Alaska Hunting Season in Sterling – A Local’s Guide

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Sterling and the Hunt: A September Tradition

As the fireweed fades and the crisp air rolls into Sterling, the signs are clear: it’s hunting season in Alaska. Trucks roll through Sterling packed with gear, boots hit the trail at first light, and conversations over coffee shift from fish tales to bull moose sightings. Here in Sterling, we’re right in the thick of it—not just geographically, but culturally. Hunting season is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a way of life.

From August 22 through August 29, bowhunters get their quiet window before rifle season takes over. Then, from September 1 through September 25, rifle hunters fill the woods and swamps around the Kenai Peninsula, pursuing moose across dense terrain. Whether you’re scouting near the Swanson River, hiking the ridges above Skilak Lake, or launching a hunt by boat from Bing’s Landing, you’re part of a long-standing Alaskan tradition that runs straight through Sterling.

Sterling: Alaska's Hunting Crossroads

Backpack and rifle set against Alaskan mountain backdrop during hunting season

Sterling sits in the center of the Kenai Peninsula, and that makes it a strategic base for hunters. To the north, the Swanson River offers winding trails and swampy draws ideal for moose. To the south, the high ridges of Skilak Lake country give rifle hunters room to roam. And within town, access points like Bing’s Landing serve as launch spots for boat-based hunting trips into deeper wilderness zones.

We see it every fall: trucks with muddy tires and coolers in the back, folks grabbing breakfast before daylight or soft-serve after a successful morning. This town becomes a hunting hub overnight, and Cook’s Corner is proud to serve as the unofficial outpost for stories, advice, and hot meals.

Local Hotspots: Where Hunters Head

Remote fly-out hunting camp in Alaska with tents and bush plane

Swanson River Trails

North of Sterling, the Swanson River area is a favorite among hunters who know how to move quiet. It’s swampy, brushy, and loaded with game sign during moose season. Bowhunters often head here in late August before the rifle crowd arrives.

Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area

To the southwest, the hills and timber around Skilak Lake provide excellent glassing opportunities. Moose and black bear are often spotted here, though hunting directly within Skilak-protected zones is limited. It’s a more rugged experience—and well worth the climb.

Boat Launches: Bing’s Landing

While the immediate area around Bing’s Landing is too populated for hunting, it serves as a critical launch point for hunters accessing less-trafficked grounds upriver by boat.

Remote Fly-Out Hunts

For those going beyond the road system, float planes fly from the Kenai/Soldotna area to more remote hunting locations—including areas across the Inlet or on Kalgin Island, the site of the RM572 registration hunt.

Tips for a Smooth Season

Pack Smart – September weather can flip from warm to wet in a heartbeat. Bring layers, rain gear, and gloves. Don’t forget tarps and game bags for field dressing.

Get There Early – First light is prime time. That’s why our parking lot sees a wave of hunters before dawn—loading up on breakfast burritos and strong coffee before disappearing down trailheads.

Know the Dates

  • Bow Season: August 22 – August 29
  • General Rifle Season: September 1 – September 25
  • Trapping Season: Starts November 10

 

Respect the Rules – Whether it’s antler size regulations or land restrictions, play it by the book. Bear baiting is spring only and not allowed in Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. Always check the latest updates from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Talk to Locals – The best tip might come from someone drinking coffee next to you. We hear everything at Cook’s Corner—and some of it might just help you fill your tag.

Fuel Up at Cook’s Corner

At Cook’s Corner, we’re part of the fall routine. Early mornings mean hot coffee and burritos. Afternoons call for burgers, fries, and cold drinks after a long hike back to the truck. And if your day was long but light on meat, there’s always comfort food waiting.

We stock essentials like ice, snacks, drinks, and maybe most important of all, a warm place to share a story or a laugh. Whether you’re celebrating a pack-out or just regrouping for tomorrow, we’re proud to be your go-to stop on the Kenai.

One Stop, Many Stories

Moose calls echo through the early fog. The leaves are just starting to turn. In Sterling, hunting season is alive and well—and we’re here for all of it. Whether you’re loading up, heading out, or just coming in to warm up after a long morning in the field, Cook’s Corner is part of the journey.

Stop in, stock up, and tell us what you saw out there. We’ll keep the grill hot.