Alaska-Chukotka Polar Bear Harvest Regulations and Guidelines
The management area for Alaska-Chukotka polar bear population, where the multi-year quota applies encompasses the Chukchi and Bering Seas, includes all communities from Barrow south and to the west. Alaska Native peoples dwelling on the coast may harvest polar bears without a permit or license during any time of year. Harvest must not be conducted in a wasteful manner (must use bear for subsistence and/or handicraft manufacturing). Harvest must be reported within 30 days to have the skull and hide tagged. Tagging is done through our Marking, Tagging, and Reporting Program (hunters, you can find contact information for local taggers on that site).
How the Multi-Year Quota System Works
The annual quota for the U.S. is 42.5 polar bears, 14 of which can be female. This quota extends over a five year period, so that a surplus of unharvested bears in one year is added to the quota for the next year. The quota resets every 5 years—the new quota will restart in July 2024.
The number of bears that have been harvested (orange & blue) and how many bears remaining that can be harvested (gray) before July 2024.
Contact Us!
For assistance getting updated information on harvest levels, or if you believe our harvest numbers to be in error, or don’t have any bears reported, please contact us below. Or call the Alaska Nannut Co-Management Council at (907) 443-6890.
