Alaska big-game hunters may get permanent state license regulator

Alaska is known for its big-game hunting, and the state’s commercial hunting guide industry may soon get a permanent top regulator.

On Wednesday, the Alaska Senate voted 20-0 to change state law and require that Alaska’s Big Game Commercial Services Board have a permanent executive director.

The board is in charge of licensing commercial hunting guides, assistant guides and transporters. 

Since 2024, the state budget has included funding for a temporary executive director, but if Senate Bill 29 becomes law, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development would be required to have a permanent executive director for the big game board. 

Several other regulated industries already have boards with permanent executive directors, and the cost of the director would be paid for with fees, said Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski and the sponsor of SB 29.

The bill was supported by Safari Club International, the Alaska Professional Hunters Association and other trade groups.

SB 29 is awaiting a hearing in the House Resources Committee.