Alaska opens first-ever raffle for hunting permits in bid to offset virus losses March 15, 2021 The permits will allow buyers to hunt brown bears, among other species. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has begun to raffle permits for some of its most desirable hunts to help with a nearly $2 million revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic. The permits will allow buyers to hunt species such as brown bears, caribou or musk ox, Alaska’s Energy Desk reported Friday. Tony Kavalok, the assistant director of Fish and Game’s Division of Wildlife Conservation, said nonresident hunting license sales have decreased substantially due to coronavirus travel restrictions and the shutdown of the spring brown bear hunt.