Frequently Asked Questions

Nonresidents who hunt Brown Bear, Dall Sheep, or Mountain Goat must be accompanied in the field by licensed Alaska Big Game Registered Guide-Outfitter or be accompanied in the filed by an Alaska resident 19 years or older who is within the second degree of kindred.

Nonresident aliens (non-U.S. citizens) hunting any big game must be accompanied in the field by an Alaska Big Game Registered Guide-Outfitter.

2. How can I receive a list of big game guides?

Download List of Licensees from Internet.

To receive a list in the mail of all currently licensed Big Game Master/Registered Guides-Outfitters and Transporters, submit a check or money order in the amount of $5 (U.S. currency), made payable to the State of Alaska. Upon receipt of your written request and $5 fee, a list will be forwarded to you. The $5 fee and written request can be mailed to:

Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Big Game Commercial Services Board
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806

If a guide-outfitter intends to provide big game services during the calendar year, the roster will provide the guide use area(s) that the master or registered guide-outfitter is authorized to provide big game services and the addresses of the master/registered guide-outfitters and transporters.

3. How do I get a list of big game guide-outfitters that provide services for a particular species?

Obtain the most current hunting regulations from the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation (907 465-2376), to determine which Game Management Unit(s) list the type of species you are interested in hunting. Once you have determined the Game Management Unit(s) you want to hunt in, you can request a list of currently licensed big game master/registered guide-outfitters who provide services in the unit(s) (see number 4 below).

4. Can I obtain a list of guide-outfitters who are providing big game services in a specific Game Management Unit (GMU)?

There are two ways you can obtain this information:

1. Click here for the website that provides a list of guides-outfitters who are providing big game services in a specific game management unit.

2. Submit a written request and state which GMU(s) you would like. Enclose a check or money order in the amount of $5 (U.S. currency), made payable to the State of Alaska, and mail to the address above. Upon receipt of your written request and $5 fee, the list will be forwarded to you.

NOTE: Each guide-outfitter can only operate within three GUAs for which he registers annually. GUAs are subdivisions of GMUs.

5. How do I obtain a hunting license, tags, drawing permit, or hunting regulations?

To obtain any of the above items, click on the following web address:

http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/

6. How do I get an application to become a Fishing Guide or obtain a list of Fishing Guides?

To obtain any information regarding fishing guides, click on the following web address: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/SF_home.cfm

Fishing guides also need a Business License. Please visit:  www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ

7. Can I pay application, examination, license, or the big game guide-outfitter and transporter list fees by credit card?

Yes, this office does accept credit cards for the application, examination, licensing fees, or for the list of big game guide-outfitters and transporters. Please visit: www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ and click on "Credit Card Authorization Form."

8. I am a registered guide-outfitter in need of an assistant who is looking for work. Does the board maintain a list of guides seeking employment?

The board does not maintain a list of licensed guides seeking employment. However, you can purchase a list of all currently licensed guides or you can download the information from the Internet. See FAQ #2.

9. How do I notify the office of a change of address?

We must have the request for address change in writing. We will accept a fax, E-mail, or written notice that comes directly from you. We cannot accept a telephone call for a change of address.

10. I lost my license and I need a new one, how do I get a copy? Can you fax it?

To obtain a copy of your license, submit a written request and a duplicate license fee of $5 (U.S. Currency). The duplicate license fee can be paid in the form of a check or money order made payable to the State of Alaska, and mailed to the address above. Upon receipt of your written request and $5 duplicate license fee, we will mail the duplicate license to you. We do not fax licenses.

11. When will I receive my license renewal form?

Master/Registered Guide-Outfitter, Class-A Assistant Guide, Assistant Guide, and Transporter licenses expire on December 31 on odd-numbered years. Renewal forms are mailed to all current licensees approximately 30 days prior to the expiration date.

12. I am a guide/outfitter in another state. Does the Alaska Big Game Commercial Services Board have reciprocity with any other states?

The board does not offer reciprocity. To become a contracting guide in Alaska, you must have performed the services of either a licensed class-A assistant or assistant guide in the state for a part of each three years (Alaska Statute (AS) 08.54.610(6)) and meet the requirements of AS 08-54.605 and .610.

Application forms describe the qualification requirements for licensure.

13. Can a nonresident or nonresident alien obtain a guide or transporter license?

A nonresident can obtain a guide or transporter license by meeting the qualifications under Alaska Statute 08.54 and 12 AAC 75.

A nonresident alien may also obtain a guide or transporter license by meeting the qualifications under Alaska Statute 08.54 and 12 AAC 75.

Although the board may issue a nonresident alien a professional license, that does not mean the board is giving the individual authority to work in the United States. Licensees must meet all the requirements of the State and Federal government. The board advises each nonresident alien who obtains a professional license to contact immigration officials regarding the process for receiving authority to actually work in the United States.

14. Can I take the Registered Guide-Outfitter or Game Management Unit Certification examination in another location or time other than what is specified on the examination schedule?

The Registered Guide-Outfitter and Game Management Unit (GMU) certification examination locations and dates are predetermined and set by current statute (Alaska Statute 08.54.600(8) and regulations 12 AAC 75.100-.110)

We do not administer Registered Guide-Outfitter and GMU examinations at any different location or dates.

15. What first aid courses are recognized by the board?

The following are first aid courses recognized by the board:

• The American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• Medic First Aid
• National Safety Council

(We do not have telephone numbers for the above first aid administrators.)