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Alaska2026Enacted

SB97

Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit Program

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law creates a new permit system that limits the number of guides allowed to lead big game hunts in specific areas on state land.

What it does

  • Requires the Board of Game to review and approve or disapprove proposals for creating special hunting zones called concession areas.
  • Limits how many full or limited permits can be issued for each approved area based on conservation needs, enforcement aid, and public interest.
  • Mandates that guides must win a competitive process with scoring criteria, not just pay the highest bid, to get these 10-year permits.
  • Allows guide permit holders to transfer their permit to another qualified person if the commissioner approves it based on specific principles.
  • Gives state officials the power to suspend or revoke permits if rules are broken after providing notice and a chance to be heard.

Who it affects

  • Big game guides who want to lead hunts in designated concession areas.
  • The Board of Game, which decides where these special hunting zones can exist.
  • The Department of Natural Resources, which manages the permit application process and issues permits.
  • Hunters who hire guides for big game trips.

Limits and unknowns

  • The exact dollar amount or fee structure for these permits will be determined later by the commissioner.
  • Specific rules about who qualifies as 'qualified' to hold a permit will be written in future regulations.
  • The text does not list which specific geographic areas are chosen for the first concession zones, though it requires an initial area to be established.

Plain language

Terms to know

Big Game Guide Concession Area
A specific zone on state land where only guides with special permits can lead hunts, established by the Board of Game in a single game management unit or subunit.
Full Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit
A permit that allows a guide to operate in a concession area; its specific meaning is defined in existing state law AS 38.05.021(j).
Limited Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit
A restricted type of permit for operating in a concession area with fewer rights than a full permit; its specific meaning is defined in existing state law AS 38.05.021(j).

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

BIG GAME GUIDE PERMIT PROGRAM An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) FN7: (CC:HB53/DNR)1433
  2. (H) FN(S) ATTACHED TO APPROP. BILL HB 531433
  3. (H) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE 9/30/251432
  4. (S) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE 9/30/251455
  5. (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW SEE CHAPTER1401
  6. (S) SIGNED INTO LAW 6/24 CHAPTER 16 SLA 251401
  7. (S) MANIFEST ERROR(S)1388
  8. (S) 10:30 A.M. 6/20/25 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR1388
  9. (H) VERSION: SB 971240
  10. (H) RETURN TO (S), TRANSMIT TO GOV NEXT1240
  11. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE1240
  12. (H) PASSED Y39 E11240
  13. (H) READ THE THIRD TIME SB 971240
  14. (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING UC1240
  15. (H) READ THE SECOND TIME1239
  16. (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/16/20251239
  17. (H) FN6: (DNR)1190
  18. (H) FN5: (DFG)1190
  19. (H) FN4: (DFG)1190
  20. (H) NR: HANNAN, JOHNSON, ALLARD, BYNUM1190