hunt. Remote lodges with boat transporter services are available for self-guided hunters as well as floatplane drop-off services. Typically, only half of the permit holders actually go on this hunt. Backpack hunting is the best approach after being dropped off.
8, SW Afognak Island, Bull only Rut activity should be experienced on this hunt. Much of this remote southwest portion of the island is Native land and will require trespass fees for hunters. In 2023, 6 permit holders went on their hunts and all harvested bulls. Typically, less than half of the permit holders actually go on this hunt. Most elk habitat is accessed via floatplane drop off or boat transporters.
8, East Afognak Island,Either-sex This side of Afognak Island includes some public land, but much of the elk habitat is heavily wooded. Elk herds can be difficult to find without the use of a boat, floatplane, and/or guide service. Herd numbers are down as of the last population estimates. The early hunt will be best for rut activity. The elk habitat is frustrating to most hunters. In 2023, 32 hunters went on their hunts, but zero bulls were harvested.

Guided Hunts - Featured Alaska Elk Hunting

Alaska Peninsula Coast
HFA002-5

Alaska Peninsula Coast

Species: Brown Bear
Cost: $ 29,500.00
Location: Alaska, United States
New Mexico Unit 36
HFA091-1

New Mexico Unit 36

Species: Rocky Mountain Elk
Cost: $ 8,000.00
Location: New Mexico, United States
All-Inclusive Guided Stone
HFA396-3

All-Inclusive Guided Stone

Species: Stone Sheep
Cost: $ 89,250.00
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Trophy Canadian Moose
HFA038-5

Trophy Canadian Moose

Species: Canadian Moose
Cost: $ 9,800.00
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Wyoming Antelope Hunt
HFA127-2

Wyoming Antelope Hunt

Species: Pronghorn Antelope
Cost: $ 4,500.00
Location: Wyoming, United States
Montana Mountain Lion
HFA245-8

Montana Mountain Lion

Species: Mountain Lion
Cost: $ 6,800.00
Location: Montana, United States
Idaho Trophy Mule Deer
HFA392-4

Idaho Trophy Mule Deer

Species: Mule Deer
Cost: $ 5,900.00
Location: Idaho, United States
SEARCH ALL HUNTS

Application Deadline for Alaska Elk Hunting

Alaska’s application deadline is 5 P.M. (AKST) on December 16, 2024.

 

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2024 Alaska Elk Hunting Season Dates

ALASKA ELK (UNIT 8 – KODIAK) 2025 SEASON DATES
Registration Hunts (Any Legal Weapon) Oct 25 – Nov 30
Archery-Only (Select Permits / Areas) Unit-specific

Disclaimer: Elk opportunities in AK are limited and highly unit/permit-specific, especially on Kodiak. Verify current notices.

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Podcasts with our Advisors on Alaska Hunting and Application Strategy

Podcast Episodes

Alaska Elk Hunting Draw

All elk hunts in Alaska should not be considered trophy quality hunts. All hunters will have to be cognizant of brown bears as they navigate some of the nastiest coastal terrain available in Alaska. Hunters should expect to pay at least $7,000 in transport fees to embark on a self-guided experience no matter which permit is drawn. All islands are remote and usually require hunters to backpack from the beach to the island interior to find elk. In southeast Alaska (Etolin and Zarembo Islands), the success rate on elk hunts is much lower than in unit 8 and the draw odds are just as slim with the added pressure of the local resident applications.

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Alaska Elk Hunting Articles

Advisor Articles from Our Magazine on Alaska Application and Hunting Strategy

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