While generally not regarded as a target species for most, Alaska has some incredible black bear opportunities. Black bears are distributed throughout most of the state and over the counter tags available in nearly every year. With the diverse terrain makeup of this area, hunters can really tailor a hunt to their liking and find the exact experience they are after. Generally speaking, most GMU’s will offer both spring and fall seasons but several also have seasons that last year round.
Most black bears found in Alaska will be jet black but brown and cinnamon-colored bears are sometimes seen in Southcentral Alaska and along the southeastern mainland. Additionally, the very rare color phase known as a glacier bear may be encountered in the Yakutat area.
Hunters can find exceptional spring bear opportunities along with some of the other fantastic recreational activities to be had at that time of the year. Fall seasons generally see lower harvest numbers but good hunting conditions can still be had and these can make excellent additional tags to have in your pocket when pursuing other animals.
Baiting is legal in many units and is a very popular method among local residents and outfitters.
License Costs
Resident Hunting License |
$45 |
Nonresident Hunting License |
$160 |
Nonresident Black Bear Locking Tag |
$450 |
Permit Application Fee(per entry) |
$5 |
Resident Hunting License | $45 |
Nonresident Hunting License | $160 |
Nonresident Black Bear Locking Tag | $450 |
Permit Application Fee(per entry) | $5 |
New, notes, and alerts
Black bears taken in GMU’s 1-7, 14A, 14C, 15-17. And 20B must be sealed within 30 days of the date of the kill
In units where sealing is required- The hide, skull, and meat from a black bear must be salvaged from Jan 1 - May 31. The hide and skull or the skull and meat must be salvaged from Jun 1 - Dec 31
In units where sealing is NOT required- The meat must be salvaged from Jan 1 - May 31. The hide or the meat must be salvaged from Jun 1 - Dec 31
Evidence of sex must remain naturally attached to the hide or the meat until sealed
If salvaging a hide, the claws must also remain naturally attached to the hide until sealed
Highlights
Guides are not required for nonresident Black Bear hunters
Over the counter tags available in many units
Bag limits vary by unit, pay close attention to the regulations
Spring bear harvests are generally higher than those in the fall
General hunts, Draw Permits, and Registration Permits are available for Black Bear
Along with a hunting license, most black bear units only require a Harvest Ticket which is available for free.
Residents need to simply purchase a hunting license and then their free harvest ticket to hunt bears
In addition to their hunting license, nonresidents will also need to purchase a locking tag for every species as well as acquire harvest tickets if applicable.
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