📅 2026-2027 Alaska Draw Application Deadlines and Tier II Permit Hunts
For the 2026-2027 Alaska draw cycle, standard drawing hunt applications open November 1, at 8:00 a.m. AKST and close December 15, at 5:00 p.m. AKST. Regular draw hunts are online only, while Tier II subsistence permits run on the same overall timeline but follow different rules, including resident-only eligibility and a scoring system instead of a pure lottery. Results are announced on the third Friday in February, which aligns with the 2026 cycle timing published by Alaska sources.
That sounds simple, but this is where a lot of hunters get tripped up. Some pages only mention the deadline. Others explain draw hunts but barely touch Tier II. And a few skip the practical stuff altogether, like mail rules for Tier II, party limits, preference order, and where to find the actual hunt codes. So if your goal is to apply once, apply correctly, and not lose a shot because of a preventable error, keep reading.
Alaska Hunt Deadlines Tier II 2027-2028
| Item | 2027–2028 detail |
|---|---|
| Draw hunt application window | November 1 through December 15, 2027 at 5 p.m. AKST. |
| Tier II application window | November 1 through December 15, 2027 at 5 p.m. AKST. |
| Eligibility for Tier II | Alaska residents only, and applicants must be residents at the time of application. |
| Minimum age for Tier II | Applicants must be 10 years old or older. |
| Paper application rule | Paper forms must be postmarked by November 30 and received by December 15 at 5 p.m. AKST. |
| How Tier II is awarded | Applicants answer a subsistence questionnaire; permits go to the highest scores. |
Alaska Hunt Deadlines Tier II 2026-2027
| Item | 2026–2027 detail |
|---|---|
| Big-game draw application window | Applications open November 1 and close December 15 at 5 p.m. AKST. |
| Paper application cutoff | Paper applications must be postmarked by November 30 and received by December 15 at 5 p.m. AKST. |
| Tier II eligibility | Only Alaska residents may apply for Tier II hunts. |
| Tier II age minimum | Applicants must be 10 years of age or older at the time of application. |
| Tier II application method | Tier II applications can be submitted online or by paper. |
| Tier II scoring | Applicants answer questions about dependence on game for livelihood and alternative resources; permits go to the highest-scoring applicants. |
| Where details are published | Hunt lists, dates, and specifications are in the Subsistence Supplement available at hunt.alaska.gov. |
Tier II hunts to note
- Tier II hunts are subsistence permit hunts used when there is not enough game to satisfy all subsistence needs.
- Alaska’s regulations booklet and subsistence supplement identify Tier II hunt numbers with a “T” designation.
- Example 2026–2027 Tier II permit hunts include TM565 Moose in Unit 16B, with season dates 12/15/2026–02/28/2027 and up to 100 Alaska resident permits.
- The 2026–2027 subsistence supplement also notes that some hunts, such as CC001 and RC561/RC562, will not be held in that regulatory year.
Best places to verify
- The official Alaska hunting regulations booklet.
- The Alaska Tier I/II hunting information page.
- The 2026–2027 subsistence supplement.
Alaska’s full draw + Tier II table by species
| Species | Draw hunt source | Tier II source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement and regulations booklet. | Tier II moose hunts are in the subsistence supplement; example TM565 is a 2026 Tier II moose hunt. | Moose has the widest mix of draw, registration, and Tier II opportunities. |
| Caribou | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement. | Tier II caribou hunts are in the subsistence supplement; example TC505 is a 2026 Tier II caribou hunt. | Caribou also includes community subsistence harvest entries in some areas. |
| Muskox | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement. | Tier II muskox hunts exist in some units, including Unit 22, Unit 23, and Unit 26A. | The supplement confirms some muskox hunts are Tier II by unit. |
| Sheep | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement. | Tier II is not commonly used statewide for sheep. | Sheep is mostly draw/registration by unit. |
| Goat | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement. | Tier II is not commonly used statewide for goat. | Goat is mainly draw hunts. |
| Deer | Draw hunt numbers are in the drawing-hunts supplement. | Tier II is generally not a primary statewide deer format. | Deer is mostly draw/registration depending on area. |
| Bear / bison / elk / wolf / wolverine | Species-specific draw hunts appear in the booklet where applicable. | Tier II is limited and hunt-specific. | Availability varies heavily by GMU and season. |
2026-2027 Alaska draw deadlines at a glance
| Item | Standard drawing hunts | Tier II permit hunts |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Random drawing for limited big game permits | Subsistence-based limited permits with scoring |
| Application opens | Nov. 1, 2025, 8:00 a.m. AKST | Nov. 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline | Dec. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. AKST | Dec. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. AKST |
| How to apply | Online only | Online or by mail |
| Mail option | No | Yes, but must be postmarked Nov. 1-Nov. 30 and received by Dec. 15 |
| Results timing | Third Friday in February | Third Friday in February |
| Who can apply | Residents and many nonresidents, depending on hunt/species | Alaska residents only |
| Permit allocation method | Pure lottery | Score-based ranking, then random tie-break if needed |
| Best source document | Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement | Subsistence Permit Hunt Supplement |
Some Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| When do Alaska draw applications open for 2026-2027? | November 1, 2025 |
| What time do they close? | 5:00 p.m. AKST on December 15, 2025 |
| Are Alaska draw hunts online only? | Yes, regular drawing hunts are online only |
| Are Tier II permits different? | Yes, Tier II permits are resident-only and scored |
| Can Tier II applications be mailed? | Yes, with postmark and receipt deadlines |
| When are results posted? | Third Friday in February |
| Where do hunters find hunt codes? | In the official hunt supplements |
| Can nonresidents apply for Tier II? | No |
2026-2027 deadline calendar hunters should bookmark
| Date or window | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2025 | Application window opens | First day to submit draw and Tier II applications |
| November 1, 2025, 8:00 a.m. AKST | Draw hunt online submission opens | Important for standard draw applicants |
| November 1-November 30, 2025 | Tier II mail postmark window | Mail applications must be postmarked in this period |
| December 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. AKST | Final application deadline | Miss this and you wait another cycle |
| Third Friday in February 2026 | Results announced | Draw and Tier II results are released |
| First Friday in March 2026 | Undersubscribed hunts become relevant | Backup path for hunters who missed or failed the draw |
Who can apply: resident and nonresident breakdown
| Applicant type | Standard draw hunts | Tier II hunts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska resident adult | Yes | Yes | Must meet hunt-specific rules |
| Alaska resident youth | Often yes, depending on hunt | Possibly, if eligible | Check age-specific and education rules |
| U.S. nonresident | Often yes for draw hunts | No | Some species require guides |
| Non-U.S. nonresident | Often yes for some draw hunts | No | Guide requirements can be stricter |
| Party applicants | Yes, limited | Depends on hunt rules | Draw party limit is small |
| Previous permit holder with missing report | Risk of ineligibility | Risk of ineligibility | Reporting matters more than many applicants realize |
Application rules that deserve bold attention
- Regular draw applications are final once submitted.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted for standard draw hunts.
- Tier II is a separate process with separate rules.
- Only Alaska residents may apply for Tier II hunts.
- Tier II mail applications are not accepted over the counter.
- If you fail to return a required hunt report, you may become ineligible for future permit types.
- For Tier II, your preference order matters if you qualify for more than one permit in the same species.
- For draw hunts, hunters can apply for up to six hunts for the same species across individual and party applications combined, subject to supplement restrictions.
Step-by-step guide to applying correctly
For standard drawing hunts
- Open the current drawing supplement and find your hunt numbers.
- Confirm that the species, unit, and season dates actually fit your travel plans.
- Buy a valid hunting license if required before applying.
- Double-check guide requirements for species such as sheep, goat, or brown bear if you are a nonresident.
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
- Save your confirmation.
- Watch for February results and email notices.
- If unsuccessful, check undersubscribed opportunities in March.
For Tier II permit hunts
- Confirm that you are an Alaska resident at the time of application.
- Open the subsistence supplement and locate the correct Tier II hunt code.
- Review the scoring questions carefully before you begin.
- Decide whether you will submit online or by mail.
- If mailing, make sure the envelope is postmarked between November 1 and November 30.
- Make sure the application is received by December 15.
- Rank your preference if you apply for more than one hunt in the same species.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit.
- Check results in February.
Example Tier II hunt codes hunters often want to see fast
The official subsistence supplement includes many hunt numbers. A scannable preview helps users confirm they are in the right document.
| Species | Example hunt code | Area or unit snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Caribou | TC505 | Unit 9C and Unit 9E areas listed in the supplement |
| Moose | TM059 | Unit 1D, Upper Lynn Canal |
| Moose | TM549 | Unit 15C, southwest of Pt. Pogibshi |
| Moose | TM565 | Unit 16B, Yentna |
| Moose | TM567 | Unit 16B, North Beluga |
| Moose | TM569 | Unit 16B, South Beluga |
| Moose | TM680 | Unit 19A |
| Moose | TM684 | Unit 19E, Lime Village Management Area |
| Moose | TM940 | Unit 25D, Western Yukon Flats |
| Muskox | TX090 | Unit 22A |
| Muskox | TX105 | Unit 22B |
| Muskox | TX096 | Unit 22C Outer Nome Area |
| Muskox | TX095 | Unit 22C Inner Nome Area |
| Muskox | TX103 | Unit 22D Southwest |
| Muskox | TX102 | Remainder of Unit 22D |
| Muskox | TX104 | Unit 22E |
| Muskox | TX106 | Unit 23 Southwest |
| Muskox | TX117 | Unit 23, Sheshalik Spit |
| Muskox | TX107 | Unit 23 Northwest |
| Muskox | TX109 | Unit 26A |
| Muskox | TX108 | Unit 26A remainder and Unit 26B west of the Dalton Highway |
Tier II scoring rules in simple terms
| Rule | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|
| Points are based on application answers | Your responses directly affect ranking |
| Up to 140 points are possible | Small answer differences can matter |
| Highest scores receive permits first | This is not a standard lottery |
| Ties can trigger a random draw | Luck only enters after score ranking |
| One Tier II permit per species per person | You cannot stack permits freely |
| Preference order affects award sequence | Rank hunts carefully |
Why this matters
A lot of hunters spend time worrying about odds when they should be focusing on accuracy. On a Tier II application, a sloppy or poorly considered answer can hurt more than bad luck.
The most common mistakes and how to avoid them
| Mistake | What happens | Better move |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting until the last day | Traffic and deadline pressure increase risk | Submit early |
| Using the wrong supplement | Wrong hunt type, wrong code, wrong rules | Match draw vs Tier II before applying |
| Assuming Tier II is open to nonresidents | Automatic mismatch | Confirm residency first |
| Missing the mail postmark window | Tier II paper application may fail | Mail well before the end of November |
| Forgetting previous hunt reports | Future eligibility can be affected | Complete reports right away |
| Ranking choices casually | You may receive a lower-value outcome | Put real preference order first |
| Ignoring guide requirements | Nonresident plans can collapse later | Verify before paying fees |
| Treating every hunt as a one-year event | Some hunts cross calendar years | Budget license and tag needs in advance |
Budgeting table for real-world planning
This query attracts serious applicants, not just browsers. So cost matters.
| Cost category | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Hunting license | Required before applying in most situations |
| Application fee | Standard draw application fees apply per chance; some species cost more |
| Locking tags | If you draw certain species, tag costs can be substantial |
| Guide or outfitter cost | Nonresident sheep, goat, and brown bear planning can involve major guided hunt costs |
| Travel cost | Bush flights, fuel, freight, lodging, and gear shipping add up fast |
| Insurance and refund risk | Application fees are nonrefundable, so plan carefully |
Cost planning notes
- If you are building a high-budget trip, this is one of those rare hunting topics where premium travel planning, outfitter pricing, and nonresident license costs are all genuinely relevant.
- If your hunt spans two calendar years, budget for licenses and tag obligations accordingly.
- In other words, the application fee is the cheap part. The actual hunt may not be.
Best resources to keep open while applying
- Official Alaska draw permit overview
- The current drawing supplement PDF
- The current subsistence/Tier I/Tier II supplement PDF
- Your personal hunt code shortlist
- Payment method and license account access
- Email inbox for confirmation and February results
- Alaska hunting seasons guide for broader season context after you narrow your permit choices
FAQs
When is the deadline for 2026-2027 Alaska draw applications?
The regular drawing hunt deadline is December 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. AKST. For Tier II, the same final deadline applies, although mail applications have extra postmark rules.
Are Alaska Tier II permit hunts the same as drawing hunts?
No. Drawing hunts use a random lottery. Tier II permits use a scored ranking system for eligible Alaska residents.
Can nonresidents apply for Tier II permit hunts in Alaska?
No. Tier II hunts are for Alaska residents only.
Can I mail my Alaska permit application?
You cannot mail a standard draw hunt application. Those are online only. Tier II applications may be mailed if they meet the postmark and receipt deadlines.
When do Alaska draw results come out?
Results are announced on the third Friday in February.
How many hunts can I apply for?
For standard draw hunts, applicants may generally apply for up to six hunts for the same species, subject to the rules in the official supplement.
What happens if I miss the draw deadline?
You will usually need to wait for the next cycle, but you may still want to watch for undersubscribed hunts released later.
Do I need a guide for Alaska hunts?
That depends on the species and your residency status. Some nonresident big game hunts, especially for species like sheep, goat, and brown bear, can require a guide or qualifying relative.
Final takeaway
If you only remember three things, remember these: apply before December 15, do not confuse draw hunts with Tier II permits, and use the correct supplement before you submit anything. That alone will save most hunters from the biggest application mistakes.
