Alaska Hunting Draw Guide 2027: Draw Odds, Application Deadlines, Moose, Sheep, Bear & Caribou Tags
Alaska offers some of the most extraordinary big game hunting opportunities in North America. From remote moose country in the Interior to Dall sheep in the Alaska Range, brown bears on Kodiak Island, and caribou across the Arctic and western regions, the state provides hunting experiences unlike anywhere else in the United States.
But understanding the Alaska hunting draw system is essential before planning a hunt.
For hunters preparing for the Alaska hunting draw in 2027, the biggest advantage is understanding how Alaska differs from other Western states.
Alaska does not use preference points or bonus points for its standard drawing permit hunts. Every eligible application is entered into a random lottery, subject to hunt-specific restrictions.
That means a first-time applicant can potentially draw the same limited permit as someone who has applied unsuccessfully for decades.
However, draw odds vary dramatically between species, hunt areas, permit allocations, and resident versus nonresident eligibility.
Some Alaska hunts also require nonresidents to contract with a licensed guide before submitting an application.
This guide explains how Alaska's 2027 drawing works, when to apply, which species require permits, how to evaluate drawing odds, and how residents and nonresidents can build a better hunting strategy.
How Does the Alaska Hunting Draw Work?
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) administers drawing permit hunts for big game species and selected other hunting opportunities.
Drawing permits are required when hunting pressure, wildlife management objectives, or available opportunities justify limiting participation.
Unlike states such as Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, Alaska does not reward applicants with points for previous unsuccessful applications.
Alaska's Random Draw Explained
The drawing process generally works as follows:
Hunters purchase an eligible Alaska hunting license.
Applicants review the current drawing supplement.
Hunters select eligible hunt numbers.
Applications are submitted during the November–December application window.
Each valid entry participates in the applicable random drawing.
ADF&G selects permit recipients according to the published quotas and eligibility rules.
Successful applicants must comply with all permit, licensing, reporting, and hunting requirements.
A hunter who applies unsuccessfully does not receive a point for the following year.
Does Alaska Have Preference Points?
No.
Alaska does not use preference points for its standard drawing permit hunts.
A hunter with 15 unsuccessful years does not receive automatic priority over a first-time applicant.
Does Alaska Have Bonus Points?
No.
Alaska does not use an accumulated bonus-point system for its standard drawing permits.
The number of valid applications submitted for an eligible species and hunt can influence a hunter's overall chance, but unsuccessful years do not accumulate drawing weight.
Can You Draw an Alaska Hunting Permit on Your First Application?
Yes.
A first-time applicant can receive a drawing permit through the random lottery.
The probability depends on the number of eligible entries, available permits, and hunt-specific rules.
Official resource: ADF&G Drawing Permit Hunts.
Alaska Hunting Draw Dates 2027
Alaska's annual drawing permit application period generally opens November 1 and closes December 15.
The application period for hunts taking place primarily in 2027 is expected to occur in late 2026.
Expected 2027 Draw Calendar
November 1, 2026: Expected opening of the application period.
December 15, 2026: Expected application deadline at 5 p.m. Alaska Standard Time.
February 19, 2027: Expected announcement of drawing results.
March 2027: Undersubscribed permit opportunities may be announced.
Spring through fall 2027: Hunting seasons vary by species and permit.
2028: Some permits may include a spring season extending into the following calendar year.
The official 2027–2028 drawing supplement controls the applicable dates, hunt numbers, and season descriptions.
Why Does Alaska Open Its Draw Before the Hunting Year?
Alaska's drawing schedule gives successful applicants time to prepare for hunts requiring substantial travel, guide contracts, transportation, and equipment.
This is particularly important for remote sheep, moose, and brown bear hunts.
When Are Alaska Draw Results Announced?
ADF&G generally announces drawing results on the third Friday of February.
For 2027, that falls on February 19.
Hunters should check the official results rather than relying exclusively on an email notification.
Official resource: Alaska Drawing Results.
How Many Alaska Draw Applications Can You Submit?
Alaska generally permits hunters to submit up to six applications per species.
Applicants can select different eligible hunts or submit multiple entries for the same hunt where permitted.
Important Application Rules
Up to six entries per species are generally permitted.
Each application entry requires the applicable fee.
Hunters may apply for the same hunt more than once when allowed.
Certain hunts impose stricter entry limitations.
Party applications count toward the applicable individual entry limit.
Exceeding the allowed number of applications can invalidate all applications for that species.
Hunters cannot receive more than one drawing permit for the same species in a regulatory year under the standard rules.
Can You Apply Six Times for the Same Alaska Moose Hunt?
For many hunts, yes.
However, some moose drawings have special restrictions.
Hunters must check the current drawing supplement before submitting repeated entries.
Can You Apply Six Times for Kodiak Brown Bear?
Not necessarily.
Kodiak brown bear hunts have special application restrictions for guided nonresidents.
The allowable number of applications depends on the specific hunt and season.
Can You Draw More Than One Permit for the Same Species?
Generally, no.
ADF&G normally limits hunters to one drawing permit per species per regulatory year.
Exceptions and additional eligibility rules should be verified in the current supplement.
Alaska Hunting Draw Application Fees 2027
Alaska charges a separate application fee for each drawing entry.
Under the currently published fee structure:
Moose: $5 per application.
Caribou: $5 per application.
Dall sheep: $5 per application.
Mountain goat: $5 per application.
Brown/grizzly bear: $5 per application.
Black bear: $5 per application.
Elk: $5 per application.
Bison: $10 per application.
Muskox: $10 per application.
What Does Six Applications Cost?
For a species with a $5 application fee:
One application costs $5.
Three applications cost $15.
Six applications cost $30.
For a species with a $10 application fee:
One application costs $10.
Three applications cost $30.
Six applications cost $60.
These amounts do not include the required hunting license, species-specific locking tags, guiding, transportation, or other hunting expenses.
Are Alaska Drawing Application Fees Refundable?
No.
ADF&G generally does not refund drawing application fees after submission.
Hunters should verify hunt codes and eligibility before applying.
Official resource: Alaska Drawing Hunt FAQs.
Which Alaska Big Game Species Have Drawing Hunts?
Alaska offers drawing permits for multiple big game species.
Not every hunting opportunity for these species requires a drawing.
Alaska Moose Drawing Hunts
Limited-entry bull moose opportunities.
Certain antlerless moose hunts.
Remote and accessible management areas.
Hunts with resident or nonresident eligibility restrictions.
Hunts with special access or guide requirements.
Alaska Caribou Drawing Hunts
Limited-entry caribou opportunities.
Hunts in selected management units.
Areas where herd management requires controlled permits.
Hunts with season-specific and residency restrictions.
Alaska Dall Sheep Drawing Hunts
Limited-entry sheep hunting areas.
Hunts with specific legal-ram requirements.
Resident and nonresident permit allocations.
Areas where guide access can influence nonresident planning.
Alaska Brown and Grizzly Bear Drawing Hunts
Kodiak Island brown bear hunts.
Selected mainland brown/grizzly bear hunts.
Hunts with special guide-client contract requirements.
Hunts with season-specific permit allocations.
Alaska Mountain Goat Drawing Hunts
Limited-entry mountain goat opportunities.
Coastal and mountain hunting areas.
Hunts requiring careful access and terrain planning.
Hunts with nonresident guide requirements.
Alaska Bison and Muskox Drawing Hunts
Highly limited bison hunting opportunities.
Selected muskox management areas.
Hunts with substantial applicant demand.
Opportunities subject to special eligibility and permit conditions.
Alaska Elk Drawing Hunts
Limited elk hunting opportunities.
Hunts associated with introduced elk populations.
Hunt-specific access and permit restrictions.
Alaska Black Bear Drawing Hunts
Selected black bear hunting opportunities.
Hunts with specific management objectives.
Areas where a drawing permit is required instead of another permit type.
Alaska Moose Draw Guide 2027
Moose are among Alaska's most sought-after big game animals.
The state supports moose populations across a variety of habitats, including boreal forests, river valleys, wetlands, and remote mountain regions.
However, moose hunting opportunities differ significantly by management unit.
Why Are Alaska Moose Drawing Hunts Competitive?
Some moose hunts are highly desirable because of:
Accessible hunting areas.
Limited permit quotas.
High demand from residents.
Opportunities for mature bulls.
Favorable hunting dates.
Lower logistical costs than remote fly-in hunts.
Other hunts may receive fewer applications because access is expensive or physically difficult.
Alaska Moose Units Worth Researching
Unit 13 — Nelchina Basin
Central Alaska moose country.
A mixture of road-accessible and remote terrain.
Important resident subsistence and general hunting considerations.
Hunt-specific restrictions and permit opportunities.
Unit 14 — Southcentral Alaska
Contains heavily used and developed hunting regions.
Some controlled opportunities attract substantial demand.
Access and land ownership are major considerations.
Unit 15 — Kenai Peninsula
Forested moose habitat.
Controlled hunting opportunities in selected areas.
Significant access and management considerations.
Unit 20 — Interior Alaska
Extensive moose habitat.
Mixture of accessible and remote opportunities.
Drawing odds vary substantially by hunt number and subunit.
Unit 21 — Western Interior
Remote river and forest habitats.
Some hunts involve substantial transportation expenses.
Hunters must evaluate the exact permit restrictions.
These are research regions, not verified rankings of 2027 draw odds.
Can Nonresidents Hunt Alaska Moose Without a Guide?
Generally, yes, if the hunter is a U.S. citizen and the specific hunt does not impose an additional requirement.
Alaska does not impose a statewide licensed-guide requirement on U.S. nonresidents hunting moose.
However, remote moose hunts often involve significant logistical challenges.
Should You Apply for an Alaska Moose Draw?
Drawing permits may offer opportunities in areas where general-season access is restricted or permit numbers are limited.
However, hunters should compare those opportunities against general-season and registration moose hunts where eligible.
Alaska Dall Sheep Draw Guide 2027
Dall sheep hunting is one of Alaska's most iconic mountain hunting experiences.
Sheep inhabit steep alpine terrain across several mountain ranges.
Drawing hunts can offer opportunities in areas where hunting participation is limited.
Alaska Sheep Regions Worth Researching
Alaska Range
Extensive alpine terrain.
Remote sheep habitat.
Significant weather and access challenges.
Hunt-specific permit and guide requirements.
Chugach Mountains
Rugged mountain terrain.
Limited-entry opportunities in selected areas.
Demanding physical hunting conditions.
Wrangell Mountains
Remote mountain country.
Long approaches and challenging terrain.
Hunt-specific access restrictions.
Brooks Range
Northern Alaska sheep habitat.
Remote fly-in and backpack hunting opportunities.
Significant transportation planning.
Do Nonresidents Need a Guide for Dall Sheep?
Generally, yes.
A U.S. nonresident hunting Dall sheep must be accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide or qualify for the resident-relative exception.
The exception generally requires an eligible Alaska resident relative who is at least 19 years old and within the second degree of kindred.
Do You Need a Guide Contract Before Applying?
For drawing hunts marked as requiring a guide-client contract, the required agreement must be arranged before or at the time of application.
Hunters should not assume they can draw a sheep permit and then independently locate a guide afterward.
Can You Draw an Alaska Sheep Permit With Zero Points?
Yes.
Alaska has no sheep preference points.
A first-time applicant can draw if eligible.
Alaska Brown Bear Draw Guide 2027
Alaska offers brown and grizzly bear hunting opportunities across multiple regions.
Kodiak Island is especially well known for its large coastal brown bears.
Kodiak Brown Bear Drawing Hunts
Kodiak has a structured permit system with separate opportunities for residents, eligible resident-relative hunters, and guided nonresidents.
Important considerations include:
Specific hunt areas.
Spring and fall seasons.
Guide-use area restrictions.
Private-land access.
Guide-client contracts.
Limited permit quotas.
Hunt-specific application restrictions.
Can Nonresidents Hunt Kodiak Brown Bears Without a Guide?
U.S. nonresidents generally need an Alaska-licensed guide or must qualify under the resident-relative exception.
Nonresident aliens must use an Alaska-licensed guide.
Why Are Kodiak Bear Hunts Expensive?
Kodiak hunts often involve:
Licensed professional guiding.
Remote transportation.
Aircraft or boat access.
Specialized camps.
Weather delays.
Trophy care and shipping.
Limited hunting opportunities.
Hunters should secure guide availability and understand contract terms before applying.
Alaska Caribou Draw Guide 2027
Caribou hunting opportunities vary substantially across Alaska.
Some hunts are available through general-season or registration systems, while others require drawing permits.
What Determines Alaska Caribou Draw Odds?
Herd population trends.
Available permit quotas.
Applicant demand.
Resident and nonresident eligibility.
Hunt area accessibility.
Seasonal migration patterns.
Regulatory changes.
Can Nonresidents Hunt Alaska Caribou Without a Guide?
Generally, yes, for U.S. nonresident hunters where the specific hunt allows it.
However, some caribou hunting opportunities have significant transportation and access challenges.
Should You Apply for a Caribou Draw or Hunt a General-Season Area?
Hunters should compare:
Available hunting areas.
Herd movement and population conditions.
Permit availability.
Transportation expenses.
Hunting pressure.
Harvest restrictions.
A drawing permit is not automatically better than a general-season opportunity.
Alaska Nonresident Hunting License and Tag Costs
Alaska nonresidents generally must purchase a hunting license and applicable big game locking tags in addition to any drawing application fees.
Under the currently published ADF&G fee schedule:
Hunting License Costs
Resident annual hunting license: $45.
Nonresident annual hunting license: $160.
Nonresident alien annual hunting license: $630.
Nonresident Big Game Locking-Tag Costs
Moose: $800.
Caribou: $650.
Dall sheep: $850.
Brown/grizzly bear: $1,000.
Black bear: $450.
Mountain goat: $600.
Elk: $600.
Deer: $300.
Bison: $900.
Muskox: $2,200.
These are published fees for U.S. nonresidents. Nonresident alien fees differ, and some qualifying military hunters have different fees.
The exact costs applicable to a 2027 hunt should be confirmed before purchasing.
Official resource: ADF&G Hunting License and Tag Prices.
Alaska Resident vs. Nonresident Hunting Draw Rules
Alaska's drawing system includes opportunities for both residents and nonresidents, but eligibility and requirements can differ significantly.
Alaska Resident Hunters
Residents may have access to:
Resident-only drawing hunts.
Drawing permits open to both residents and nonresidents.
General-season opportunities.
Registration permit hunts.
Qualifying subsistence opportunities.
Resident hunting license rates.
Applicants must meet Alaska's residency requirements.
U.S. Nonresident Hunters
Nonresidents may have access to:
Drawing hunts open to nonresidents.
General-season hunting opportunities where eligible.
Registration hunts where permitted.
Guided and unguided hunts, depending on species.
Species-specific nonresident allocations.
Nonresidents must comply with guide requirements and purchase applicable locking tags.
Nonresident Alien Hunters
Nonresident aliens generally must be personally accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide when hunting any big game species.
This includes species such as moose, caribou, black bear, and deer that U.S. nonresidents may otherwise hunt without a guide.
Which Alaska Species Require a Guide?
For U.S. nonresident hunters, Alaska generally requires a licensed guide or a qualifying resident relative for:
Dall sheep.
Brown/grizzly bear.
Mountain goat.
The resident-relative exception generally requires an Alaska resident at least 19 years old who qualifies within the second degree of kindred.
Do Nonresidents Need a Guide for Moose?
Not under the general statewide guide requirement for U.S. nonresidents.
However, a particular hunt may have additional eligibility or application requirements.
Do Nonresidents Need a Guide for Caribou?
Generally, no, for U.S. nonresidents.
Hunters should still evaluate transportation, land access, and field logistics.
Do Nonresidents Need a Guide for Black Bear?
Generally, no, for U.S. nonresidents.
Nonresident aliens must use a licensed guide.
When Do You Need a Guide-Client Contract?
For drawing hunts identified as requiring a guide-client contract, hunters must arrange the required agreement before or at the time of application.
The drawing supplement identifies applicable hunts.
Official resource: ADF&G Guide Requirements.
How to Calculate Alaska Hunting Draw Odds
Alaska's random lottery makes historical permit-to-application comparisons particularly useful.
However, hunters should distinguish between the number of applications and the number of individual hunters.
Because applicants may enter the same hunt multiple times, the two figures are not necessarily equal.
Hypothetical Alaska Moose Drawing Example
Consider a drawing hunt with:
20 available permits.
500 eligible application entries.
No preference points.
No bonus points.
A simple calculation gives:
20 ÷ 500 = 4%.
That is a basic permit-to-entry ratio, not necessarily the exact probability that an individual hunter will draw.
Actual odds depend on the drawing algorithm, multiple entries, party applications, and eligibility rules.
Why Multiple Entries Matter
Suppose one hunter submits six valid applications for an eligible moose hunt.
That hunter has more entries than someone who submits only one.
However, six entries do not guarantee a permit.
Can Applying Six Times Improve Your Odds?
Yes, when multiple applications are permitted.
Submitting additional valid entries can increase a hunter's opportunity compared with submitting a single entry, assuming other conditions are equal.
But hunters should avoid exceeding the species limit or violating hunt-specific restrictions.
Best Alaska Hunting Draw Strategy for 2027
Alaska's lack of preference points makes its drawing strategy different from most Western states.
Strategy 1: Apply for Less Competitive Hunts
One of the most effective ways to improve practical drawing opportunity is to research hunts with lower application demand relative to permit availability.
Hunters should compare:
Number of permits.
Number of eligible applications.
Residency restrictions.
Access difficulty.
Season dates.
Legal animal requirements.
Transportation expenses.
Historical harvest information.
A hunt with better draw odds may be more difficult or expensive to access.
Strategy 2: Use Multiple Applications When Permitted
Alaska generally allows up to six applications per species.
Hunters can use those entries strategically, subject to the current rules.
Options include:
Multiple entries for one desired hunt.
Entries across several eligible hunts.
A combination of preferred and less competitive opportunities.
Hunters should review choice-order procedures because they generally cannot receive more than one drawing permit per species.
Strategy 3: Avoid Hunts You Cannot Afford
A successful drawing application may create substantial financial commitments.
Before applying, estimate:
Air transportation.
Bush flights.
Boat transportation.
Guide fees.
Hunting licenses.
Locking tags.
Meat transportation.
Equipment.
Accommodations.
Emergency expenses.
Drawing a remote permit without a realistic plan to hunt it can waste the opportunity.
Strategy 4: Secure Guide Availability Early
For nonresident sheep, brown bear, and mountain goat hunts, guide arrangements can be essential before applying.
Hunters should verify:
Guide licensing.
Guide-use area registration.
Available hunt dates.
Contract terms.
Deposits.
Cancellation policies.
Transportation arrangements.
Strategy 5: Compare Draw Hunts Against General-Season Opportunities
Some Alaska species can be hunted through general-season or registration opportunities.
Hunters should not assume a drawing permit is necessary for every desirable hunt.
For example:
Certain moose opportunities may be available without a drawing.
Some caribou hunts operate under general or registration systems.
Black bear hunting opportunities vary by area.
Some Dall sheep hunting opportunities are not limited to drawing permits, although nonresident guide requirements still apply.
Strategy 6: Monitor Undersubscribed Permits
Alaska sometimes makes unissued drawing permits available after the main drawing.
These permits are generally offered on a first-come, first-served basis when the responsible area biologist authorizes issuance.
Hunters should check the official ADF&G Undersubscribed Drawing Hunts page.
Alaska Group Hunting Applications
Alaska allows party applications for qualifying drawing hunts.
A party application generally includes two hunters.
How Do Party Applications Work?
Two eligible hunters submit a party application.
The party enters the applicable drawing together.
If selected, both hunters receive permits.
The entry counts toward each hunter's application limit.
Both hunters must meet eligibility requirements.
Do Party Applications Improve Draw Odds?
Not inherently.
Party applications can be useful when two hunters want both members to receive permits.
However, the available tag allocation and drawing rules can affect whether a party is selected.
Should You Apply Individually or as a Party?
Apply as a party when hunting together is more important than maximizing the chance that at least one hunter draws.
Apply individually when independent drawing outcomes are acceptable.
Common Alaska Hunting Draw Mistakes
Assuming Alaska has preference points: It does not.
Missing the December deadline: Alaska's draw closes months before many Western states.
Exceeding six applications per species: This can invalidate applications.
Ignoring hunt-specific exceptions: Some hunts restrict repeat entries.
Applying without the required guide contract: Certain nonresident hunts require arrangements before application.
Confusing drawing permits with general-season tags: Alaska uses several hunting authorization systems.
Ignoring transportation costs: Remote Alaska hunts can be expensive.
Using outdated hunt numbers: Hunt codes and boundaries may change.
Failing to report previous permit activity: Reporting violations can affect future eligibility.
Assuming drawing a permit guarantees access: Land ownership and transportation remain separate considerations.
How to Apply for Alaska Hunting Draws in 2027
Step 1: Review the Current Drawing Supplement
Visit the ADF&G Drawing Hunt Supplements page.
Find the supplement covering the intended hunting season.
Step 2: Choose Your Species and Hunt Areas
Research eligible opportunities for moose, caribou, sheep, bear, goat, elk, bison, or muskox.
Step 3: Verify Residency and Guide Requirements
Confirm whether the hunt is open to residents, nonresidents, or both.
Arrange a required guide-client contract before applying.
Step 4: Purchase an Eligible Hunting License
Obtain the required Alaska hunting license.
Step 5: Select Your Drawing Entries
Choose the correct hunt numbers and application quantities.
Stay within all applicable limits.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Complete the application through Alaska's official online licensing and drawing system.
Step 7: Review Your Confirmation
Verify:
Hunt numbers.
Species.
Residency status.
Guide information.
Number of entries.
Application fees.
Choice order.
Step 8: Check Results in February
Visit the official Alaska Drawing Results Lookup.
Step 9: Prepare for the Hunt
Successful applicants should finalize transportation, guide arrangements, licensing, locking tags, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alaska Hunting Draw 2027
1. When does the Alaska hunting draw open for 2027?
The regular application period is November 1 through December 15 of the preceding year. For 2027 hunts, the expected application window is November 1–December 15, 2026.
2. When is the Alaska hunting draw deadline?
The standard deadline is December 15 at 5 p.m. Alaska Standard Time.
3. When are Alaska draw results announced?
Results are normally announced on the third Friday of February. For 2027, that is February 19.
4. Does Alaska have preference points?
No. Alaska uses a random lottery for its standard drawing permit hunts.
5. Does Alaska have bonus points?
No. Unsuccessful applications do not accumulate bonus-point weight.
6. How many Alaska hunting draw applications can you submit?
Generally up to six per species, subject to hunt-specific exceptions.
7. How much does it cost to apply for Alaska moose?
The currently published application fee is $5 per entry, plus the required hunting license.
8. Can nonresidents apply for Alaska moose draws?
Yes, for hunts open to nonresidents.
9. Can you hunt Alaska moose without a guide?
U.S. nonresidents generally can, subject to the specific hunt rules. Nonresident aliens must use a licensed guide.
10. Do nonresidents need a guide for Dall sheep?
Generally, yes, unless they qualify under Alaska's resident-relative exception.
11. Can you draw Alaska sheep with zero points?
Yes. Alaska does not use sheep preference points.
12. Can you apply for multiple Alaska species?
Yes. Hunters can submit eligible applications for multiple species, subject to the applicable fees and restrictions.
13. Can you draw two Alaska moose permits?
Generally, hunters cannot receive more than one drawing permit for the same species in a regulatory year.
14. Are Alaska draw application fees refundable?
Generally, no.
15. Can you get an Alaska hunting permit after the main drawing?
Sometimes. Undersubscribed drawing permits may become available after the main drawing.
16. Are all Alaska moose hunts draw-only?
No. Alaska also has general-season, registration, and other permit systems.
17. What is the best Alaska hunting draw strategy?
Research hunts with favorable historical permit-to-application ratios, use multiple valid entries where permitted, and select opportunities that match your access, budget, and hunting goals.
18. Can you apply for Kodiak brown bear without a guide?
Eligible nonresidents using the resident-relative exception may have a different application path. Other nonresidents generally need an Alaska-licensed guide.
19. What happens if you fail to report an Alaska permit?
Failure to meet mandatory reporting requirements can result in ineligibility for permits in the following regulatory year.
20. Does Alaska offer over-the-counter hunting opportunities?
Yes. Some species and areas have general-season hunting opportunities that do not require a drawing permit.
Plan Your Alaska 2027 Hunting Applications With TAGZ
Alaska's hunting draw offers an opportunity to pursue some of North America's most remarkable big game animals without waiting years to accumulate preference points.
However, the absence of points does not make the system simple.
Hunters still need to evaluate drawing odds, guide requirements, permit restrictions, access, transportation, and hunting costs.
TAGZ was created by hunters, guides, and outfitters who understand the challenges of planning Western big game hunts.
The idea originated in Idaho's guiding country, where firsthand experience with hunting logistics and complicated application systems inspired the development of a better planning platform.
TAGZ helps hunters research supported states and species, organize application planning, and compare available hunting opportunities.
Whether you're preparing for an Alaska moose drawing, researching Dall sheep hunts, or planning a multistate application strategy, TAGZ can help you organize the research that goes into a successful hunting season.
Explore TAGZ:
Start planning your Alaska 2027 hunting applications with TAGZ.
Official Alaska Hunting Draw Resources
Editorial Note — October 2026
This guide explains Alaska's established drawing permit system and provides planning information for the 2027 hunting season.
The application window, random drawing structure, standard application fees, and guide requirements are based on published Alaska Department of Fish and Game guidance.
The 2026–2027 Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement is the latest specific supplement referenced in preparing this article. The supplement covering the main 2027 hunting season should be consulted when released.
The November–December 2026 application dates and February 2027 results date follow Alaska's established schedule but should be confirmed against the applicable supplement.
Permit quotas, hunt codes, seasons, fees, and eligibility rules may change.
Historical drawing results can help hunters compare opportunities but do not guarantee future drawing success.
Last editorial review: October 12, 2026.
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Arizona Coues Deer Draw Odds 2027: Best Units, Bonus Points & Hunt Strategy
Arizona's Coues deer drawing offers opportunities for both residents and nonresidents, with drawing odds varying by hunt number and season. Key information for 2027: Species: Coues whitetail deer, a southwestern form of white-tailed deer. Primary habitat: Southern and central Arizona mountain ranges. Drawing system: Arizona bonus-point system. Preference points: Arizona does not use traditional preference points for deer. Bonus-point pass: Up to 20% of hunt permit-tags are allocated during the bonus-point phase, subject to drawing rules. Remaining permits: Distributed through subsequent random drawing phases. Nonresident allocation: Generally limited to no more than 10% of permits for a hunt number. 2026 deer draw deadline: June 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time. 2027 deer draw deadline: Not yet officially announced. 2026 deer results: Released June 22, 2026. 2027 draw odds: Cannot be known exactly before the 2027 drawing. Best odds strategy: Compare individual hunt numbers, season dates, bonus-point distributions, and historical applicant demand. Popular Coues deer units: 6A, 21, 22, 23, 24A, 27, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, and 36C. Alternative opportunities: Some archery deer hunts are available through Arizona's nonpermit-tag system, subject to current rules and nonresident availability. Hunters should use the Arizona Game and Fish Department's official draw reports to compare opportunities rather than relying on generalized statewide odds.
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California's big game drawing system rewards hunters who accumulate preference points while preserving random drawing opportunities. Key information for 2027: Premium deer: Generally 90% preference-point allocation and 10% random allocation. Elk: Generally 75% preference-point allocation and 25% random allocation for qualifying hunts. Pronghorn: Generally 75% preference-point allocation and 25% random allocation for qualifying hunts. Bighorn sheep: Generally 75% preference-point allocation and 25% random allocation for qualifying hunts. Point categories: Deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep have separate point balances. Point-only applications: Available through the appropriate preference-point application codes. Premium deer choices: Hunters may rank up to three deer tag choices. First-choice importance: Preference points are generally used when a hunter receives a premium deer tag as their first choice. 2026 main drawing deadline: June 2, 2026. 2027 deadline: Must be verified when California publishes its 2027 regulations. Nonresident hunting: Available for qualifying species and hunts, subject to eligibility and allocation rules. The best strategy is to compare historical point distributions, available tags, random opportunities, and hunting access before applying.
