Subsistence Hunting

Both Alaska state law and federal law give priority to subsistence hunters, who hunt for survival.

If a wildlife population is too small to allow hunting by all Alaskans, subsistence hunters have Tier I and Tier II permits that allow them hunting privileges based on their dependence and customary use of wildlife resources.

Most subsistence communities and Native villages and tribes have a tradition that they believe, if followed, will preserve the land so it continues to provide food for the community.

These subsistence hunters observe and pass down a set of rules intended to protect the land and ecosystem. The rules include:

• Do not waste.
• Take only what is needed.
• Treat animals with respect.
• Do not damage the land without cause.