It is finally the time of year we have all been waiting for, time to apply for black bear permits! The application period for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 permits runs from November 1, 2019 to December 16, 2019 at 5pm AKST. If you want the opportunity to hunt coastal black bears on the famed Prince of Wales Island, be sure to apply! This year there will be 40 permits available for Fall 2020 and 170 permits available for Spring 2021. The Fall season runs from Sept 1-Dec 31 and the Spring season runs from Jan 1-June 30. Typically the Fall hunt is best in September and the Spring hunt is best in April and May. Both hunts offer the opportunity to add other experiences to your trip as well. A Spring permit gives you the opportunity to fish for halibut during your bear hunt. Likewise, a Fall permit gives you the incredible opportunity to hunt black bears, hunt Sitka blacktail deer, and fish for halibut and salmon all at the same time if you wish! You may apply individually or two hunters may apply together as a party. Applying as a party means both hunters apply on the same application and if drawn, both hunters receive permits. You will need to either currently own or purchase an Alaska big game hunting license in order to apply. Licenses are accepted for the current year or for the year in which the hunt takes place. If you are purchasing a hunting license when you apply be sure to purchase a license for the year in which the hunt takes place. You can purchase a hunting license and apply for a permit online. It is also important to note that you cannot draw the same hunt permit two years in a row. For example, if you drew a Spring 2020 black bear permit for Prince of Wales Island, you are not eligible to draw a Spring 2021 black bear permit for Prince of Wales Island. You are, however, eligible to draw a Fall 2020 black bear permit on Prince of Wales Island. Our area, Prince of Wales Island, is Hunt Unit 2. The Fall 2020 black bear hunt is Hunt Number DL027 and the Spring 2021 black bear hunt is Hunt Number DL028. You can find all the application information and the online application on the Alaska Fish and Game website. Draw results will be available online by February 21, 2020. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions about hunting black bears with us or about the application process.
