Travel & Places Fly Fishing

Predator Hunting in Alaska

    Licenses

    • License requirements vary depending on what is being hunted and by whom. As of 2010 a general hunting license for a resident is $25, while a trapping license is $15. Prices are much higher for non-residents, as an annual hunting and trapping license combo will cost $250. Big game tags are required for any bear hunters, although only non-residents need big game tags for wolves or wolverines.

    Predators & Regulations

    • There are several animals that qualify as predators in Alaska. Black bears, brown bears, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes and wolverines can all be hunted in at least limited form in the state. Bears are the most common, while wolves in particular tend to have a lot of restrictions and regulation around them when it comes to hunting.

    Bears

    • Black and brown bears can both be hunted in Alaska. Grizzly bears are considered the same species as brown bears. Big game tags are required of both residents and non residents to hunt brown bears, while only non residents are required to purchase a big game tag when hunting black bears. Non-residents are also required to hire a guide if hunting bear according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

    Wolves and Coyotes

    • The laws can be gray concerning wolves and coyotes. In some areas these species are protected, while in other areas they're fair game. Some Game Management Units (GMU) allow hunting, but only during limited times for population control. In much of Alaska, wolves can only be hunted in areas where the caribou or moose population is endangered and the wolves are overpopulated. Coyotes are most commonly found by hunters on the Kenai Peninsula, and as of 2010 no game tags are needed.

    Wolverines

    • Wolverines can be found throughout southern and parts of central Alaska. Wolverines are not found as often by hunters because they are solitary animals most of the year, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. When it comes to hunting, these animals are often grouped together with wolves because experienced guides who are qualified to hunt one are usually qualified to hunt the other. According to the ADFG residents do not need a guide to hunt for wolverines, however non-residents are required not only to use a guide, but to also purchase a big game tag.

    Guides

    • The question of guides comes up often with predator hunting in Alaska. Residents do not need to get any type of paid guide for any big game. However, there are many predators that the state requires non-residents to hire guides to hunt. All non-residents hunting for brown or grizzly bear, sheep or goat are required by state law to have a professional guide. Someone hunting with a non-resident alien license (someone who is not a resident nor an American citizen) also must have a guide for black bear, bison, caribou, deer, elk, moose, musk ox, sheep, wolf or wolverine in addition to the aforementioned animals.

    Considerations

    • Hunting predators can be dangerous even with an experienced guide, and if something goes wrong in the wilderness the situation can easily become life or death in Alaska. Always have an emergency first-aid kit and emergency survival kit on hand. Having a backpack with extra supplies is always a good idea, as well.

Related posts "Travel & Places : Fly Fishing"

How to Remove the Y Bone in Filleting a Northern Pike

Fly Fishing

Minnesota Fly Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing

What Bait to Use When Saltwater Fishing

Fly Fishing

How to String a Spinner Fishing Rod

Fly Fishing

How to Catch River Pike & Walleye

Fly Fishing

How to Repair a Broken Fishing Rod

Fly Fishing

How to Make Homemade Fishing Lures

Fly Fishing

Find Greater Success On Fishing Trips With These Tips!

Fly Fishing

How to Use the Double Tail Grub Power Bait

Fly Fishing

Leave a Comment