Spring and Summer Subsistence Waterfowl Hunting
Northwest Arctic Region
This is a brief summary of some of the key regulations for spring/summer subsistence bird hunting in the Northwest Arctic region.
Please consult the full regulations on the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council website or call our office if you have questions, or if you hunt in another area.
Migratory bird hunting in the fall (beginning September 1) is governed by a different set of regulations. Please check with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for seasons, bag limits and other rules.
Who Can Hunt?
- All permanent residents of Northwest Alaska - both Alaska Native and non-Native - who have lived in the area for the previous 12 months can harvest migratory birds and eggs for subsistence in the spring and summer.
- Immediate family members who live in non-subsistence areas may be invited to assist in hunting by a local village council. Contact us if you’d like more information on this process.
Licenses and Equipment
- Hunting license: required if you are age 18 or older. Low-income hunting licenses and elders’ lifetime licenses (age 60+) are available.
- Federal duck stamps: not required for the spring/summer harvest.
- State duck stamps: ($5) are required if you are 18 or older.
- Exception: Disabled veterans, hunters 60 years and older, and hunters with a low-income license do not need a state duck stamp.
- State duck stamps are valid from April 2 - Jan. 31.
- No lead shot may be used. Lead can be toxic to wildlife & people.
- You are not allowed to have lead shot with you while hunting for migratory birds.
- Both rifles and shotguns (no larger than 10 gauge) may be used. You do not have to plug your shotgun.
Seasons
Migratory birds can be hunted during three seasons in the spring and summer:
- April 2 - June14
- July 1 - July 15 (only molting, non-nesting waterfowl)
- July 16 - August 31
Eggs can be gathered during two seasons:
- April 2 - June 14 (geese, ducks and other waterfowl eggs)
- May 20 - July 12 (gulls, crowbills, puffins and other seabird eggs)
During the subsistence season you may hunt any time, 24 hours per day.
What Can Be Harvested?
As a customary and traditional hunt, there are no bag limits on the number of birds that can be taken, as long as the harvest is not wasteful. However, these species are closed to hunting and egg gathering due to low numbers:
- Emperor Geese (Liġliqpak - pictured to the left)
- Tuutlik (Yellow-billed Loon)
- Qavaasuk (Spectacled Eiders
- Iñniqaaqtuq (Steller’s Eiders)
Migratory birds may be taken only for human consumption. Taxidermy is not allowed and migratory birds and eggs can’t be bought or sold.
A rule change to allow nonedible parts of some migratory birds to be used in Alaska Native handicrafts was adopted in 2017. Please contact us if you would like more information.
