As I sit here and write, I am looking out of my window onto my deck and it is our first full on snow of the year. I always reminisce on the feeling of the first snow, the holidays, and what else this time of year reminds me of. Luckily, the feeling immediately brings up the start of the Big Game Draws for the year and it all begins with Alaska!
Alaska is a very large state with many options of what you can hunt. I will be giving a brief overview of the draw process here today and then detail out animals and some different areas to look into in future posts.
First thing to note will be this years draw deadline of December 15th. If you do not have your applications completed and submitted prior to the deadline date, you can forget this years opportunity to hunt in Alaska. The second thing to note is that Alaska is a lottery draw state with absolutely no preference. This means that you have the same odds as everyone else in the draw which is absolutely fantastic!
In Alaska, in order to apply, you must purchase a non resident license which was $160 for 2020. This is essentially the raffle ticket to get you in the door prior to having the opportunity to get a tag of any sort in the state. Once you purchase the license, you will be able to look into Moose, Caribou, Muskox, Deer, Dall Sheep, Elk, Bison, Black Bear, Brown Bear and Mountain Goat.
Another neat opportunity with Alaska is that when you apply, you can purchase up to 6 opportunities for your application under that same animal. Each choice costs $5. You can put 6 different units in the mix or you can do all 6 for the same unit. This can potentially give you an upper hand depending on the unit you are applying for and your overall strategy. In my opinion, I would put all you eggs in one basket and increase your overall odds.
If you are hunting Dall Sheep, Brown Bear (Grizz), or Mountain Goat, you do need to sign a guide agreement before applying. Applications will need a code for the guide/outfitter in order to complete the process.
I often get asked if hunters can apply as a party. Each state has different group application options and Alaska has one of the lower number options. You can only apply in a group of 2 max as your “party”. This means that if you are going to be hunting with a buddy, you should both apply together or have the same plan because in the event you apply separately, you will potentially be in a tough spot if one of you draws and the other doesn’t. In the event one of you draws in the party application, both of you would get that tag.
I have a few other notes to mention.
You can’t get your dream tag if you don’t apply.
Alaska is a very tough place to hunt and it is a challenge with logistics. You should be planning your trip here 2 years in advance.
Best way to apply is using a credit card. Alaska accepts Visa, Discover, Mastercard and Amex.
Alaska is confusing about their License, Permits and Locking Tags. Essentially, your license is what you purchase when you start the process. Your Permit is free once you draw the animal of your choice and this is what you would notch once you have harvested the animal. Your metal locking tag is essentially a metal strip sort of like a zip tie that you put on the animal for transport. It has a code on it that is special to you once you purchase that. You cannot hunt unless you have all 3 of these things on you.
Alaska gives you an option to tag down! I think this is amazing in my professional opinion. It is based on price point of the tag. Here is how this works. In the event you had a Moose tag in your pocket that cost $800 but you happen to see an amazing Caribou in front of you, you could harvest the Caribou who’s tag would cost $650 and take that animal home. You would not be able to hunt anymore for the Moose but you do know you will be going home with a trophy and you had the opportunity sitting right in front of you.
Alaska is a beautiful place to visit and a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. If you haven’t, this is one you should be applying for annually and adding to your bucket list.
As always, look to East2WestHunts for your tag application and hunt planning services. Experience and information is critical to getting closer to your dream hunts.
2020 Muskox- Nunivak Island
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