Depending on the area you hunt, you may well consider ptarmigan, and they are a great Arctic trophy themselves… and good eating! If you can fit it within weight limits, you might consider bringing a small rimfire rifle, or some birdshot for your sidearm for ptarmigan hunting. Bowhunters could consider throwing in a blunt or two.
Ptarmigan aren’t super wary, so a shotgun is unnecessary and weight restrictive.
Bag Limits and Hunting Season
Some units close after specific dates, while others are open all year. Bag limits are pretty liberal but most have a possession limit. Be sure to check regulations at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website (adfg.alaska.gov).