Alaska Closes Bear Hunting Statewide

by
posted on April 2, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mainbrown-bear-in-body-of-water-during-daytime-158109.jpg

Per an April 1, 2020 press release from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), department commissioner Dough Vincent-Lang closed all black- and brown-bear hunts due to health and safety concerns stemming from COVID-19.

According to the release, the commissioner has directed all bear hunts statewide for both resident and nonresident hunters to be terminated until May 31. The one exception will be for resident subsistence hunters, so they can provide for their families. The ADFG is working with the Board of Game to determine future possibilities for hunters who have made plans to hunt bears in Alaska.

It was noted that hunters should “expect to hear more from the department in the near future,” and to “be patient with the department as they identify ways to minimize the impacts of this decision.” The ADFG’s decision will be reassessed as new developments occur. Check back at adfg.alaska.gov for any updates.

Latest

W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888
W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

New for 2026: Real Avid AR-15/AR-10 Master Collections

Real Avid has taken its AR-15 and AR-10 tooling and maintenance products and bundled them into anew Master Collections series, providing AR-platform fans with one-stop solutions to meet their specific AR needs.

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.