According to Alaska Fish and Wildlife News, the Alaska Hunter Heritage Foundation "has raised about $1.5 million and has spent virtually all of it on programs specifically designed to promote conservation of Alaska’s wildlife by recruiting and educating new hunters and maintaining the enthusiasm of existing hunters."
Why is a state wildlife agency partnering with a the foundation?
"For many decades, hunters have been the backbone of wildlife management. People who understand and enjoy wildlife are the most effective advocates for wildlife habitat protection and responsible wildlife management, and nobody knows wildlife like hunters do. Hunters also recognize the importance of trained professionals gathering and analyzing the scientific data that are the basis for modern management, and they put their money where their mouths are, in the form of license fees, sporting goods excise taxes, and outright donations to a variety of organizations dedicated to the abiding health of wildlife. Hunters led the first wildlife conservation efforts in this country, and they continue their strong support today. And in the process of nurturing hunted species, they do an immeasurable benefit to non-game wildlife as well.
By holding successful fundraising events and using that money strategically, the Foundation has become the premier Alaska sponsor of outdoor sporting educational programs, such as those noted above. They’ve even begun an Oral History Project to document and preserve Alaska’s rich hunting and trapping heritage by interviewing long-time Alaskans who spent their lives making a living from the Great Land. But the Foundation’s prime function is to create and assist hunters."
Read the entire article >>>
Sunday, April 08, 2007
GMU 20A Moose Still Too Many; Cow Hunt to Continue
The Game Management Unit 20A (Tanana Flats south of Fairbanks) moose population is still too high reports Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reporter Tim Mowry, and hunters are likely to have another opportunity to take cows this fall in an attempt to reduce the population.
"The 2006-07 antlerless moose hunt in Unit 20A closed on Feb. 28 and the preliminary reported harvest is 551 cow and calf moose, according to state wildlife biologist Don Young, who oversees the hunt for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks.
While it fell short of the 700 quota established by the Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks, the harvest should help stunt the growth of the moose population in Unit 20A."
Read the entire story in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner >>>
"The 2006-07 antlerless moose hunt in Unit 20A closed on Feb. 28 and the preliminary reported harvest is 551 cow and calf moose, according to state wildlife biologist Don Young, who oversees the hunt for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks.
While it fell short of the 700 quota established by the Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks, the harvest should help stunt the growth of the moose population in Unit 20A."
Read the entire story in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner >>>
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Objectives met, wolf control suspended in one area
From an ADFG news release:
The wolf control program in the Nelchina Basin has been suspended as the latest population estimate is within the range established by the Alaska Board of Game.
As of Monday, biologists in the Glennallen office of Wildlife Conservation estimated 162 wolves in Game Management Unit 13. The long-term spring population objective set by the Board of Game is 135-165.
Typically, trappers and hunters take a dozen or so wolves in April, so the population might dip a bit more but still remain within the objective.
This is the second year in a row the spring population estimate has been within the objective. Last spring’s figure was 157. Prior to that, the last time the objective was reached was in 1989.
“By sustaining the wolf control program since its inception in 2004, we have been successful in reducing and maintaining wolf densities at a level that has allowed moose calves to survive and become the foundation of a growing moose population,” said Matt Robus, director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation.
As recently as 2000-01, the wolf population in Unit 13 was estimated at as many as 520. A dramatic increase in wolves in the 1990s contributed to a decline of more than 50 percent in moose numbers.
This was the fourth winter that wolf control has been conducted with the use of aircraft. Since the program began, moose trends in count areas surveyed every year indicate a promising turnaround.
Since 2000, the number of moose in the count areas is up 14 percent. More careful examination of the survey figures is even more encouraging. The number of calves in the count areas is up 110 percent and the number of yearling bulls is up 176 percent. Calves and yearlings are most vulnerable to predation by wolves and bears.
Overall bull numbers have increased 45 percent. Hunting in Unit 13 is limited to bull moose, and the harvest of 685 in 2006 is up 46 percent from the low harvest in 2000.
Cow moose numbers are down 3 percent in the count areas, but biologists say that is not surprising. Cow moose make up most of the population, so they are expected to have the longest recovery time. Cows born in the 1990s are dying of old age and haven’t been replaced fully because so few calves survived during the decline.
The 2006-07 control program took 33 wolves. Hunters and trappers so far have reported taking another 62. That number will climb as they bring in their pelts for sealing. The trapping season runs through April and trappers have 30 days after that to get furs sealed.
Control efforts focus on more inaccessible areas in Unit 13 where trapping pressure is less and some of the best moose habitat exists.
Given the high productivity of wolves, it is anticipated the wolf population will bounce back up to more than 250 by next fall. Therefore the department will resume control efforts next December aimed at maintaining the spring population at the Board of Game objective.
The wolf control program in the Nelchina Basin has been suspended as the latest population estimate is within the range established by the Alaska Board of Game.
As of Monday, biologists in the Glennallen office of Wildlife Conservation estimated 162 wolves in Game Management Unit 13. The long-term spring population objective set by the Board of Game is 135-165.
Typically, trappers and hunters take a dozen or so wolves in April, so the population might dip a bit more but still remain within the objective.
This is the second year in a row the spring population estimate has been within the objective. Last spring’s figure was 157. Prior to that, the last time the objective was reached was in 1989.
“By sustaining the wolf control program since its inception in 2004, we have been successful in reducing and maintaining wolf densities at a level that has allowed moose calves to survive and become the foundation of a growing moose population,” said Matt Robus, director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation.
As recently as 2000-01, the wolf population in Unit 13 was estimated at as many as 520. A dramatic increase in wolves in the 1990s contributed to a decline of more than 50 percent in moose numbers.
This was the fourth winter that wolf control has been conducted with the use of aircraft. Since the program began, moose trends in count areas surveyed every year indicate a promising turnaround.
Since 2000, the number of moose in the count areas is up 14 percent. More careful examination of the survey figures is even more encouraging. The number of calves in the count areas is up 110 percent and the number of yearling bulls is up 176 percent. Calves and yearlings are most vulnerable to predation by wolves and bears.
Overall bull numbers have increased 45 percent. Hunting in Unit 13 is limited to bull moose, and the harvest of 685 in 2006 is up 46 percent from the low harvest in 2000.
Cow moose numbers are down 3 percent in the count areas, but biologists say that is not surprising. Cow moose make up most of the population, so they are expected to have the longest recovery time. Cows born in the 1990s are dying of old age and haven’t been replaced fully because so few calves survived during the decline.
The 2006-07 control program took 33 wolves. Hunters and trappers so far have reported taking another 62. That number will climb as they bring in their pelts for sealing. The trapping season runs through April and trappers have 30 days after that to get furs sealed.
Control efforts focus on more inaccessible areas in Unit 13 where trapping pressure is less and some of the best moose habitat exists.
Given the high productivity of wolves, it is anticipated the wolf population will bounce back up to more than 250 by next fall. Therefore the department will resume control efforts next December aimed at maintaining the spring population at the Board of Game objective.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Judge Stops State Wolf Incentive Program
An Alaska Superior Court judge has ordered the state of Alaska to halt its new program of paying gunners $150 for wolves taken, the Anchorage Daily News has reported.
The financial incentive was designed to increase the take of wolves in areas where wolf predation control efforts are underway. Preservation groups maintained that the incentives constituted a "bounty," and the judge agreed.
The state is now considering other options, including the use of state personnel shooting wolves from helicopters.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The financial incentive was designed to increase the take of wolves in areas where wolf predation control efforts are underway. Preservation groups maintained that the incentives constituted a "bounty," and the judge agreed.
The state is now considering other options, including the use of state personnel shooting wolves from helicopters.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Friday, March 30, 2007
Internet Hunting Would be Banned Under Proposed Alaska Law
"Internet hunting," the practice of taking game animals using remotely controlled guns and cameras connected to the "hunter" via the Internet would be banned under a law proposed recently by an Alaska lawmaker, the Anchorage Daily News reports.
The idea started in Texas, where the practice was banned no long after. In Alaska, Rep. Bob Buch (D-Anchorage) would put a stop to it before it starts here.
"At first I thought Internet hunting must be a joke, but unfortunately, it's not," Buch said in the ADN article. "We have some of the best, big game in the world. We need to ban this practice before it hits Alaska."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The idea started in Texas, where the practice was banned no long after. In Alaska, Rep. Bob Buch (D-Anchorage) would put a stop to it before it starts here.
"At first I thought Internet hunting must be a joke, but unfortunately, it's not," Buch said in the ADN article. "We have some of the best, big game in the world. We need to ban this practice before it hits Alaska."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Preservationist Groups Try to Halt Alaska's Wolf Incentive
The Alaska Wildlife Alliance, the Defenders of Wildlife, and the Alaska Chapter of the Sierra Club are seeking an injunction in State Superior Court in Anchorage to halt the State of Alaska's $150 incentive program that is designed to boost wolf reduction efforts, according to the Anchorage Daily News.
Using the dictionary defense, the groups are saying that cash rewards constitute a bounty. The state says the payments are an incentive, and since they apply to specific areas only, are not a bounty.
Read the story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Using the dictionary defense, the groups are saying that cash rewards constitute a bounty. The state says the payments are an incentive, and since they apply to specific areas only, are not a bounty.
Read the story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Deer winter kill being evaluated
Possible bag limit reductions from Kodiak to Southeast. Deer numbers are being evaluated to determine winter kill numbers after heavy snowfall.
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032507/out_20070325099.shtml
"Even before Juneau broke its the seasonal snow record with over 195 inches at the airport, Annex Creek, just 12 miles south of town and also at sea level, had 450 inches, more than 37 feet."
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/032507/out_20070325099.shtml
"Even before Juneau broke its the seasonal snow record with over 195 inches at the airport, Annex Creek, just 12 miles south of town and also at sea level, had 450 inches, more than 37 feet."
"'We started off with lots of snow, which rained off,' said Larry Van Daele, a state wildlife biologist in Kodiak. Then temperatures dipped into the teens. 'We lost most of the fawns early, and now the adults are starting to tip over,' he said.
"Van Daele said the Department of Fish and Game may consider reducing the deer hunting seasons and/or bag limits next fall to help the herds rebuild. That's what happened after the winter of 1998-99."
Friday, March 23, 2007
Changes to the Alaska Hunting Regulations for 2007
From an ADFG summary:
This is a summary of changes adopted by the Alaska Board of Game for regulatory year 2007-2008. This is not a comprehensive list of all the detailed changes. It is your responsibility to read the Alaska Hunting Regulations carefully for complete information.
These regulations do not become effective until July 1, 2007 so do not affect hunting or trapping seasons that are currently open or that open prior to July 1, 2007. (such as spring bear seasons and bear baiting)
BROWN BEAR
Units 7 and 15, replace registration hunt with drawing permit hunt, Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 and April 1 – June 15.
Units 5 and 8, require an unrecovered wounded bear to count as the bag limit for that regulatory year.
Unit 8, modify hunt boundary between the registration hunt and drawing hunts near Kodiak city-all drainages into Chiniak, Antone Larsen, and northeast Ugak (east of Saltery drainage) Bays are included in the registration hunt.
Unit 9C, retain brown bear hunting closure in Kamishak special use area near McNeil.
Unit 13E, Denali State Park, liberalize bag limit to one bear a year.
Unit 16A, outside Denali State Park, eliminate resident brown bear tag fee requirement.
Unit 14C, Chugach State Park, open new drawing permit hunt, Jan. 1 – May 31, one bear per regulatory year.
CARIBOU
Units 9A, 9B, 9C, within the Alagnak River drainage, 17A drainages west of Right Hand Point, 17B, 17C east of the Wood River and Wood River Lakes, 18, 19A and 19B-Mulchatna caribou herd, align resident seasons throughout the range to Aug. 1 – March 15, reduce resident bag limit to 2 caribou. Only one bull total may be taken during the regulatory year, and only one caribou may be taken Aug. 1 – Jan. 31. Shorten existing nonresident seasons to Sept. 1 – 15 with one caribou bag limit. Eliminate winter same day airborne hunt in portion of the area and restrict the use of proxies for caribou hunting prior to Nov. 1.
Unit 9D, convert general season resident hunt to registration hunt, with a one bull bag limit, close nonresident season.
Unit 10, Adak Island, no bag limit, but only two bulls may be taken per regulatory year, and no bulls may be taken from Jan. 1 – Aug. 9.
Unit 13, Tier II caribou hunt TC566-prohibit permit holders from hunting caribou anywhere else in the state that regulatory year. Limit permits to 2 per household. Require salvage of all edible meat, with the meat of the front quarters, hindquarters and ribs remaining on the bone. In addition, the entire head, hide, liver, heart and kidneys must be salvaged. No use of ORV’s over 1500 pounds or aircraft allowed. Allow transfer of permit to resident second degree kindred relative.
Unit 20E, near Eagle, allow emergency opening 3 day hunt during Oct. and Nov.
BLACK BEAR
Unit 14C, extend season in Eklutna Management Area to May 31-not effective until next spring, 2008.
Unit 16, predator control area, add black bear control to allow the use of liberalized bag limits and methods and means under a control area permit. These conditions are only permitted with a control permit, not under general hunting regulations, and each resident hunter wishing to participate must be permitted. See new control supplement available mid-June for area and further information.
Under a control permit, after July 1, 2007, the following conditions may apply:
• Allow taking of any bear with no bag limit
• Same-day-airborne taking of black bears as long as permittee is at least 300 feet from the aircraft, including the use of any type of aircraft to access black bear baiting stations during the baiting season, April 15th to June 30th and August 10th to October 15th,
• Allow up to four bait stations
• No bear baiting within 100 yard buffer from the Unit 16 shorelines of the Susitna River, Yentna River below the confluence with the Skwentna River, the Deshka River (Kroto Creek) below the confluence with Trapper Creek, and Alexander Creek instead of ¼ mile.
• Allow bear baiting within one mile of cabins if the cabin is on the opposite side of a major river system from the bear baiting station and other permit conditions are met.
• Allow sale of tanned black bear hides (not mounts) as long as sale tag remains attached
DEER
Unit 3, Mitkof Island within the Petersburg Management Area, extend season, Oct. 15 – Dec. 15, and increase bag limit to 2 bucks.
Units 6 and 8, all unused deer harvest tickets must be carried while hunting deer and must be validated in sequential order, beginning with harvest ticket number one.
MOUNTAIN GOAT
Units 1 - 5, prohibit the taking of nannies with kids.
Unit 13D, convert southeast portion of drawing hunt DG719 to registration hunt.
Units 14A and C, establish drawing hunt only Sept. 1-Oct. 31, early registration archery season in 14C, Aug. 16-31. November registration hunt in areas if harvest is not obtained. Not in effect until fall 2008-will be printed in Winter Drawing Supplement.
Unit 15C, convert existing Tier II hunts to registration hunts with same season as other Kenai Peninsula hunts, Aug. 10 – Oct. 15 with limited permit availability. Retain November 1 – 30 registration hunt in area.
MOOSE
Unit 1B and 3, eliminate nonresident season for the existing drawing hunt.
Unit 1D, Tier II moose hunt TM059, extend season, Sept. 15 – Oct. 7.
Units 1-5, any damaged, broken, or altered antler may not be used to satisfy the spike-fork antlers requirement.
Unit 13, Tier II moose hunt TM300-prohibit permit holders from hunting moose anywhere else in the state that regulatory year. No use of ORV’s over 1500 pounds or aircraft allowed. Allow transfer of permit to resident second degree kindred relative. All moose hunters-require salvage of all edible meat, with the meat of the front quarters, hindquarters and ribs remaining on the bone. In addition, the liver and heart must be salvaged.
Unit 14A, create new youth hunt for antlerless moose in DM402, youth hunters aged 10-17 years old, accompanied by licensed adult at least 21years old, moose bag limit counts against both bag limits.
Units 14A, B and 16A, shorten bull moose season by 10 days, Aug. 20 – Sept. 20.
Unit 14C, Ship Creek (upstream of Ft. Richardson) establish late season registration hunt for any bull, Oct. 1 – Nov. 30.
Unit 20D, lengthen antlerless moose season Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, increase number of permits available.
SHEEP
Units 14A, south and east of the Matanuska River, and 13D, establish new drawing hunts, any ram west of Tazlina Lake and in 14A, full curl only east of Tazlina Lake. Not in effect until fall 2008-will be printed in Winter Drawing Supplement.
COYOTE
Unit 9, extend hunting season to end May 25.
WOLVERINE
Units 1 - 5, open hunting season earlier, Sept. 1 – Feb. 15.
MISCELLANEOUS
Unit 1C, manage Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge by zones, with department authority to close specific areas.
Unit 14C, Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, clarify permit requirements for all hunters, and allow air rifles with rifled barrel for deleterious exotic wildlife hunting.
Unit 14C, Eagle River Management area, allow the use of shotguns for small game with permit.
Units 15A and B, Skilak Loop Wildlife Management area. Create youth hunt allowing hunters 16 and younger, accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 or older, to use rimfire firearms and shotguns for small game in western half of area on weekends Oct. 15-Dec. 31, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Active duty resident military who are unable to use drawing or Tier II permits due to being deployed to an active combat zone may:
For drawing permit hunts: be reissued the same drawing permit for the following year when the person returns to this state from active duty
For Tier II permits: transfer that Tier II permit only during the same regulatory year to a substitute hunter while the person is out of the state on active duty.
Tier II scoring changes
Question 16 concerning alternative resources was repealed and replaced with a new question concerning time spent in the area of the Tier II hunt.
For the moose and caribou hunts in Unit 13, a new question concerning household income was added. The income levels and scoring will be dependent on the number of people in the household and their total taxable income for the past year.
The taxable income of all members of a household will be considered. A family of four or fewer members will receive zero points on this question if the total taxable income of all household members exceeds $51,640. The cutoff will be adjusted upward for larger households.
If household income exceeds the cutoff, the total score for the application will be zero. If there are Tier II permits remaining, but a pool of applicants with the same score is too large to award all permits, a random drawing is done to award the remaining permits. In other words, if there is a large pool of people with a score of zero, there will a random drawing if there are permits remaining.
TRAPPING
Units 1 –5 require all traps and snares to be marked with a permanent tag with trapper’s name and address or permanent ID, or be set within 50 yards of a sign with the same information.
BEAVER
Unit 1D, change the 5 per season bag limit to no bag limit.
Unit 4, west of Chatham strait, open trapping season Dec. 1 – May 15, no bag limit.
Unit 11, align seasons, bag limits and methods and means with Unit 13. Season Sept. 25 - May 31, no bag limit, no firearms allowed, and from September 25 through November 9 only with underwater traps or snares.
Unit 14C, Birchwood Management area, open trapping season, Dec. 1 – April 15, 20 per season.
COYOTE
Unit 5, open trapping season earlier, Nov. 10 – Feb. 15.
Unit 6, shorten season to align with wolf, Nov. 10 – Mar. 31.
Unit 9, align trapping season with wolf, Oct. 1 – Apr. 30.
Unit 13, align trapping season with wolf, Oct. 15 – Apr. 30.
Units 14(B), 16, and 17, align trapping season with wolf, Nov. 10 – Apr. 30.
FOX
Unit 5, open trapping season earlier, Nov. 10 – Feb. 15.
MARTEN
Units 14B and 16A, extend trapping season, Nov. 10 – Jan. 31.
MUSKRAT
Unit 17, extend trapping season, Nov. 10-Mar. 31, increase bag limit to no limit.
WOLVERINE
Unit 14A, align trapping season with lynx season, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31.
Unit 14C, open trapping season in Chugach State Park Management Area, align season in all of Unit 14C with lynx, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31.
This is a summary of changes adopted by the Alaska Board of Game for regulatory year 2007-2008. This is not a comprehensive list of all the detailed changes. It is your responsibility to read the Alaska Hunting Regulations carefully for complete information.
These regulations do not become effective until July 1, 2007 so do not affect hunting or trapping seasons that are currently open or that open prior to July 1, 2007. (such as spring bear seasons and bear baiting)
BROWN BEAR
Units 7 and 15, replace registration hunt with drawing permit hunt, Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 and April 1 – June 15.
Units 5 and 8, require an unrecovered wounded bear to count as the bag limit for that regulatory year.
Unit 8, modify hunt boundary between the registration hunt and drawing hunts near Kodiak city-all drainages into Chiniak, Antone Larsen, and northeast Ugak (east of Saltery drainage) Bays are included in the registration hunt.
Unit 9C, retain brown bear hunting closure in Kamishak special use area near McNeil.
Unit 13E, Denali State Park, liberalize bag limit to one bear a year.
Unit 16A, outside Denali State Park, eliminate resident brown bear tag fee requirement.
Unit 14C, Chugach State Park, open new drawing permit hunt, Jan. 1 – May 31, one bear per regulatory year.
CARIBOU
Units 9A, 9B, 9C, within the Alagnak River drainage, 17A drainages west of Right Hand Point, 17B, 17C east of the Wood River and Wood River Lakes, 18, 19A and 19B-Mulchatna caribou herd, align resident seasons throughout the range to Aug. 1 – March 15, reduce resident bag limit to 2 caribou. Only one bull total may be taken during the regulatory year, and only one caribou may be taken Aug. 1 – Jan. 31. Shorten existing nonresident seasons to Sept. 1 – 15 with one caribou bag limit. Eliminate winter same day airborne hunt in portion of the area and restrict the use of proxies for caribou hunting prior to Nov. 1.
Unit 9D, convert general season resident hunt to registration hunt, with a one bull bag limit, close nonresident season.
Unit 10, Adak Island, no bag limit, but only two bulls may be taken per regulatory year, and no bulls may be taken from Jan. 1 – Aug. 9.
Unit 13, Tier II caribou hunt TC566-prohibit permit holders from hunting caribou anywhere else in the state that regulatory year. Limit permits to 2 per household. Require salvage of all edible meat, with the meat of the front quarters, hindquarters and ribs remaining on the bone. In addition, the entire head, hide, liver, heart and kidneys must be salvaged. No use of ORV’s over 1500 pounds or aircraft allowed. Allow transfer of permit to resident second degree kindred relative.
Unit 20E, near Eagle, allow emergency opening 3 day hunt during Oct. and Nov.
BLACK BEAR
Unit 14C, extend season in Eklutna Management Area to May 31-not effective until next spring, 2008.
Unit 16, predator control area, add black bear control to allow the use of liberalized bag limits and methods and means under a control area permit. These conditions are only permitted with a control permit, not under general hunting regulations, and each resident hunter wishing to participate must be permitted. See new control supplement available mid-June for area and further information.
Under a control permit, after July 1, 2007, the following conditions may apply:
• Allow taking of any bear with no bag limit
• Same-day-airborne taking of black bears as long as permittee is at least 300 feet from the aircraft, including the use of any type of aircraft to access black bear baiting stations during the baiting season, April 15th to June 30th and August 10th to October 15th,
• Allow up to four bait stations
• No bear baiting within 100 yard buffer from the Unit 16 shorelines of the Susitna River, Yentna River below the confluence with the Skwentna River, the Deshka River (Kroto Creek) below the confluence with Trapper Creek, and Alexander Creek instead of ¼ mile.
• Allow bear baiting within one mile of cabins if the cabin is on the opposite side of a major river system from the bear baiting station and other permit conditions are met.
• Allow sale of tanned black bear hides (not mounts) as long as sale tag remains attached
DEER
Unit 3, Mitkof Island within the Petersburg Management Area, extend season, Oct. 15 – Dec. 15, and increase bag limit to 2 bucks.
Units 6 and 8, all unused deer harvest tickets must be carried while hunting deer and must be validated in sequential order, beginning with harvest ticket number one.
MOUNTAIN GOAT
Units 1 - 5, prohibit the taking of nannies with kids.
Unit 13D, convert southeast portion of drawing hunt DG719 to registration hunt.
Units 14A and C, establish drawing hunt only Sept. 1-Oct. 31, early registration archery season in 14C, Aug. 16-31. November registration hunt in areas if harvest is not obtained. Not in effect until fall 2008-will be printed in Winter Drawing Supplement.
Unit 15C, convert existing Tier II hunts to registration hunts with same season as other Kenai Peninsula hunts, Aug. 10 – Oct. 15 with limited permit availability. Retain November 1 – 30 registration hunt in area.
MOOSE
Unit 1B and 3, eliminate nonresident season for the existing drawing hunt.
Unit 1D, Tier II moose hunt TM059, extend season, Sept. 15 – Oct. 7.
Units 1-5, any damaged, broken, or altered antler may not be used to satisfy the spike-fork antlers requirement.
Unit 13, Tier II moose hunt TM300-prohibit permit holders from hunting moose anywhere else in the state that regulatory year. No use of ORV’s over 1500 pounds or aircraft allowed. Allow transfer of permit to resident second degree kindred relative. All moose hunters-require salvage of all edible meat, with the meat of the front quarters, hindquarters and ribs remaining on the bone. In addition, the liver and heart must be salvaged.
Unit 14A, create new youth hunt for antlerless moose in DM402, youth hunters aged 10-17 years old, accompanied by licensed adult at least 21years old, moose bag limit counts against both bag limits.
Units 14A, B and 16A, shorten bull moose season by 10 days, Aug. 20 – Sept. 20.
Unit 14C, Ship Creek (upstream of Ft. Richardson) establish late season registration hunt for any bull, Oct. 1 – Nov. 30.
Unit 20D, lengthen antlerless moose season Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, increase number of permits available.
SHEEP
Units 14A, south and east of the Matanuska River, and 13D, establish new drawing hunts, any ram west of Tazlina Lake and in 14A, full curl only east of Tazlina Lake. Not in effect until fall 2008-will be printed in Winter Drawing Supplement.
COYOTE
Unit 9, extend hunting season to end May 25.
WOLVERINE
Units 1 - 5, open hunting season earlier, Sept. 1 – Feb. 15.
MISCELLANEOUS
Unit 1C, manage Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge by zones, with department authority to close specific areas.
Unit 14C, Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, clarify permit requirements for all hunters, and allow air rifles with rifled barrel for deleterious exotic wildlife hunting.
Unit 14C, Eagle River Management area, allow the use of shotguns for small game with permit.
Units 15A and B, Skilak Loop Wildlife Management area. Create youth hunt allowing hunters 16 and younger, accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 or older, to use rimfire firearms and shotguns for small game in western half of area on weekends Oct. 15-Dec. 31, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Active duty resident military who are unable to use drawing or Tier II permits due to being deployed to an active combat zone may:
For drawing permit hunts: be reissued the same drawing permit for the following year when the person returns to this state from active duty
For Tier II permits: transfer that Tier II permit only during the same regulatory year to a substitute hunter while the person is out of the state on active duty.
Tier II scoring changes
Question 16 concerning alternative resources was repealed and replaced with a new question concerning time spent in the area of the Tier II hunt.
For the moose and caribou hunts in Unit 13, a new question concerning household income was added. The income levels and scoring will be dependent on the number of people in the household and their total taxable income for the past year.
The taxable income of all members of a household will be considered. A family of four or fewer members will receive zero points on this question if the total taxable income of all household members exceeds $51,640. The cutoff will be adjusted upward for larger households.
If household income exceeds the cutoff, the total score for the application will be zero. If there are Tier II permits remaining, but a pool of applicants with the same score is too large to award all permits, a random drawing is done to award the remaining permits. In other words, if there is a large pool of people with a score of zero, there will a random drawing if there are permits remaining.
TRAPPING
Units 1 –5 require all traps and snares to be marked with a permanent tag with trapper’s name and address or permanent ID, or be set within 50 yards of a sign with the same information.
BEAVER
Unit 1D, change the 5 per season bag limit to no bag limit.
Unit 4, west of Chatham strait, open trapping season Dec. 1 – May 15, no bag limit.
Unit 11, align seasons, bag limits and methods and means with Unit 13. Season Sept. 25 - May 31, no bag limit, no firearms allowed, and from September 25 through November 9 only with underwater traps or snares.
Unit 14C, Birchwood Management area, open trapping season, Dec. 1 – April 15, 20 per season.
COYOTE
Unit 5, open trapping season earlier, Nov. 10 – Feb. 15.
Unit 6, shorten season to align with wolf, Nov. 10 – Mar. 31.
Unit 9, align trapping season with wolf, Oct. 1 – Apr. 30.
Unit 13, align trapping season with wolf, Oct. 15 – Apr. 30.
Units 14(B), 16, and 17, align trapping season with wolf, Nov. 10 – Apr. 30.
FOX
Unit 5, open trapping season earlier, Nov. 10 – Feb. 15.
MARTEN
Units 14B and 16A, extend trapping season, Nov. 10 – Jan. 31.
MUSKRAT
Unit 17, extend trapping season, Nov. 10-Mar. 31, increase bag limit to no limit.
WOLVERINE
Unit 14A, align trapping season with lynx season, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31.
Unit 14C, open trapping season in Chugach State Park Management Area, align season in all of Unit 14C with lynx, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31.
ADF&G Enhances Predator Control Efforts Commissioner Directs Testing of New Ideas
From an ADFG News Release
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Commissioner Denby Lloyd today announced enhanced efforts to reduce wolf populations in five areas around the state. Alaska’s wolf-control program, now in its fourth consecutive year, involves volunteer pilots and shooters who track and kill predators in the winter months under special department permits. Removing wolves is one part of ADF&G’s efforts to restore and increase selected moose and caribou populations which provide food for Alaskan families.
“Several factors have led to a low wolf take this winter, so we’re going to step up our efforts to meet the annual objectives in this important program,” Lloyd said. The predator control program will be suspended on April 30th.
Department wildlife managers say a combination of conditions have made it more difficult for volunteer pilots and shooters. “Poor tracking conditions mean permittees have had a hard time locating wolves,” Wildlife Conservation Division Director Matt Robus said, “and, of course, after several successful years, there are fewer wolves to find. On top of that, expensive fuel and long periods of poor flying conditions have kept pilots on the ground through what is typically a productive time of year to take wolves.”
Commissioner Lloyd has directed Division staff to test additional efforts to increase the numbers of wolves taken in the last six weeks of this winter’s program. ADF&G will immediately institute the following management actions:
Robus cited the predator control program’s success in recent years as one reason that wolves are harder to find this winter. Since 2003, more than 600 wolves have been removed, contributing to improving trends in several ungulate populations. For example, in the McGrath area, Division biologists have observed an increase in moose density and improved calf survival since predator control was reinstated.
Robus said the Division of Wildlife Conservation will evaluate the success of these supplemental wolf control techniques this summer and fall, with an aim to continuing the success of the program as a whole. In addition, the Division will consider offering training seminars over the summer and fall to increase the ranks of pilots, spotters and shooters qualified to handle the unique challenges of predator control in bush Alaska. “The pilots and other volunteers who have helped with this program are skilled and experienced,” Robus said. “We look forward to bringing more Alaskans’ talents to bear so we can improve the effectiveness of this effort.”
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Commissioner Denby Lloyd today announced enhanced efforts to reduce wolf populations in five areas around the state. Alaska’s wolf-control program, now in its fourth consecutive year, involves volunteer pilots and shooters who track and kill predators in the winter months under special department permits. Removing wolves is one part of ADF&G’s efforts to restore and increase selected moose and caribou populations which provide food for Alaskan families.
“Several factors have led to a low wolf take this winter, so we’re going to step up our efforts to meet the annual objectives in this important program,” Lloyd said. The predator control program will be suspended on April 30th.
Department wildlife managers say a combination of conditions have made it more difficult for volunteer pilots and shooters. “Poor tracking conditions mean permittees have had a hard time locating wolves,” Wildlife Conservation Division Director Matt Robus said, “and, of course, after several successful years, there are fewer wolves to find. On top of that, expensive fuel and long periods of poor flying conditions have kept pilots on the ground through what is typically a productive time of year to take wolves.”
Commissioner Lloyd has directed Division staff to test additional efforts to increase the numbers of wolves taken in the last six weeks of this winter’s program. ADF&G will immediately institute the following management actions:
- Permit more pilots. The Department will grant permits to additional wolf control volunteers by contacting people who have applied, but haven’t yet been permitted, and solicit qualified pilots and shooters to help in areas where they are needed most.
- State incentive program. To motivate permittees to redouble their efforts and to help offset the high cost of aviation fuel, ADF&G will offer cash payments to those who return biological specimens to the department. Permittees will be paid $150 when they bring in the left forelegs of wolves taken from any of several designated control areas. “We can learn more about the wolf population age structure from these specimens,” Director Robus said, “and that information will be useful in the years to come as we modify our program to fit changing circumstances.” He explained that these cash payments are additional incentives to aerial control permittees, and are not bounties. “This program is a directed management action applied in a limited fashion in specific areas, available to properly-permitted operators, and yielding useful scientific information. In contrast, the bounties of past years were broad-scale efforts to extirpate animals across large portions of their ranges.”
- Help permittees find wolves. As conditions allow, the Department will charter flights for its biologists to spot wolves within wolf control areas. Agency spotters will then share that information with permitted volunteers, a technique proven effective in the past.
- Consider direct state control activity. Finally, and only after these other techniques have been in place for at least two weeks, ADF&G will assess their success and consider using Department staff in helicopters to track and kill wolves in limited areas where conditions warrant. “Governor Palin has asked the Department to reserve state employees and private helicopters for use as a last resort,” Commissioner Lloyd said. “But, with less than a month to go, if we find low wolf take persists in a specific area, we may deploy this last resort.” Lloyd emphasized this method would be used only in areas where it has a reasonable likelihood of success and is not logistically prohibitive.
Robus cited the predator control program’s success in recent years as one reason that wolves are harder to find this winter. Since 2003, more than 600 wolves have been removed, contributing to improving trends in several ungulate populations. For example, in the McGrath area, Division biologists have observed an increase in moose density and improved calf survival since predator control was reinstated.
Robus said the Division of Wildlife Conservation will evaluate the success of these supplemental wolf control techniques this summer and fall, with an aim to continuing the success of the program as a whole. In addition, the Division will consider offering training seminars over the summer and fall to increase the ranks of pilots, spotters and shooters qualified to handle the unique challenges of predator control in bush Alaska. “The pilots and other volunteers who have helped with this program are skilled and experienced,” Robus said. “We look forward to bringing more Alaskans’ talents to bear so we can improve the effectiveness of this effort.”
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
State to Pay Gunners Bounty on Wolves
Under a new decision, authorized gunners taking part in the aerial wolf control program will be paid a $150 bounty on kills. The effort will be evaluated in two weeks and if more wolves aren't killed State gunners will go up. Thus far only 98 of a target 382 to 664 wolves have been killed. The control season ends April 30th.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/story/8726730p-8628810c.html
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/story/8726730p-8628810c.html
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Bear Viewers Want to Push McNeil Boundaries Even Further
"While many are celebrating the recent decision by the Alaska Board of Game to not open hunting on state lands near one of the state's most popular bear-viewing spots, those who have led the fight to protect the bears say the battle is far from over," the Homer Tribune recently wrote.
The article describes how bear numbers at the McNeil falls are diminishing and some are blaming hunting....and want the closed area boundary to be placed even further out.
Read the entire story in the Homer Tribune >>>
The article describes how bear numbers at the McNeil falls are diminishing and some are blaming hunting....and want the closed area boundary to be placed even further out.
Read the entire story in the Homer Tribune >>>
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Game Board Limits Income for Nelchina Tier II Hunters
The Alaska Board of Game has capped the income for Tier II Nelchina caribou and moose hunters at $51,460 beginning with the 2007 season according to the Anchorage Daily News.
From the article: "Those new rules are part of what hunters are calling an extraordinary decision by the Board of Game Friday that dramatically changes the state's most sought-after subsistence hunt. It also marks a shift in the way the state looks at subsistence, at least in this particular hunt, hunters said.
From the article: "Those new rules are part of what hunters are calling an extraordinary decision by the Board of Game Friday that dramatically changes the state's most sought-after subsistence hunt. It also marks a shift in the way the state looks at subsistence, at least in this particular hunt, hunters said.
The rules also apply to subsistence hunting for moose in the Nelchina area.
The Game Board's decision is the first time in Alaska's history that access to a hunt has been tied directly to income, said Alaska Department of Fish and Game spokesman Bruce Bartley."
Saturday, March 10, 2007
High 20A Moose Numbers a Success Story
The large number of moose now inhabiting the Tanana Flats south of Fairbanks is a management success story recorded in this month's Alaska Wildlife News. With few moose in the area after a steep decline in the early 1970's, GMU 20A now holds approximately 16,000 moose, enough that biologists are working to reduce the population to keep it in balance with its habitat.
“We probably have the highest moose densities in the state, and it’s a success in providing hunting opportunities and harvest,” said Fairbanks wildlife biologist Don Young. “More than 1,000 moose have been harvested in 20A for the third year in a row.”
The News reported also that hunters and trappers have been successful at keeping predator numbers at a relatively low level, and this has helped keep moose numbers up.
Read the entire story in Alaska Wildlife News >>>
“We probably have the highest moose densities in the state, and it’s a success in providing hunting opportunities and harvest,” said Fairbanks wildlife biologist Don Young. “More than 1,000 moose have been harvested in 20A for the third year in a row.”
The News reported also that hunters and trappers have been successful at keeping predator numbers at a relatively low level, and this has helped keep moose numbers up.
Read the entire story in Alaska Wildlife News >>>
Friday, March 09, 2007
ADFG Wants Helicopters to Finish Wolf Control for Season
With wolf control efforts lagging far behind levels state biologists want, ADFG managers are asking Governor Palin for approval to use helicopters, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Longer days and warmer weather make March the best month for the wolf reduction project. Expensive fuel and poor winter weather conditions have hampered the efforts of volunteers. Helicopters would be much more expensive than the volunteer teams that have taken the wolves in this most recent project.
ADFG staff are awaiting a decision from the governor for the more effective, but "politically volative" decision to use helicopters, the paper reported.
The wolf control project is designed to build depressed moose and caribou populations in Interior and Southcentral Alaska.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Longer days and warmer weather make March the best month for the wolf reduction project. Expensive fuel and poor winter weather conditions have hampered the efforts of volunteers. Helicopters would be much more expensive than the volunteer teams that have taken the wolves in this most recent project.
ADFG staff are awaiting a decision from the governor for the more effective, but "politically volative" decision to use helicopters, the paper reported.
The wolf control project is designed to build depressed moose and caribou populations in Interior and Southcentral Alaska.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
McNeil Area Bear Hunt Closed
The Alaska Board of Game decided on Tuesday to not permit hunting on state lands near the famous brown bear viewing sanctuary on the west side of Cook Inlet, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
A bear hunting season scheduled to begin in the area in the fall of 2007 is now removed from the books.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
A bear hunting season scheduled to begin in the area in the fall of 2007 is now removed from the books.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Monday, March 05, 2007
Alaska Questions Polar Bear Listing
The State of Alaska questioned whether listing polar bears as a threatened species as proposed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service is wise, according to a news article in the Anchorage Daily News (ADN).
"Tina Cunning, a biologist and a special assistant to the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, questioned whether polar bears really need sea ice to survive. She said polar bears are adaptable to use land for hunting, and though their preferred food, ice seals, may be declining, bears are adapting to alternative food sources.
She also testified that a listing in the United States ultimately could harm bears in Canada because Inuit villagers would no longer have an incentive to preserve them for American hunters. An ESA listing would ban importation of polar bear trophy hides."
The Palin administration had earlier questioned the move, according to the ADN, saying "The driving force in the concern over polar bears, she said, is the decline in sea ice. Listing bears as threatened, would not cause sea water to freeze."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
"Tina Cunning, a biologist and a special assistant to the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, questioned whether polar bears really need sea ice to survive. She said polar bears are adaptable to use land for hunting, and though their preferred food, ice seals, may be declining, bears are adapting to alternative food sources.
She also testified that a listing in the United States ultimately could harm bears in Canada because Inuit villagers would no longer have an incentive to preserve them for American hunters. An ESA listing would ban importation of polar bear trophy hides."
The Palin administration had earlier questioned the move, according to the ADN, saying "The driving force in the concern over polar bears, she said, is the decline in sea ice. Listing bears as threatened, would not cause sea water to freeze."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Board of Game to Meet in Anchorage, March 2-12
From an ADFG news release >>>
The Alaska Board of Game will meet March 2-12, 2007, in Anchorage at the Coast International Inn to consider more than 200 proposals regarding hunting and trapping regulations in the Southcentral and Southwest regions, along with other topics.
Proposals have been submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, state advisory committees, and the general public seeking adjustments to hunting and trapping regulations in the Southcentral and Southwest regions, including subsistence hunting, methods and means for hunting and trapping, intensive management programs, restricted areas, and miscellaneous statewide regulations. For more detailed information on the subject matter, members of the public are encouraged to read the meeting notice which can be viewed on-line.
The board will take oral public testimony beginning Friday, March 2nd. Anyone wishing to testify before the board must sign up at the meeting site before the announced deadline. Public testimony will continue until everyone who has signed up has been given the opportunity to be heard.
The deadline to ensure written comments on proposals are included in the Board of Game members’ meeting binders was February 16. Written comments on specific proposals that are received after that date will be accepted and distributed to members during the meeting up until they begin deliberation on the proposal. Written comments can be mailed to: Alaska Board of Game, Boards Support Section, P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526, or faxed to (907) 465-6094.
Deliberations on the proposals will begin following public testimony and continue through the remainder of the meeting. Copies of the proposals, the agenda, and the “roadmap” can be viewed online.
The Alaska Board of Game will meet March 2-12, 2007, in Anchorage at the Coast International Inn to consider more than 200 proposals regarding hunting and trapping regulations in the Southcentral and Southwest regions, along with other topics.
Proposals have been submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, state advisory committees, and the general public seeking adjustments to hunting and trapping regulations in the Southcentral and Southwest regions, including subsistence hunting, methods and means for hunting and trapping, intensive management programs, restricted areas, and miscellaneous statewide regulations. For more detailed information on the subject matter, members of the public are encouraged to read the meeting notice which can be viewed on-line.
The board will take oral public testimony beginning Friday, March 2nd. Anyone wishing to testify before the board must sign up at the meeting site before the announced deadline. Public testimony will continue until everyone who has signed up has been given the opportunity to be heard.
The deadline to ensure written comments on proposals are included in the Board of Game members’ meeting binders was February 16. Written comments on specific proposals that are received after that date will be accepted and distributed to members during the meeting up until they begin deliberation on the proposal. Written comments can be mailed to: Alaska Board of Game, Boards Support Section, P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526, or faxed to (907) 465-6094.
Deliberations on the proposals will begin following public testimony and continue through the remainder of the meeting. Copies of the proposals, the agenda, and the “roadmap” can be viewed online.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Homer Seeks Legislative Remedy on McNeil Bear Hunting Area
Homer, Alaska is seeking a legislative change to the boundaries of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary as a means of limiting the area in which brown bears may be hunted around the famed bear viewing area. The Anchorage Daily News reports that Representative Paul Seaton (R-Homer) has introduced legislation to expand the sanctuary, and thus eliminate the possibility of restoring a currently closed area nearby to hunting status.
"Seaton said the bill is in response to constituents in his district asking him to prevent the game board from allowing the McNeil River bears to be hunted, especially when numbers gathering at the McNeil Falls to fish for salmon have declined in recent years. The game board's 2005 decision takes effect July 1, clearing the way for an October hunt. The board is expected to reconsider the issue at a meeting in March in Anchorage."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
"Seaton said the bill is in response to constituents in his district asking him to prevent the game board from allowing the McNeil River bears to be hunted, especially when numbers gathering at the McNeil Falls to fish for salmon have declined in recent years. The game board's 2005 decision takes effect July 1, clearing the way for an October hunt. The board is expected to reconsider the issue at a meeting in March in Anchorage."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Monday, February 12, 2007
McNeil River Area Bear Hunting Issue Heats Up Again
Where to draw the no-hunting boundary lines around the McNeil River brown bear viewing area are an issue again.
The Alaska Board of Game reduced the size of the no-hunting zone in a previous cycle, but delayed the actual opening for one more board meeting cycle to allow additional discussion on the subject.
The Anchorage Daily News printed an Associated Press article on the subject today. AP writer Mary Pemberton wrote the following, which summarizes the issue:
"If nothing changes, state lands used by the bears near the 114,400-acre sanctuary in Southwest Alaska will be open to hunting as of July 1, clearing the way for a fall hunt.
Opponents say it's not sporting to hunt the McNeil River bears, which are accustomed to humans and routinely come to within 10 or 15 feet of small groups of bear viewers allowed into the sanctuary each summer. Supporters say the bears are fair game when they wander outside the sanctuary."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The Alaska Board of Game reduced the size of the no-hunting zone in a previous cycle, but delayed the actual opening for one more board meeting cycle to allow additional discussion on the subject.
The Anchorage Daily News printed an Associated Press article on the subject today. AP writer Mary Pemberton wrote the following, which summarizes the issue:
"If nothing changes, state lands used by the bears near the 114,400-acre sanctuary in Southwest Alaska will be open to hunting as of July 1, clearing the way for a fall hunt.
Opponents say it's not sporting to hunt the McNeil River bears, which are accustomed to humans and routinely come to within 10 or 15 feet of small groups of bear viewers allowed into the sanctuary each summer. Supporters say the bears are fair game when they wander outside the sanctuary."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Hunters "Lucky to be Alive"
Two moose moose hunters last season shot a charging grizzly bear with a .44 magnum pistol near Dillingham as they returned from their riverboat to start packing moosemeat.
"In the blink of an eye, they found themselves in the center of a chaotic reality that seemed more like some crazy dream. There was the dead moose they had shot on the ground, a grizzly bear that wanted the moose almost on top of them, and only a .44-caliber Magnum handgun with which to defend themselves," wrote Anchorage Daily News writer Craig Medred in the 11 February paper.
"In the blink of an eye, they found themselves in the center of a chaotic reality that seemed more like some crazy dream. There was the dead moose they had shot on the ground, a grizzly bear that wanted the moose almost on top of them, and only a .44-caliber Magnum handgun with which to defend themselves," wrote Anchorage Daily News writer Craig Medred in the 11 February paper.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
ADFG Supports Status Quo Around McNeil
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will not support additional restrictions in hunting regulations in the vicinity of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, according to an agency supervisor, but will support proposals reversing the Alaska Board of Game's recent opening of the Douglas River area.
"We are proud of our sound history of providing outstanding opportunities for all users through our existing management strategies and plan to support few, if any, changes to the management strategies and regulations we have employed over the past decades," wrote Division of Wildlife Conservation Southcentral Region Supervisor Grant Hildebrand in an ADFG publication.
Read the entire editorial in the February issue of Alaska Wildlife News >>>.
"We are proud of our sound history of providing outstanding opportunities for all users through our existing management strategies and plan to support few, if any, changes to the management strategies and regulations we have employed over the past decades," wrote Division of Wildlife Conservation Southcentral Region Supervisor Grant Hildebrand in an ADFG publication.
Read the entire editorial in the February issue of Alaska Wildlife News >>>.
Fed Subsistence Board Refuses Reconsideration on Bear Claw Sales
From an ADFG News Release
The Federal Subsistence Board recently denied a Request for Reconsideration (RFR) submitted by the State of Alaska, through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), asking the Federal Board to reconsider its decision that allows commercial sale of bear parts including claws, skulls, teeth and bones taken under federal subsistence regulations. Federal regulations allow the sale of handicrafts made from bear parts on the Internet and in curio shops.
In May 2006, the Federal Board refused the State’s request to limit sales, but did adopt an unenforceable prohibition against sales of handicrafts that are “significant commercial enterprises.” In August 2006, the State filed an RFR challenging the Board’s May 2006 decision. This request was recently denied.
“It is important to allow customary and traditional use and exchange of handicrafts made from bear parts,” said ADF&G Commissioner Denby S. Lloyd. “However, the Federal Board went too far in creating a new market for bear parts that will mask illegal sales and provide incentive for more harvest. The State wants the Federal Board to minimize commercial sale of handicraft made from bears before, not after, it jeopardizes bear populations.”
The Federal Board’s refusal to limit commercial sale creates problems for management biologists and enforcement officers because purchase of claws, teeth, skulls, and bones is prohibited under State law. The State argues that federal regulations violate sound management and create problems under the Endangered Species Act. Unrestricted sales may contribute to illegal harvest, overharvest, and waste of bears in Alaska, and in other states and countries, in the same manner that legal sales of elephant ivory contribute to the illegal harvest of elephants.
The State manages bear populations for sustained yield and provides subsistence use of bears throughout Alaska, including on federal lands. The State allows bear parts to be used in handicrafts that are not sold, but only allows the sale of bear fur in handicrafts and, in limited circumstances, allows intact bear hides to be sold under a permit. State authorized sales do not raise conservation concerns because the fur products are not extremely valuable and because intact hides can be tracked under a sealing and transfer permit system. Federal regulations authorize sales of extremely valuable bear parts without implementing a tracking system.
The State has also submitted a proposal for consideration at the Federal Board’s April 30-May 2, 2007, meeting to revise the definition of “skin, hide, pelt, or fur” to exclude claws in federal regulation and to limit the sale of handicraft articles made from allowable bear parts among federally-qualified subsistence users.
To learn more about this issue and view the State’s RFR recently denied by the Federal Board, visit the Subsistence Division Website page on this subject.
The Federal Subsistence Board recently denied a Request for Reconsideration (RFR) submitted by the State of Alaska, through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), asking the Federal Board to reconsider its decision that allows commercial sale of bear parts including claws, skulls, teeth and bones taken under federal subsistence regulations. Federal regulations allow the sale of handicrafts made from bear parts on the Internet and in curio shops.
In May 2006, the Federal Board refused the State’s request to limit sales, but did adopt an unenforceable prohibition against sales of handicrafts that are “significant commercial enterprises.” In August 2006, the State filed an RFR challenging the Board’s May 2006 decision. This request was recently denied.
“It is important to allow customary and traditional use and exchange of handicrafts made from bear parts,” said ADF&G Commissioner Denby S. Lloyd. “However, the Federal Board went too far in creating a new market for bear parts that will mask illegal sales and provide incentive for more harvest. The State wants the Federal Board to minimize commercial sale of handicraft made from bears before, not after, it jeopardizes bear populations.”
The Federal Board’s refusal to limit commercial sale creates problems for management biologists and enforcement officers because purchase of claws, teeth, skulls, and bones is prohibited under State law. The State argues that federal regulations violate sound management and create problems under the Endangered Species Act. Unrestricted sales may contribute to illegal harvest, overharvest, and waste of bears in Alaska, and in other states and countries, in the same manner that legal sales of elephant ivory contribute to the illegal harvest of elephants.
The State manages bear populations for sustained yield and provides subsistence use of bears throughout Alaska, including on federal lands. The State allows bear parts to be used in handicrafts that are not sold, but only allows the sale of bear fur in handicrafts and, in limited circumstances, allows intact bear hides to be sold under a permit. State authorized sales do not raise conservation concerns because the fur products are not extremely valuable and because intact hides can be tracked under a sealing and transfer permit system. Federal regulations authorize sales of extremely valuable bear parts without implementing a tracking system.
The State has also submitted a proposal for consideration at the Federal Board’s April 30-May 2, 2007, meeting to revise the definition of “skin, hide, pelt, or fur” to exclude claws in federal regulation and to limit the sale of handicraft articles made from allowable bear parts among federally-qualified subsistence users.
To learn more about this issue and view the State’s RFR recently denied by the Federal Board, visit the Subsistence Division Website page on this subject.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
GMU13 Tier II Caribou Season to Close
The State GMU 13 Tier II caribou hunt closes at the end of the day February 4, according to a news release from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The harvest objective of 2000 bulls and 1000 cows is expected to be reached by the time of the closure.
According to the news release, the Nelchina herd has increased to the target range of 35,000 - 40,000 caribou since wolf control was implemented in the area.
Read the entire ADFG news release (PDF) >>>
According to the news release, the Nelchina herd has increased to the target range of 35,000 - 40,000 caribou since wolf control was implemented in the area.
Read the entire ADFG news release (PDF) >>>
Judge Refuses to Halt Wolf Control Program
An Alaska Superior Court judge has refused to halt the State's wolf control program, saying that there was no showing of immediate harm. The request came as part of yet another lawsuit by Defenders of Wildlife, The Alaska Wildlife Alliance and the Alaska chapter of the Sierra Club.
The judge ruled that wolf packs can regenerate, but if the State's plans were halted, harm would be done to the project.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The judge ruled that wolf packs can regenerate, but if the State's plans were halted, harm would be done to the project.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Monday, January 29, 2007
Aerial Wolf Shooting Ban to be on 2008 Ballot
In the here we go again department, initiative petition sponsors have collected enough signatures to put yet another aerial wolf shooting ban ballot measure before voters in the August 2008 elections, according to the Anchorage Daily News:
"According to co-sponsor Joel Bennett of Juneau, a former member of the Board of Game, the initiative is basically the same one Alaska voters passed twice before in 1996 and 2000 banning land-and-shoot hunting of wolves.
Both times, the Alaska Legislature gave the game board authority to develop the programs after the two-year initiatives had expired."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
"According to co-sponsor Joel Bennett of Juneau, a former member of the Board of Game, the initiative is basically the same one Alaska voters passed twice before in 1996 and 2000 banning land-and-shoot hunting of wolves.
Both times, the Alaska Legislature gave the game board authority to develop the programs after the two-year initiatives had expired."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Thursday, January 25, 2007
State Must Pay Friends of Animals Legal Fees
In a bizarre decision, an Anchorage superior court judge has decided that the state of Alaska must pay $95,000 in attorney fees for a recent Friends of Animals wolf control lawsuit.
The Anchorage Daily News reported "The state must pay $95,000 in attorney fees to Connecticut-based Friends of Animals, according to a decision by Anchorage Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason last week. Friends of Animals was entitled to a full reimbursement because it had no financial incentives in filing the suit, said Kevin Saxby with the Department of Law."
In case your playbook on this is missing, this is for the 2003 lawsuit filed by FOA. One wonders if the missing financial incentives could be located by a casual look at FOA's promotional materials.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The Anchorage Daily News reported "The state must pay $95,000 in attorney fees to Connecticut-based Friends of Animals, according to a decision by Anchorage Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason last week. Friends of Animals was entitled to a full reimbursement because it had no financial incentives in filing the suit, said Kevin Saxby with the Department of Law."
In case your playbook on this is missing, this is for the 2003 lawsuit filed by FOA. One wonders if the missing financial incentives could be located by a casual look at FOA's promotional materials.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Answers for Poor GMU 16B Moose Survival Emerging
Alaska Department of Fish and Game studies are confirming earlier suspicions that predator numbers are limiting moose numbers in Game Management Unit 16B north of Anchorage.
Alaska Wildlife News put it this way: "Following the fate of all the calves born to radiocollared mothers is providing some answers. Studies so far indicate very few calves are surviving their first year in Unit 16B, most likely because they are being killed by bears and wolves.
Fewer than 10 percent of the calves are surviving to five months old, Crouse said. There are a lot of calves being born. They're just not surviving very long.
Recruitment is barely keeping up with the death rate of older animals, he noted. "“The low density population appears to be due to predation, Kavalok concluded. Habitat is not limiting at all in the area. Everything is pointing towards predators."
Read the entire story >>>
Alaska Wildlife News put it this way: "Following the fate of all the calves born to radiocollared mothers is providing some answers. Studies so far indicate very few calves are surviving their first year in Unit 16B, most likely because they are being killed by bears and wolves.
Fewer than 10 percent of the calves are surviving to five months old, Crouse said. There are a lot of calves being born. They're just not surviving very long.
Recruitment is barely keeping up with the death rate of older animals, he noted. "“The low density population appears to be due to predation, Kavalok concluded. Habitat is not limiting at all in the area. Everything is pointing towards predators."
Read the entire story >>>
Alaska 2007 Wolf Control Starts Slow
Alaska's wolf management program designed to boost prey numbers in various parts of the state has started slowly, but ADF&G officials report that most wolves are taken in late winter, so consider the pace about right.
Wolves are being taken by air or land and shoot to reduce wolf populations in five areas of Southcentral Alaska. State wildlife managers use selective wolf reduction programs to reduce the pressure on depressed prey populations to provide benefits for Alaskans.
Read Wolf control starting slow in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Wolves are being taken by air or land and shoot to reduce wolf populations in five areas of Southcentral Alaska. State wildlife managers use selective wolf reduction programs to reduce the pressure on depressed prey populations to provide benefits for Alaskans.
Read Wolf control starting slow in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Proposals for Hunting Regulation Changes Available
Proposals for changes to the 2007/2008 Alaska Hunting Regulations to be considered at the Board of Game's March 2007 meeting are now available online from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
View the proposals (PDF file) >>>
View the proposals (PDF file) >>>
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Supreme Court Rejects Subsistence Lawsuit
The United States Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit that claimed the federal government has favored rural residents of Alaska in an unconstitutional manner. The Anchorage Daily News reported, "The lawsuit was brought by a group of urban Alaska residents and several non-Alaska hunters and fishermen who objected to federal regulations stemming from the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The group lost in federal district and appeals courts and the Supreme Court rejected the appeal on Monday without comment."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Friday, January 12, 2007
Idaho Also Wants to Manage Wolves
Alaska's state and federal governments have suppressed wolf populations in certain areas of the state for decades to improve prey species survival rates and benefits for hunters and the economy. The programs have been controversial since the 1970's, but have continued in fits and starts depending on Alaska's governors and their willingness to take the political heat.
Now, a northern tier US state with a recently burgeoning wolf population wants to do the same. Idaho's governor has announced plans to remove up to 550 wolves from the state, as soon as the wolf is delisted as an endangered species.
The Associated Press wrote the following (as reported in SignOnSanDiego.com) "Idaho's governor said Thursday he will support public hunts to kill all but 100 of the state's gray wolves after the federal government strips them of protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Now, a northern tier US state with a recently burgeoning wolf population wants to do the same. Idaho's governor has announced plans to remove up to 550 wolves from the state, as soon as the wolf is delisted as an endangered species.
The Associated Press wrote the following (as reported in SignOnSanDiego.com) "Idaho's governor said Thursday he will support public hunts to kill all but 100 of the state's gray wolves after the federal government strips them of protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter told The Associated Press that he wants hunters to kill about 550 gray wolves. That would leave about 100 wolves, or 10 packs, according to a population estimate by state wildlife officials."
Read the entire story >>>Monday, December 18, 2006
Anchorage Area Bear Baiting Clinics Scheduled
From ADFG Staff
Black bear baiting clinics available in Anchorage are as follows:
Feb. 7th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
Feb. 28th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
March 17th 9am-noon Capt. Cook Hotel
March 19th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
April 11th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
All classes are free and once you've been certified it's good for life. Call 267-2344 or 267-2137 to register. For info on Palmer and Valley classes call ADF&G in Palmer at 746-6321.
Classes fill up fast, so be sure to register early.
Black bear baiting clinics available in Anchorage are as follows:
Feb. 7th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
Feb. 28th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
March 17th 9am-noon Capt. Cook Hotel
March 19th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
April 11th 6:30-9pm Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
All classes are free and once you've been certified it's good for life. Call 267-2344 or 267-2137 to register. For info on Palmer and Valley classes call ADF&G in Palmer at 746-6321.
Classes fill up fast, so be sure to register early.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Late March
From an ADFG News Release
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will host a “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop on March 24, 25 and 26, 2006, at Victory Bible Camp near Palmer.
“Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” is an international program designed to introduce people to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Over 40 hands-on sessions are scheduled, including firearm safety, bear safety, bow hunting, trapping, field dressing of fish and game, ice fishing, salmon fishing, fly tying, dog mushing, snow machining, chain saw safety, canning and smoking, and winter camping. All sessions are taught at the beginner level and no prior experience is necessary.
The fee is $200 for applications postmarked by February 10, and $225 after February 10, check or money order only. The fee includes meals and lodging as well as instruction, program materials, and use of demonstration equipment.
Registration is required. Registration forms and more information are posted on the ADFG website, or can be obtained by contacting Tracy Smith in Anchorage at 267-2896 or Kirk Lingofelt in Anchorage at 267-2534, or Patti Berkhahn in Soldotna at 260-2943.
Mail registrations to ADF&G, attention Tracy Smith, Division of Sport Fish, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. Registrations cannot be accepted over the phone or by fax.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will host a “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop on March 24, 25 and 26, 2006, at Victory Bible Camp near Palmer.
“Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” is an international program designed to introduce people to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Over 40 hands-on sessions are scheduled, including firearm safety, bear safety, bow hunting, trapping, field dressing of fish and game, ice fishing, salmon fishing, fly tying, dog mushing, snow machining, chain saw safety, canning and smoking, and winter camping. All sessions are taught at the beginner level and no prior experience is necessary.
The fee is $200 for applications postmarked by February 10, and $225 after February 10, check or money order only. The fee includes meals and lodging as well as instruction, program materials, and use of demonstration equipment.
Registration is required. Registration forms and more information are posted on the ADFG website, or can be obtained by contacting Tracy Smith in Anchorage at 267-2896 or Kirk Lingofelt in Anchorage at 267-2534, or Patti Berkhahn in Soldotna at 260-2943.
Mail registrations to ADF&G, attention Tracy Smith, Division of Sport Fish, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. Registrations cannot be accepted over the phone or by fax.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Kodiak to Keep Federal Rural Subsistence
The Federal Subsistence Board ruled yesterday that Kodiak will keep its rural designation. This allows Kodiak residents the right to continue hunting and fishing with a subsistence priority on federal public lands. A huge portion of the Kodiak archipelago is federal.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reported on the story:
In a unanimous decision, the Federal Subsistence Board ruled this morning that Kodiak city and the surrounding road system will maintain rural status for subsistence hunting and fishing purposes.
The decision means the subsistence rights of the roughly 13,000 people who live on the road system will be protected by the federal government.
The subsistence board met over two days, Tuesday and today, at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage.
“Every board member spoke (during deliberations this morning) and they all concluded that Kodiak should remain rural,” board spokeswoman Maureen Clark said.
Gary Edwards, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative on the board, said during deliberations that Kodiak, given its economy, might be more rural today than it was 15 years ago when the board made its initial determination.
Read the entire article >>>
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reported on the story:
In a unanimous decision, the Federal Subsistence Board ruled this morning that Kodiak city and the surrounding road system will maintain rural status for subsistence hunting and fishing purposes.
The decision means the subsistence rights of the roughly 13,000 people who live on the road system will be protected by the federal government.
The subsistence board met over two days, Tuesday and today, at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage.
“Every board member spoke (during deliberations this morning) and they all concluded that Kodiak should remain rural,” board spokeswoman Maureen Clark said.
Gary Edwards, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative on the board, said during deliberations that Kodiak, given its economy, might be more rural today than it was 15 years ago when the board made its initial determination.
Read the entire article >>>
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Remainder of 40-Mile Winter Caribou Hunt Closes Dec 14
The last remaining open portion of winter caribou hunt RC867 closes at the end of the day on December 14, 2006, according to an Alaska Department of Fish and Game Emergency Order.
From the EO: "In March 2006, the Alaska Board of Game endorsed the Fortymile Caribou Herd Harvest Plan (harvest plan) as a means of guiding harvest of the herd from 2006 through 2012. The annual harvest quota is allocated seasonally: 75% to the fall hunt and 25%, plus any surplus from the fall quota, to the winter hunt. This winter’s quota is 372 caribou. The harvest plan also calls for a cow harvest of no more than 25%, or 164 cows. Caribou have been consistently available to hunters in areas accessible from the Taylor and Steese Highways since the beginning of the season on December 1, 2006. The winter harvest is now at 332 caribou and is expected to approach allowed quota. In addition, 170 cows have been taken and no further harvest is warranted."
Read the entire Emergency Order >>>
From the EO: "In March 2006, the Alaska Board of Game endorsed the Fortymile Caribou Herd Harvest Plan (harvest plan) as a means of guiding harvest of the herd from 2006 through 2012. The annual harvest quota is allocated seasonally: 75% to the fall hunt and 25%, plus any surplus from the fall quota, to the winter hunt. This winter’s quota is 372 caribou. The harvest plan also calls for a cow harvest of no more than 25%, or 164 cows. Caribou have been consistently available to hunters in areas accessible from the Taylor and Steese Highways since the beginning of the season on December 1, 2006. The winter harvest is now at 332 caribou and is expected to approach allowed quota. In addition, 170 cows have been taken and no further harvest is warranted."
Read the entire Emergency Order >>>
Tough Autumn for SE Alaska Deer
A recent story by an ADFG writer in the Juneau Empire details the tough winter being faced by SE Alaska deer. From the article:
Neil Barten, the Fish and Game area biologist for much of northern Southeast Alaska, noted that our region has experienced a series of fairly mild winters during the past five to 10 years.
Those favorable conditions have led to high deer densities, and many people came to expect that these high densities could persist indefinitely.
"Deer populations are subject to limiting factors in their environment, and here in Southeast Alaska, winter severity is the greatest limiting factor in deer survival," Barten said.
"During heavy snow winters such as this one, the carrying capacity of their habitat is only a fraction of that of a mild winter."
Read the entire story >>> (registration required)
Neil Barten, the Fish and Game area biologist for much of northern Southeast Alaska, noted that our region has experienced a series of fairly mild winters during the past five to 10 years.
Those favorable conditions have led to high deer densities, and many people came to expect that these high densities could persist indefinitely.
"Deer populations are subject to limiting factors in their environment, and here in Southeast Alaska, winter severity is the greatest limiting factor in deer survival," Barten said.
"During heavy snow winters such as this one, the carrying capacity of their habitat is only a fraction of that of a mild winter."
Read the entire story >>> (registration required)
Friday, December 08, 2006
Steese / CHS Road Closed for Winter 40Mile Caribou Hunt
The State of Alaska has closed the winter hunting season effective December 9, 2006 for the Fortymile Caribou Herd hunt RC867 in areas accessible from the Steese Highway and Chena Hot Springs Road and in the roadless areas of GMUs 20D and 20E. The winter Fortymile caribou hunt encompasses Unit 20E and portions of Units 20B, 20D, and 25C. An earlier emergency order closed the southern portion of Unit 20E on December 1. The remainder of the RC867 hunt area in northern Unit 20E is not affected by this emergency order.
According to the Emergency Order, the Alaska Board of Game endorsed the Fortymile Caribou Herd Harvest Plan (Harvest Plan) as a means of guiding harvest of the herd from 2006 through 2012. The annual harvest quota is allocated seasonally: 75% to the fall hunt and 25%, plus any surplus from the fall quota, to the winter hunt. This winter’s quota is 372 caribou. Each year the winter quota is divided between the 2 road accessible portions of the hunt area, the Steese Highway–Chena Hot Springs area and the Taylor Highway area. The quota of 223 caribou for the Steese Highway–Chena Hot Springs and roadless area is expected to be met on December 9, 2006, and no further harvest is warranted in these units. The hunt was closed in the southern portion of Unit 20E on December 1 to prevent overharvest of Nelchina caribou that moved into that area. The RC867 caribou season is scheduled to remain open in northeastern Unit 20E until February 28, 2007, but will be closed sooner if the remaining harvest quota is reached.
According to the Emergency Order, the Alaska Board of Game endorsed the Fortymile Caribou Herd Harvest Plan (Harvest Plan) as a means of guiding harvest of the herd from 2006 through 2012. The annual harvest quota is allocated seasonally: 75% to the fall hunt and 25%, plus any surplus from the fall quota, to the winter hunt. This winter’s quota is 372 caribou. Each year the winter quota is divided between the 2 road accessible portions of the hunt area, the Steese Highway–Chena Hot Springs area and the Taylor Highway area. The quota of 223 caribou for the Steese Highway–Chena Hot Springs and roadless area is expected to be met on December 9, 2006, and no further harvest is warranted in these units. The hunt was closed in the southern portion of Unit 20E on December 1 to prevent overharvest of Nelchina caribou that moved into that area. The RC867 caribou season is scheduled to remain open in northeastern Unit 20E until February 28, 2007, but will be closed sooner if the remaining harvest quota is reached.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Federal Subsistence Board to Consider Proposed Changes to Rural/Nonrural Status Dec. 12-13
From a USFS News Release:
The Federal Subsistence Board will hold a public meeting Dec. 12-13 at the Egan Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage to consider a proposed rule that would change the rural/nonrural status of several Alaska communities and areas. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for public comment during the meeting.
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act requires that rural Alaskans be given a priority for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands. Only residents of rural communities and areas are eligible for this subsistence priority. The Board initially determined which Alaska communities were rural when the Federal Subsistence Management Program began in 1990. Federal subsistence regulations require that rural/nonrural status be reviewed every 10 years, beginning with the availability of the 2000 census data. An initial staff review, completed in July 2005, recommended that the rural/nonrural status of most Alaska communities should remain unchanged for the proposed rule. However, under the proposed rule:
The Ketchikan Area is proposed to be expanded to include all areas on the road system connected to the City of Ketchikan (except Saxman, population 405 in 2005), as well as Pennock Island and an expanded portion of Gravina Island. No change is proposed in the nonrural status of the Ketchikan Area. Saxman would remain separate and rural. The population of the Ketchikan Area so identified, excluding Saxman, was an estimated 12,720 people in 2005, and the proposed rule notes that community characteristics indicate nonrural status.
Adak is proposed for change in status from nonrural to rural. Adak, a remote community in the Aleutian Islands, has undergone a substantial decrease in population (from more than 4,600 people in 1990 to less than 200 in 2005) which warrants a change in status.
Prudhoe Bay is proposed for change in status from rural to nonrural. Prudhoe Bay is an industrial enclave built for the sole purpose of extracting oil, currently with no permanent residents and none of the characteristics typical of a rural community.
Point MacKenzie is proposed to be grouped with the nonrural Wasilla/Palmer Area, and to thereby change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that Point MacKenzie is economically, socially and communally integrated with the Wasilla/Palmer Area.
Fritz Creek East (not including Voznesenka) and the North Fork Road area are proposed to be grouped with the nonrural Homer Area, and to thereby change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Homer Area.
Sterling is proposed to be fully included in the nonrural Kenai Area. Sterling has been part of the nonrural Kenai Area since 1990. However, for the 2000 census the Sterling census designated place was expanded, such that a significant portion now extends beyond the current boundary of the Kenai Area. This expanded portion would change in status from rural to nonrural with inclusion as proposed.
The Kodiak Area, including the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women's Bay and Bells Flats, is proposed for change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that these places are economically, socially and communally integrated to an extent that warrants grouping. The population of this area is approximately 12,000 people, and the proposed rule notes that community characteristics indicate nonrural status. (Places excluded from the grouping, which would thereby remain rural in status, are Chiniak, Pasagshak, Anton Larsen, Kalsin Bay and Middle Bay, and villages and communities on the Kodiak Archipelago not connected by road to the City of Kodiak.)
Meeting materials, including the agenda, the proposed rule, the analysis used by the Board to develop the proposed rule, and the summary of Council recommendations and public comments can be found under the Federal Subsistence Board "Meeting Materials" section of the Federal Subsistence Management Program website at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/home.html.
For additional information, please contact Maureen Clark or Larry Buklis with the Federal Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3888.
The Federal Subsistence Board will hold a public meeting Dec. 12-13 at the Egan Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage to consider a proposed rule that would change the rural/nonrural status of several Alaska communities and areas. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for public comment during the meeting.
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act requires that rural Alaskans be given a priority for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands. Only residents of rural communities and areas are eligible for this subsistence priority. The Board initially determined which Alaska communities were rural when the Federal Subsistence Management Program began in 1990. Federal subsistence regulations require that rural/nonrural status be reviewed every 10 years, beginning with the availability of the 2000 census data. An initial staff review, completed in July 2005, recommended that the rural/nonrural status of most Alaska communities should remain unchanged for the proposed rule. However, under the proposed rule:
The Ketchikan Area is proposed to be expanded to include all areas on the road system connected to the City of Ketchikan (except Saxman, population 405 in 2005), as well as Pennock Island and an expanded portion of Gravina Island. No change is proposed in the nonrural status of the Ketchikan Area. Saxman would remain separate and rural. The population of the Ketchikan Area so identified, excluding Saxman, was an estimated 12,720 people in 2005, and the proposed rule notes that community characteristics indicate nonrural status.
Adak is proposed for change in status from nonrural to rural. Adak, a remote community in the Aleutian Islands, has undergone a substantial decrease in population (from more than 4,600 people in 1990 to less than 200 in 2005) which warrants a change in status.
Prudhoe Bay is proposed for change in status from rural to nonrural. Prudhoe Bay is an industrial enclave built for the sole purpose of extracting oil, currently with no permanent residents and none of the characteristics typical of a rural community.
Point MacKenzie is proposed to be grouped with the nonrural Wasilla/Palmer Area, and to thereby change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that Point MacKenzie is economically, socially and communally integrated with the Wasilla/Palmer Area.
Fritz Creek East (not including Voznesenka) and the North Fork Road area are proposed to be grouped with the nonrural Homer Area, and to thereby change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Homer Area.
Sterling is proposed to be fully included in the nonrural Kenai Area. Sterling has been part of the nonrural Kenai Area since 1990. However, for the 2000 census the Sterling census designated place was expanded, such that a significant portion now extends beyond the current boundary of the Kenai Area. This expanded portion would change in status from rural to nonrural with inclusion as proposed.
The Kodiak Area, including the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women's Bay and Bells Flats, is proposed for change in status from rural to nonrural. Available information indicates that these places are economically, socially and communally integrated to an extent that warrants grouping. The population of this area is approximately 12,000 people, and the proposed rule notes that community characteristics indicate nonrural status. (Places excluded from the grouping, which would thereby remain rural in status, are Chiniak, Pasagshak, Anton Larsen, Kalsin Bay and Middle Bay, and villages and communities on the Kodiak Archipelago not connected by road to the City of Kodiak.)
Meeting materials, including the agenda, the proposed rule, the analysis used by the Board to develop the proposed rule, and the summary of Council recommendations and public comments can be found under the Federal Subsistence Board "Meeting Materials" section of the Federal Subsistence Management Program website at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/home.html.
For additional information, please contact Maureen Clark or Larry Buklis with the Federal Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3888.
Tongass & Chugach Forest Based Guides May Face Higher Fees
The US Forest Service is proposing to collect significantly higher fees from guides who bring hunters (and tourists) to the Chugach and Tongass National Forests in Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News reports.
Big game guides' fees would more than double under the proposal, which would take effect in 2008.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Big game guides' fees would more than double under the proposal, which would take effect in 2008.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Monday, November 27, 2006
Part of 40-Mile Caribou Hunt Closes Nov 30
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing a portion of the winter hunting season by registration permit RC867 for Fortymile caribou in Unit 20E at the end of the last day of November. The portion closed is that part south of an east-west line that passes through milepost 60 of the Taylor Highway (64°00’01’’ North latitude).
According to an ADFG Emergency Order, large numbers of Nelchina Herd caribou are present in the southern portion of Unit 20E and therefore are at risk of being harvested under registration permit RC867, which is intended for Fortymile Herd caribou. No harvest of Nelchina caribou is allocated to Unit 20E, and take of Nelchina caribou in other units during state and federal hunting seasons is expected to meet the harvest objective of 2,000 bulls and 1,000 cows.
Minimal reduction in opportunity to harvest Fortymile caribou in Unit 20E is expected from this closure. Less than 5% of the Fortymile herd is in the portion of Unit 20E where the season is being closed.
From an ADFG Emergency Order dated 27 November 2006
According to an ADFG Emergency Order, large numbers of Nelchina Herd caribou are present in the southern portion of Unit 20E and therefore are at risk of being harvested under registration permit RC867, which is intended for Fortymile Herd caribou. No harvest of Nelchina caribou is allocated to Unit 20E, and take of Nelchina caribou in other units during state and federal hunting seasons is expected to meet the harvest objective of 2,000 bulls and 1,000 cows.
Minimal reduction in opportunity to harvest Fortymile caribou in Unit 20E is expected from this closure. Less than 5% of the Fortymile herd is in the portion of Unit 20E where the season is being closed.
From an ADFG Emergency Order dated 27 November 2006
Deployed Soldiers Get Permit Break
Soldiers winning Alaska big game hunting permits that would be used during their deployment have been given an opportunity to use them later, thanks to a ruling earlier this month by the Alaska Board of Game.
The Anchorage Daily News reported it this way: "The board, meeting in Wrangell earlier this month, created an exemption for Alaska soldiers who won drawing permits but had deployed to the Middle East before using them. Instead of losing the permit, soldiers serving in combat zones can hunt with it after returning to Alaska.
The Game Board also agreed to let deployed soldiers transfer subsistence hunting permits to alternate hunters back home in Alaska. Those hunters can use the Tier II permit to provide meat for hunters' families, said board member Cliff Judkins."
Read the entire story >>>
The Anchorage Daily News reported it this way: "The board, meeting in Wrangell earlier this month, created an exemption for Alaska soldiers who won drawing permits but had deployed to the Middle East before using them. Instead of losing the permit, soldiers serving in combat zones can hunt with it after returning to Alaska.
The Game Board also agreed to let deployed soldiers transfer subsistence hunting permits to alternate hunters back home in Alaska. Those hunters can use the Tier II permit to provide meat for hunters' families, said board member Cliff Judkins."
Read the entire story >>>
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Nunatak Bench Moose Hunt Closed
ADFG recently announced a closure of the Nunatak Bench moose hunt (RM059) in a portion of GMU 5A near Yakutat. An aerial survey revealed very low moose numbers. Any hunting would be detrimental to the population, according to an ADFG news release.
This closure does not affect other GMU 5 moose hunts, including RM061 and RM062.
Read the ADFG News Release >>>
This closure does not affect other GMU 5 moose hunts, including RM061 and RM062.
Read the ADFG News Release >>>
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Game Board Acts on SE Alaska Wildlife Proposals, Supports Soldiers
The Alaska Board of Game rejected a proposal by the Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee to lengthen the wolf season in a portion of northern SE Alaska. The Anchorage Daily News reports:
"The board, meeting this week in Wrangell, did not decide on a separate measure that would have allowed wolf hunters to fly and shoot on the same day because the proposal was withdrawn. The practice remains illegal in Southeast and is allowed only in certain areas of the state.
The Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee, citing concerns that wolves in the Chilkat Valley were thinning the moose population, had proposed the measures. The committee's chairman, Gary Hess, said the proposal to lengthen the season was meant to apply only to wolves in the Chilkat Valley."
The board also rejected proposals to open Swan Island and Swan Cove on Admiralty Island to brown bear hunting.
The Board did unanimously pass a proposal design to support military personnel overseas, the ADN reported: "Hunters in Alaska can now use a soldier's subsistence hunting permit and ship that meat to the soldier."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
"The board, meeting this week in Wrangell, did not decide on a separate measure that would have allowed wolf hunters to fly and shoot on the same day because the proposal was withdrawn. The practice remains illegal in Southeast and is allowed only in certain areas of the state.
The Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee, citing concerns that wolves in the Chilkat Valley were thinning the moose population, had proposed the measures. The committee's chairman, Gary Hess, said the proposal to lengthen the season was meant to apply only to wolves in the Chilkat Valley."
The board also rejected proposals to open Swan Island and Swan Cove on Admiralty Island to brown bear hunting.
The Board did unanimously pass a proposal design to support military personnel overseas, the ADN reported: "Hunters in Alaska can now use a soldier's subsistence hunting permit and ship that meat to the soldier."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Game Board Acts on SE Alaska Wildlife Proposals, Supports Soldiers
The Alaska Board of Game rejected a proposal by the Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee to lengthen the wolf season in a portion of northern SE Alaska. The Anchorage Daily News reports:
"The board, meeting this week in Wrangell, did not decide on a separate measure that would have allowed wolf hunters to fly and shoot on the same day because the proposal was withdrawn. The practice remains illegal in Southeast and is allowed only in certain areas of the state.
The Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee, citing concerns that wolves in the Chilkat Valley were thinning the moose population, had proposed the measures. The committee's chairman, Gary Hess, said the proposal to lengthen the season was meant to apply only to wolves in the Chilkat Valley."
The board also rejected proposals to open Swan Island and Swan Cove on Admiralty Island to brown bear hunting.
The Board did unanimously pass a proposal design to support military personnel overseas, the ADN reported: "Hunters in Alaska can now use a soldier's subsistence hunting permit and ship that meat to the soldier."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
"The board, meeting this week in Wrangell, did not decide on a separate measure that would have allowed wolf hunters to fly and shoot on the same day because the proposal was withdrawn. The practice remains illegal in Southeast and is allowed only in certain areas of the state.
The Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee, citing concerns that wolves in the Chilkat Valley were thinning the moose population, had proposed the measures. The committee's chairman, Gary Hess, said the proposal to lengthen the season was meant to apply only to wolves in the Chilkat Valley."
The board also rejected proposals to open Swan Island and Swan Cove on Admiralty Island to brown bear hunting.
The Board did unanimously pass a proposal design to support military personnel overseas, the ADN reported: "Hunters in Alaska can now use a soldier's subsistence hunting permit and ship that meat to the soldier."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Federal Advisory Council Accepted
From a USFS News Release:
The Office of Subsistence Management is accepting applications and nominations to fill seats on the Regional Advisory Councils that advise the Federal Subsistence Board. The deadline for submitting applications is January 10, 2007.
The councils meet twice yearly and advise the Federal Subsistence Board on subsistence management regulations and policies. They also serve as a forum for regional public involvement in Federal subsistence management. Council members are knowledgeable about subsistence, commercial, and sport uses in their region.
For an application or additional information, please contact Ann Wilkinson at the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3676.
The Office of Subsistence Management is accepting applications and nominations to fill seats on the Regional Advisory Councils that advise the Federal Subsistence Board. The deadline for submitting applications is January 10, 2007.
The councils meet twice yearly and advise the Federal Subsistence Board on subsistence management regulations and policies. They also serve as a forum for regional public involvement in Federal subsistence management. Council members are knowledgeable about subsistence, commercial, and sport uses in their region.
For an application or additional information, please contact Ann Wilkinson at the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3676.
Why the Decline in Northern Alaska Caribou Herd?
From an article in the Alaska Wildlife News:
Caribou populations fluctuate naturally. But when the Northern Alaska Peninsula herd began spiraling downward more than a decade ago and not stopping, caribou hunters and Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists became increasingly concerned.
The drop was dramatic – from more than 20,000 animals in the 1980s to about 2,000 today. Biologists were unsure what was causing the decline but guessed that predation, poor range, disease and parasites might be playing roles.
Hunting was reduced but the population continued to plummet. The population objective for the herd is about 12,000 animals.
A research project initiated by Fish and Game in 2005 aimed to collect data on the influence of nutrition, disease and predation on calf production and survival within the herd. The work is partially funded with special general funds provided by the Alaska Legislature to enhance game management efforts and is a collaborative effort by three Fish and Game biologists: caribou expert Bruce Dale, King Salmon area biologist Lem Butler and veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen.
The Northern Alaska Peninsula herd ranges from King Salmon to Port Moeller. Butler said the herd is important for subsistence and hunters have taken a keen interest in research findings.
Read the entire article >>>
Caribou populations fluctuate naturally. But when the Northern Alaska Peninsula herd began spiraling downward more than a decade ago and not stopping, caribou hunters and Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists became increasingly concerned.
The drop was dramatic – from more than 20,000 animals in the 1980s to about 2,000 today. Biologists were unsure what was causing the decline but guessed that predation, poor range, disease and parasites might be playing roles.
Hunting was reduced but the population continued to plummet. The population objective for the herd is about 12,000 animals.
A research project initiated by Fish and Game in 2005 aimed to collect data on the influence of nutrition, disease and predation on calf production and survival within the herd. The work is partially funded with special general funds provided by the Alaska Legislature to enhance game management efforts and is a collaborative effort by three Fish and Game biologists: caribou expert Bruce Dale, King Salmon area biologist Lem Butler and veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen.
The Northern Alaska Peninsula herd ranges from King Salmon to Port Moeller. Butler said the herd is important for subsistence and hunters have taken a keen interest in research findings.
Read the entire article >>>
Time to Revise the Advisory Committee System
From an editorial by ADFG Deputy Commissioner Wayne Regelin in Alaska Wildlife News:
"The Local Fish and Game Advisory Committee system is an essential part of the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game process. It provides an effective mechanism for citizen involvement in the fish and game regulatory process.
The advisory committee system was established in 1959 by the First Alaska State Legislature. Over time, the number of committees has grown without limits or any overall plan. Consequently, today we have an unwieldy 81 advisory committees on the books. Some advisory committees represent numerous villages over extensive areas while others represent single small villages in close proximity to other villages that also have an advisory committee. Some small communities have a difficult time maintaining active advisory committees. Presently, 17 of the 81 committees are inactive and some have been inactive for many years."
Read the entire article >>>
"The Local Fish and Game Advisory Committee system is an essential part of the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game process. It provides an effective mechanism for citizen involvement in the fish and game regulatory process.
The advisory committee system was established in 1959 by the First Alaska State Legislature. Over time, the number of committees has grown without limits or any overall plan. Consequently, today we have an unwieldy 81 advisory committees on the books. Some advisory committees represent numerous villages over extensive areas while others represent single small villages in close proximity to other villages that also have an advisory committee. Some small communities have a difficult time maintaining active advisory committees. Presently, 17 of the 81 committees are inactive and some have been inactive for many years."
Read the entire article >>>
Monday, November 06, 2006
Winter Drawing Application Period Open Until December 6
Hunting permit applications are being accepted now for various Alaska hunts, including Kodiak and NW Alaska brown bear, mountain goat, some western Alaska moose hunts, and sheep. The deadline is December 6. Additional drawing permit hunts will be open for application during the month of May, 2007.
A permit supplement describing these hunts is available online. More information about this drawing hunt system is also available on the ADFG website.
A permit supplement describing these hunts is available online. More information about this drawing hunt system is also available on the ADFG website.
Board of Game to Meet in Wrangell, November 10-15
From an ADFG News Release >>>
The Alaska Board of Game will meet November 10-15 at the James and Elsie Nolan Center in Wrangell. The board will consider over 40 proposals on Southeast Region hunting and trapping regulations, as well as other topics.
Proposals have been submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, advisory committees, and members of the general public seeking adjustments to hunting and trapping regulations in the Southeast region. Issues to be addressed by the board include trapping seasons and requirements, methods and means, and hunting seasons and bag limits including deer, moose, bear, goat, and waterfowl. The board will also consider proposals to open brown bear hunting in the Swan Cove area of the Seymour Canal Closed area, changes to the waterfowl hunting requirements in the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge, and modifications to the permit system to assist military personnel serving in combat zones.
The board meeting will begin with oral public testimony on Friday, November 10. Anyone wishing to testify before the board must sign up at the meeting site before the announced deadline. Public testimony will continue until everyone who has signed up has been given the opportunity to be heard. Written comments will be accepted on specific proposals up until the proposal is deliberated. Comments may be faxed to (907) 465-6094.
Deliberations on the proposals will begin following public testimony and continue through the remainder of the meeting. Copies of the proposals, the agenda, and the “roadmap” can be viewed online, or contact the Boards Support Section at (907) 465-4110.
The Alaska Board of Game will meet November 10-15 at the James and Elsie Nolan Center in Wrangell. The board will consider over 40 proposals on Southeast Region hunting and trapping regulations, as well as other topics.
Proposals have been submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, advisory committees, and members of the general public seeking adjustments to hunting and trapping regulations in the Southeast region. Issues to be addressed by the board include trapping seasons and requirements, methods and means, and hunting seasons and bag limits including deer, moose, bear, goat, and waterfowl. The board will also consider proposals to open brown bear hunting in the Swan Cove area of the Seymour Canal Closed area, changes to the waterfowl hunting requirements in the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge, and modifications to the permit system to assist military personnel serving in combat zones.
The board meeting will begin with oral public testimony on Friday, November 10. Anyone wishing to testify before the board must sign up at the meeting site before the announced deadline. Public testimony will continue until everyone who has signed up has been given the opportunity to be heard. Written comments will be accepted on specific proposals up until the proposal is deliberated. Comments may be faxed to (907) 465-6094.
Deliberations on the proposals will begin following public testimony and continue through the remainder of the meeting. Copies of the proposals, the agenda, and the “roadmap” can be viewed online, or contact the Boards Support Section at (907) 465-4110.
Goat Hunting Closure Announced Near Haines
From an ADFG News Release:
The guideline harvest level for mountain goats has been reached in the portion of RG024 east of the Ferebee Glacier and River, west of Taiya Inlet, and south of West Creek. An emergency order was issued to close the season in this area on Wednesday November 1.
Read the entire ADFG news release >>>
The guideline harvest level for mountain goats has been reached in the portion of RG024 east of the Ferebee Glacier and River, west of Taiya Inlet, and south of West Creek. An emergency order was issued to close the season in this area on Wednesday November 1.
Read the entire ADFG news release >>>
Monday, October 30, 2006
Ak Outdoor Council Turns Thumbs Down On Fed Rural Designation Proposals
On October 26, 2006 The Alaska Outdoor Council commented on proposed federal subsistence board regulations that would make rural certain areas in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. The comments were addressed to FSB chairman Mike Fleagle. The FSB meets in Anchorage on December 12 and 13.
As a spokesperson for the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) my participation in the federal public comment process has been an “exercise in futility” regarding the implementation of the federal subsistence law, Title VIII of ANILCA. Regardless of the testimony and written comment provided by AOC for many years, the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) has consistently and repeatedly developed arbitrary determinations and regulations that have seldom been based on the board’s own criteria, but rather upon inaccurate information or statements generally unsupported by valid data. Yet I am obligated as the Executive Director of AOC to provide written comment on the Proposed Rule on the Review of Rural Determinations. The AOC is a statewide organization representing 50 clubs and 2,500 individual members totaling 10,000+ Alaskans. AOC advocates for conservation of natural resources and equality in access and use of those natural resources.
The Decennial Review of Rural Determinations, based on Alaska Communities 2000 U.S. Census Data, should be evidence enough to convince most hunters and fish harvesters that the federal rural priority won’t work for communities and areas in Southcentral Alaska (Region 2) because of proximity/road connectedness. The FSB should determine all communities and areas within the State’s Anchorage-MatSu-Kenai Nonsubsistence Area as nonrural status. The Kenai Area, Seward Area, Wasilla Area, and Homer Area all fall within the State’s Nonsubsistence Areas for good reason. The FSB should take action to stop the duplication of State Regulations that provide for reasonable harvest opportunities. The FSB’s actions in areas with competing user groups are divisive and not in Alaskans’ best interest. Considering that there were no proposed rule changes to the rural determinations for communities or areas for; Bristol Bay, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Western Interior Alaska, the Seward Peninsula, or the Northwest Arctic (except for the oil development community built at Prudhoe Bay), it should be evident that the federal subsistence law only works in areas with limited “cheap” access that acts as a barrier to competing user groups.
The same argument applies to the Fairbanks North Star Borough as well as the Delta Junction vicinity. The FSB should avoid actions that are costly to administer and cause divisiveness among Alaskans by adopting regulations that match federal nonrural communities and areas with the State’s Nonsubsistence Areas.
In the Kodiak/Aleutians Region 3 the FSB should group the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women’s Bay and Bells Flats into a nonrural designation. That action would be consistent with federal regulations.
Adak should remain a nonrural area. If all you need to do to qualify for a federal priority to hunt and fish is to move to a remote community or area with a declining population then the federal regulation for Customary and Traditional (Criteria 50 C.F.R. 100.16 (b)) is not in the spirit, nor the intent, of Title VIII of ANILCA.
The December 7, 2005, action of the Federal Subsistence Board concluded that further analysis of Sitka was not necessary as part of the Decennial Review of Rural Determinations. Actions taken without due process based on the public testimony of a number of residents of Sitka are arbitrary and capricious. Legitimizing the federal subsistence priority found in Title VIII of ANILCA should have been pursued by the FSB going through its criteria for determining rural classifications under 50 C.F.R. 100.16.
How can the FSB justify giving a priority to the 70.1% Alaska native population of Saxman, with a Median Household Income of $44,375 for a population of 431, from the 2000 U.S. Census, while at the same time denying the same federal priority to the 22.7% of Alaska natives who live outside the city limits of Saxman in the surrounding town of Ketchikan? The Ketchikan area population was 13,639 with a Median Household Income of $45,962 in the 2000 U.S. Census. AOC’s recommendation to the Board is to adopt the State’s Ketchikan Nonsubsistence Area boundaries for the federal nonrural area.
It would have been advantageous for the FSB to compare the Interagency Staff analysis for Sitka’s Rural Determination showing a dispersed Alaska native population of 24.7% and a Median Household Income of $51,901, to the characteristics used to separate Saxman from the greater Ketchikan area. Federal regulations cite five criteria to be used when making a determination of rural or nonrural status: (i) use of fish and wildlife, (ii) development and diversity of the local economy, (iii) community infrastructure, (iv) transportation, and (v) educational institutions.Since the FSB staff analysis of communities and areas for review of rural determinations doesn’t seem to rely on a consistent evaluation of objective criteria, on what basis is the FSB making these determinations, or classifications? The FSB should also review the rural determination for Sitka.
The Alaska Outdoor Council supports the personal consumptive use of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources. The Alaska Outdoor Council is, however, opposed to laws that give a preference to users based on criteria of residency, culture or ethnic background.
There are a number of glaring inconsistencies in the criteria used to determine rural/nonrural status by the FSB. Hopefully these will be addressed at the December 2006 Board meeting in Anchorage.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comment on AOC’s behalf.
Rod Arno, Executive Director
Alaska Outdoor Council
As a spokesperson for the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) my participation in the federal public comment process has been an “exercise in futility” regarding the implementation of the federal subsistence law, Title VIII of ANILCA. Regardless of the testimony and written comment provided by AOC for many years, the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) has consistently and repeatedly developed arbitrary determinations and regulations that have seldom been based on the board’s own criteria, but rather upon inaccurate information or statements generally unsupported by valid data. Yet I am obligated as the Executive Director of AOC to provide written comment on the Proposed Rule on the Review of Rural Determinations. The AOC is a statewide organization representing 50 clubs and 2,500 individual members totaling 10,000+ Alaskans. AOC advocates for conservation of natural resources and equality in access and use of those natural resources.
The Decennial Review of Rural Determinations, based on Alaska Communities 2000 U.S. Census Data, should be evidence enough to convince most hunters and fish harvesters that the federal rural priority won’t work for communities and areas in Southcentral Alaska (Region 2) because of proximity/road connectedness. The FSB should determine all communities and areas within the State’s Anchorage-MatSu-Kenai Nonsubsistence Area as nonrural status. The Kenai Area, Seward Area, Wasilla Area, and Homer Area all fall within the State’s Nonsubsistence Areas for good reason. The FSB should take action to stop the duplication of State Regulations that provide for reasonable harvest opportunities. The FSB’s actions in areas with competing user groups are divisive and not in Alaskans’ best interest. Considering that there were no proposed rule changes to the rural determinations for communities or areas for; Bristol Bay, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Western Interior Alaska, the Seward Peninsula, or the Northwest Arctic (except for the oil development community built at Prudhoe Bay), it should be evident that the federal subsistence law only works in areas with limited “cheap” access that acts as a barrier to competing user groups.
The same argument applies to the Fairbanks North Star Borough as well as the Delta Junction vicinity. The FSB should avoid actions that are costly to administer and cause divisiveness among Alaskans by adopting regulations that match federal nonrural communities and areas with the State’s Nonsubsistence Areas.
In the Kodiak/Aleutians Region 3 the FSB should group the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women’s Bay and Bells Flats into a nonrural designation. That action would be consistent with federal regulations.
Adak should remain a nonrural area. If all you need to do to qualify for a federal priority to hunt and fish is to move to a remote community or area with a declining population then the federal regulation for Customary and Traditional (Criteria 50 C.F.R. 100.16 (b)) is not in the spirit, nor the intent, of Title VIII of ANILCA.
The December 7, 2005, action of the Federal Subsistence Board concluded that further analysis of Sitka was not necessary as part of the Decennial Review of Rural Determinations. Actions taken without due process based on the public testimony of a number of residents of Sitka are arbitrary and capricious. Legitimizing the federal subsistence priority found in Title VIII of ANILCA should have been pursued by the FSB going through its criteria for determining rural classifications under 50 C.F.R. 100.16.
How can the FSB justify giving a priority to the 70.1% Alaska native population of Saxman, with a Median Household Income of $44,375 for a population of 431, from the 2000 U.S. Census, while at the same time denying the same federal priority to the 22.7% of Alaska natives who live outside the city limits of Saxman in the surrounding town of Ketchikan? The Ketchikan area population was 13,639 with a Median Household Income of $45,962 in the 2000 U.S. Census. AOC’s recommendation to the Board is to adopt the State’s Ketchikan Nonsubsistence Area boundaries for the federal nonrural area.
It would have been advantageous for the FSB to compare the Interagency Staff analysis for Sitka’s Rural Determination showing a dispersed Alaska native population of 24.7% and a Median Household Income of $51,901, to the characteristics used to separate Saxman from the greater Ketchikan area. Federal regulations cite five criteria to be used when making a determination of rural or nonrural status: (i) use of fish and wildlife, (ii) development and diversity of the local economy, (iii) community infrastructure, (iv) transportation, and (v) educational institutions.Since the FSB staff analysis of communities and areas for review of rural determinations doesn’t seem to rely on a consistent evaluation of objective criteria, on what basis is the FSB making these determinations, or classifications? The FSB should also review the rural determination for Sitka.
The Alaska Outdoor Council supports the personal consumptive use of Alaska’s fish and wildlife resources. The Alaska Outdoor Council is, however, opposed to laws that give a preference to users based on criteria of residency, culture or ethnic background.
There are a number of glaring inconsistencies in the criteria used to determine rural/nonrural status by the FSB. Hopefully these will be addressed at the December 2006 Board meeting in Anchorage.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comment on AOC’s behalf.
Rod Arno, Executive Director
Alaska Outdoor Council
Seward Highway Sheep Poacher Sentenced
A taxidermist convicted in Anchorage Superior Court of killing two Dall sheep last winter along the Seward Highway has been sentenced. The killings were widely discussed, including on the Alaska Hunting Forum.
The sentence included a large fine, jail time and probation restrictions. The Anchorage Daily News (ADN) reported that "Superior Court Judge John Suddock ordered that for the next 10 years McConnell is not allowed to own a computer or be on the Internet. He's not allowed to practice taxidermy or own guns. And if he wants to leave the road system south of Anchorage, he's got to have the permission of his probation officer."
A second shooter was also sentenced in the case, but received a lesser sentence based on a deal with prosecutors, according to the ADN.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The sentence included a large fine, jail time and probation restrictions. The Anchorage Daily News (ADN) reported that "Superior Court Judge John Suddock ordered that for the next 10 years McConnell is not allowed to own a computer or be on the Internet. He's not allowed to practice taxidermy or own guns. And if he wants to leave the road system south of Anchorage, he's got to have the permission of his probation officer."
A second shooter was also sentenced in the case, but received a lesser sentence based on a deal with prosecutors, according to the ADN.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Anchorage Hillside Moose Hunt Goes Second Year
A small and somewhat controversial moose hunt on the heavily populated Anchorage hillside begins again on November first. The hunt is for only four cows, and is a cautious second step in the process of reducing the number of moose in the Anchorage bowl.
The Anchorage Daily News put it this way: "The hunt is small and somewhat experimental. Hunters may only use shotguns or black-powder rifles -- firearms with normal trajectories less than 300 yards -- to kill cow moose. The hunters also must pass a hunter safety course and a weapons proficiency test to help ensure moose are killed quickly and efficiently.
Other rules stipulate that the hunters must:
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The Anchorage Daily News put it this way: "The hunt is small and somewhat experimental. Hunters may only use shotguns or black-powder rifles -- firearms with normal trajectories less than 300 yards -- to kill cow moose. The hunters also must pass a hunter safety course and a weapons proficiency test to help ensure moose are killed quickly and efficiently.
Other rules stipulate that the hunters must:
- Drag moose gut piles at least 100 yards from any trail;
- Provide the location to the state; and
- Phone state biologists before and after the hunts.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Friday, October 27, 2006
Initiative Petition Sponsors Try Ballot Box Biology Again
From the Anchorage Daily News:
"A group calling itself Alaskans for Wildlife is hoping that once again the will of the people will be enough to stop the aerial shooting of wolves and bears in Alaska.
Sponsors of an initiative to restrict Alaska's predator control program dropped off eight cardboard boxes Tuesday at the state Division of Elections office in Anchorage. Inside were petitions with 56,574 signatures, far more than the 31,451 required to get the initiative on the ballot in 2008. The signatures now must be verified by the election staff."
Read the entire article >>>
"A group calling itself Alaskans for Wildlife is hoping that once again the will of the people will be enough to stop the aerial shooting of wolves and bears in Alaska.
Sponsors of an initiative to restrict Alaska's predator control program dropped off eight cardboard boxes Tuesday at the state Division of Elections office in Anchorage. Inside were petitions with 56,574 signatures, far more than the 31,451 required to get the initiative on the ballot in 2008. The signatures now must be verified by the election staff."
Read the entire article >>>
Trucks Still in the Tundra
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that the two pickup trucks stuck off the Dalton Highway are still there after a failed attempt to jack them up out of the wet tundra:
"The hunters who drove a pair of pickup trucks off the Dalton Highway in early September to retrieve three caribou they shot only to get the trucks stuck up to their axles in the tundra are still trying to figure out a way to free the trucks from the muck before freezeup.
Officials with the Bureau of Land Management said the hunters were unsuccessful in their first attempt to jack up the vehicles. This week, the hunters were planning to make a second try at lifting the trucks out of the mud. They hope to drive the trucks out after the ground freezes to prevent further damage to the tundra."
Read the entire article in the News-Miner >>>
"The hunters who drove a pair of pickup trucks off the Dalton Highway in early September to retrieve three caribou they shot only to get the trucks stuck up to their axles in the tundra are still trying to figure out a way to free the trucks from the muck before freezeup.
Officials with the Bureau of Land Management said the hunters were unsuccessful in their first attempt to jack up the vehicles. This week, the hunters were planning to make a second try at lifting the trucks out of the mud. They hope to drive the trucks out after the ground freezes to prevent further damage to the tundra."
Read the entire article in the News-Miner >>>
Goat hunts close near Cordova, Skagway, Juneau, Kodiak and Kenai Peninsula
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced closure of mountain goat hunts or non opening in several areas in southcentral and southeast Alaska. The closures are as follows (hyperlinks point to ADFG news releases in PDF format)
- A portion of hunt RG012 in the east portion of Berner's Bay in GMU 1C
- A portion of hunt RG015 in the Pt Couverdon area in GMU 1C
- Hunt RG226 in the Ragged Mountains near Cordova
- A portion of hunt RG024 in the Skagway area in GMU 1D
- Hunts RG473 and RG479 on Kodiak will not open this year
- There will be no registration permit hunts on the Kenai Peninsula this fall
Thursday, October 19, 2006
USFWS Calls for Suggestions on Membership of Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils
From a USFWS News Release dated 17 Oct 206:
The Federal Subsistence Board is accepting written comments and suggestions through Nov. 13, 2006 on alternative methods for assuring balanced membership on Federal subsistence regional advisory councils.
Currently, there are 10 Federal subsistence regional advisory councils around the state. The members of these councils are volunteers and also local users of fish and wildlife resources. They serve a pivotal role in the Federal subsistence program by using their local knowledge and expertise to evaluate regulatory proposals and make recommendations to the Federal Subsistence Board.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that advisory committees have a balanced membership. Current Federal regulations, adopted in 2004, set a goal of 70 percent subsistence users and 30 percent sport and commercial users on the Federal subsistence regional advisory councils. The intent of this regulation was to ensure the appropriate representation and meaningful majority role for rural Alaska residents, while providing appropriate representation for the interests of consumptive users of fish and wildlife on public lands other than rural subsistence users. However, on Aug. 8, 2006 the U.S. District Court for Alaska enjoined the use of this approach, saying the Board failed to articulate its rationale in adopting the 70/30 membership goal.
The Board is seeking written comments and suggestions at this time to consider alternatives that would provide balanced membership on the regional advisory councils. Written comments and suggestions will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2006 and can be sent by e-mail to subsistence@fws.gov, by fax at (907) 786-3898, or by mail to:
Federal Subsistence Board Attn: Theo Matuskowitz
Office of Subsistence Management
3601 C Street, Suite 1030
Anchorage, AK 99503
For additional information, please contact Ann Wilkinson at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3676 or by e-mail, ann_wilkinson@fws.gov.
The Federal Subsistence Board is accepting written comments and suggestions through Nov. 13, 2006 on alternative methods for assuring balanced membership on Federal subsistence regional advisory councils.
Currently, there are 10 Federal subsistence regional advisory councils around the state. The members of these councils are volunteers and also local users of fish and wildlife resources. They serve a pivotal role in the Federal subsistence program by using their local knowledge and expertise to evaluate regulatory proposals and make recommendations to the Federal Subsistence Board.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that advisory committees have a balanced membership. Current Federal regulations, adopted in 2004, set a goal of 70 percent subsistence users and 30 percent sport and commercial users on the Federal subsistence regional advisory councils. The intent of this regulation was to ensure the appropriate representation and meaningful majority role for rural Alaska residents, while providing appropriate representation for the interests of consumptive users of fish and wildlife on public lands other than rural subsistence users. However, on Aug. 8, 2006 the U.S. District Court for Alaska enjoined the use of this approach, saying the Board failed to articulate its rationale in adopting the 70/30 membership goal.
The Board is seeking written comments and suggestions at this time to consider alternatives that would provide balanced membership on the regional advisory councils. Written comments and suggestions will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2006 and can be sent by e-mail to subsistence@fws.gov, by fax at (907) 786-3898, or by mail to:
Federal Subsistence Board Attn: Theo Matuskowitz
Office of Subsistence Management
3601 C Street, Suite 1030
Anchorage, AK 99503
For additional information, please contact Ann Wilkinson at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3676 or by e-mail, ann_wilkinson@fws.gov.
Monday, October 16, 2006
No Skilak Gun Hunt: Preferred Alternative
From an Anchorage Daily News Article:
"Federal wildlife managers are planning to upgrade animal-viewing opportunities north of the Kenai Peninsula's Skilak Lake, according to a plan released this week.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's preferred option in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area plan would add a nature center at Pack Lake, more ranger- led environmental education, a self-guided interpretive drive, a wheelchair-accessible trail and more camp sites, among other upgrades. Perhaps most noticeable would be the pavement it would lay on Skilak Lake Loop, currently a dirt road.
The agency would not open the area to rifle and shotgun hunting for small game, as the Alaska Board of Game has requested."
Read the entire article >>>
"Federal wildlife managers are planning to upgrade animal-viewing opportunities north of the Kenai Peninsula's Skilak Lake, according to a plan released this week.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's preferred option in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area plan would add a nature center at Pack Lake, more ranger- led environmental education, a self-guided interpretive drive, a wheelchair-accessible trail and more camp sites, among other upgrades. Perhaps most noticeable would be the pavement it would lay on Skilak Lake Loop, currently a dirt road.
The agency would not open the area to rifle and shotgun hunting for small game, as the Alaska Board of Game has requested."
Read the entire article >>>
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Hunting Buffer Zone Around Mat-Su Schools?
The Anchorage Daily News reports that "For the second time in less than a week, Meadow Lakes Elementary School went into lockdown Tuesday after school personnel heard gunshots in the distance."
Fish & Wildlife officers believe the gunshots were from hunters. At least one parent is calling for buffer zones, an idea that Borough Manager John Duffy did not apparently disagree with.
"We have the authority to ensure that our children are safe within our schools," Duffy said. "I think creating a safe zone around schools is certainly prudent. I think the Board of Game would support that."
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
Fish & Wildlife officers believe the gunshots were from hunters. At least one parent is calling for buffer zones, an idea that Borough Manager John Duffy did not apparently disagree with.
"We have the authority to ensure that our children are safe within our schools," Duffy said. "I think creating a safe zone around schools is certainly prudent. I think the Board of Game would support that."
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
BLM May Take Action on Tundra Trucks
The two truck owners stuck in the tundra off the Haul Road may face legal as well as financial problems as a result of driving their pickup trucks off the road in September in order to retrieve downed caribou, according to the Anchorage Daily News.
"I'm investigating it with the intent that (legal) action will be taken against the violators," said Bureau of Land Management ranger Ed Lee of Fairbanks.
"The hunters last week received permission from the BLM to jack the trucks up and put them on plastic blocks in hopes they will be able to drive them out when the ground freezes this winter. The trucks are on BLM land about 370 miles north of Fairbanks."
Read the entire article >>>
The issue was discussed extensively in at least one Alaska Hunting Forum thread.
"I'm investigating it with the intent that (legal) action will be taken against the violators," said Bureau of Land Management ranger Ed Lee of Fairbanks.
"The hunters last week received permission from the BLM to jack the trucks up and put them on plastic blocks in hopes they will be able to drive them out when the ground freezes this winter. The trucks are on BLM land about 370 miles north of Fairbanks."
Read the entire article >>>
The issue was discussed extensively in at least one Alaska Hunting Forum thread.
Stikine Moose Hunt Closed Early
From an ADFG News Release >>>
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is announcing the early closure of the RM038
registration moose hunting season in the drainages of the Stikine River in Game Management Unit 1(B).
An Emergency Order has been issued (#01-03-06) closing the RM038 moose season in the
drainages of the Stikine River effective at 11:59 pm on Friday, 6 October 2006
By Thursday, 5 October 2006, the reported harvest of bull moose in the Stikine River drainages had reached 31 animals. This represents the highest moose harvest on the river since 1990. In addition, a growing problem of noncompliance with the existing antler regulations has resulted in unacceptably high harvest of bull moose that were intended to be protected by existing regulations. Any additional harvest of bull moose in the Stikine River drainage may jeopardize the future productivity of this moose population.
All other moose hunting regulations in Unit 1B, including the DM033 moose drawing permit
hunt, remain unchanged and are not affected by this Emergency Order.
Hunters with questions about moose hunting in Game Management Unit 1(B) can contact the
Petersburg Area Office of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game @ 907-772-3801.
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is announcing the early closure of the RM038
registration moose hunting season in the drainages of the Stikine River in Game Management Unit 1(B).
An Emergency Order has been issued (#01-03-06) closing the RM038 moose season in the
drainages of the Stikine River effective at 11:59 pm on Friday, 6 October 2006
By Thursday, 5 October 2006, the reported harvest of bull moose in the Stikine River drainages had reached 31 animals. This represents the highest moose harvest on the river since 1990. In addition, a growing problem of noncompliance with the existing antler regulations has resulted in unacceptably high harvest of bull moose that were intended to be protected by existing regulations. Any additional harvest of bull moose in the Stikine River drainage may jeopardize the future productivity of this moose population.
All other moose hunting regulations in Unit 1B, including the DM033 moose drawing permit
hunt, remain unchanged and are not affected by this Emergency Order.
Hunters with questions about moose hunting in Game Management Unit 1(B) can contact the
Petersburg Area Office of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game @ 907-772-3801.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Game Board Adds New Nelchina Subsistence Rules
The Alaska Board of Game changed the rules slightly in the high profile Nelchina caribou Tier II hunt, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The board rejected so-called "super exclusive" subsistence areas, but did reduce the household bag from three to two, and voted to require salvage of head and hide.
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
Monday, October 09, 2006
Game Board Axes Proposals; Considering Other Subsistence Changes
From the Anchorage Daily News (2 stories):
Many, mostly Alaskans from rural parts of the state, told the Alaska Board of Game on Saturday not to change the way the regulations worked:
"More than 50 Alaska Natives carried signs and walked the sidewalks through an early-morning drizzle Saturday in downtown Anchorage, protesting Board of Game proposals that would radically overhaul the popular Nelchina caribou hunt.
Later, the wet-haired marchers shed rain jackets and stuffed themselves into a warm hotel conference room, testifying before the board that the proposals would take meat from their tables.
The Game Board, in a special meeting expected to last through Monday, might end the controversial and highly restricted Tier II subsistence hunt in the Nelchina basin north and east of Anchorage."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The following day, the Board rejected two proposals that would have changed the way the program worked:
"The Board of Game on Sunday rejected two proposals that would alter the state subsistence program, said Kristy Tibbles, executive director.
But board members today will take up other proposals that could give every Alaskan a shot at participating in the highly restricted Nelchina caribou hunt, she said.
Board members, meeting in Anchorage today, have said they want to address complaints that the hunt restricts people younger than 38 and encourages applicants to lie to win permits. Many hunters also complain that not enough permits are awarded to meet demand."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Many, mostly Alaskans from rural parts of the state, told the Alaska Board of Game on Saturday not to change the way the regulations worked:
"More than 50 Alaska Natives carried signs and walked the sidewalks through an early-morning drizzle Saturday in downtown Anchorage, protesting Board of Game proposals that would radically overhaul the popular Nelchina caribou hunt.
Later, the wet-haired marchers shed rain jackets and stuffed themselves into a warm hotel conference room, testifying before the board that the proposals would take meat from their tables.
The Game Board, in a special meeting expected to last through Monday, might end the controversial and highly restricted Tier II subsistence hunt in the Nelchina basin north and east of Anchorage."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The following day, the Board rejected two proposals that would have changed the way the program worked:
"The Board of Game on Sunday rejected two proposals that would alter the state subsistence program, said Kristy Tibbles, executive director.
But board members today will take up other proposals that could give every Alaskan a shot at participating in the highly restricted Nelchina caribou hunt, she said.
Board members, meeting in Anchorage today, have said they want to address complaints that the hunt restricts people younger than 38 and encourages applicants to lie to win permits. Many hunters also complain that not enough permits are awarded to meet demand."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Controversial Nelchina Proposals to be Aired This Weekend
From the Anchorage Daily News:
"Hunters can weigh in this weekend on controversial Board of Game proposals that may dramatically overhaul the popular Nelchina caribou hunt.
In the special meeting, game board members will consider changes to the highway-accessible hunt as well as to the state's Tier II hunting system.
The meeting begins with public testimony at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in downtown Anchorage at 8:30 a.m. today. The meeting is expected to end Monday with a vote by the Game Board."
Read the entire article >>>
"Hunters can weigh in this weekend on controversial Board of Game proposals that may dramatically overhaul the popular Nelchina caribou hunt.
In the special meeting, game board members will consider changes to the highway-accessible hunt as well as to the state's Tier II hunting system.
The meeting begins with public testimony at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in downtown Anchorage at 8:30 a.m. today. The meeting is expected to end Monday with a vote by the Game Board."
Read the entire article >>>
Friday, October 06, 2006
Comments Sought on Kenai Refuge's Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area Plan
From a USFWS News Release:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on its recently completed Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. This Draft Plan is available on CD-ROM from Rob Campellone (see address below), or can be found at: http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/kenpol.htm, under the category, Step-down Management Plans.
The Draft Plan identifies three alternatives for public use of the 44,000-acre Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. It also presents the Service's evaluation of the environmental consequences associated with implementing each of the alternatives. The final version of this plan, which will be completed following consideration of all public comments, will guide future management of the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area.
The Service is inviting comment on this draft document because public involvement in the planning process is essential for development of an effective plan, and will accept such comments until November 17, 2006.
Comments should be specific, addressing merits of the alternatives and adequacy of the environmental analysis.
All public comments received, including the names and addresses of those commenting, will be included in the planning record, which will be available for public review. However, if any individual wishes to withhold his or her name or address, the Service requests that he or she state this prominently at the beginning of any comments. We will honor such requests to the extent allowed by law.
All comments from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection. Anonymous comments will not be considered. Comments can be mailed, e-mailed, or provided orally by November 17, 2006, to: Rob Campellone, Planning Team Leader; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 1011 East Tudor Road - MS 231; Anchorage, AK 99503-6199. Rob Campellone can be reached by telephone at (907) 786-3982, or by email at: fw7_kenai_planning@fws.gov.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on its recently completed Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. This Draft Plan is available on CD-ROM from Rob Campellone (see address below), or can be found at: http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/kenpol.htm, under the category, Step-down Management Plans.
The Draft Plan identifies three alternatives for public use of the 44,000-acre Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. It also presents the Service's evaluation of the environmental consequences associated with implementing each of the alternatives. The final version of this plan, which will be completed following consideration of all public comments, will guide future management of the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area.
The Service is inviting comment on this draft document because public involvement in the planning process is essential for development of an effective plan, and will accept such comments until November 17, 2006.
Comments should be specific, addressing merits of the alternatives and adequacy of the environmental analysis.
All public comments received, including the names and addresses of those commenting, will be included in the planning record, which will be available for public review. However, if any individual wishes to withhold his or her name or address, the Service requests that he or she state this prominently at the beginning of any comments. We will honor such requests to the extent allowed by law.
All comments from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection. Anonymous comments will not be considered. Comments can be mailed, e-mailed, or provided orally by November 17, 2006, to: Rob Campellone, Planning Team Leader; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 1011 East Tudor Road - MS 231; Anchorage, AK 99503-6199. Rob Campellone can be reached by telephone at (907) 786-3982, or by email at: fw7_kenai_planning@fws.gov.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
One Bear, Two Bears, Three Bears… Counting Bears You Can Not See
From an Alaska Wildlife News article by Mike Taras:
Al Keech slung the shotgun over his shoulder as he strolled through the woods towards the grizzly bear lure site. I stayed close, trying to make noise as we approached the blood-and-fish soaked lure. I knew hundreds of these sites had been checked over the summer without any encounters with bears but still, it was a grizzly bear lure site, and it was the first I was checking.
It wasn’t bears we were looking for, but evidence of bears. “We got one,” I said to Keech, peering at the clump of grizzly hair stuck to the hair snare – a strand of barbed wire encircling the lure.
Estimating bear numbers is no easy task. They can’t be counted like moose, which are active all year and are relatively easy to see from an airplane when snow covers the ground.
Bears are almost impossible to count accurately from an airplane in wooded country, as they often spend the daylight hours in thick cover. In the winter, when they would stand out against the snow, they are hidden away in their dens hibernating.
With these challenges Fish and Game biologist Craig Gardner set out to design a bear population estimate in the 40-mile country north of Tok and west of Chicken. This area is part of ongoing Intensive Management efforts to increase moose and caribou numbers and managers wanted more data on the grizzly bear population in the area. Working with a limited budget and limited staff, Gardner’s task was to determine how many bears are living in an area almost 3,000 square miles.
Read the entire article in Alaska Wildlife News >>>
Al Keech slung the shotgun over his shoulder as he strolled through the woods towards the grizzly bear lure site. I stayed close, trying to make noise as we approached the blood-and-fish soaked lure. I knew hundreds of these sites had been checked over the summer without any encounters with bears but still, it was a grizzly bear lure site, and it was the first I was checking.
It wasn’t bears we were looking for, but evidence of bears. “We got one,” I said to Keech, peering at the clump of grizzly hair stuck to the hair snare – a strand of barbed wire encircling the lure.
Estimating bear numbers is no easy task. They can’t be counted like moose, which are active all year and are relatively easy to see from an airplane when snow covers the ground.
Bears are almost impossible to count accurately from an airplane in wooded country, as they often spend the daylight hours in thick cover. In the winter, when they would stand out against the snow, they are hidden away in their dens hibernating.
With these challenges Fish and Game biologist Craig Gardner set out to design a bear population estimate in the 40-mile country north of Tok and west of Chicken. This area is part of ongoing Intensive Management efforts to increase moose and caribou numbers and managers wanted more data on the grizzly bear population in the area. Working with a limited budget and limited staff, Gardner’s task was to determine how many bears are living in an area almost 3,000 square miles.
Read the entire article in Alaska Wildlife News >>>
More on Wood Bison Restoration in Alaska
From an Alaska Wildlife News article by Riley Woodford:
A few hundred years ago, massive wood bison and musk oxen roamed the meadows of Interior Alaska. Steller sea cows and spectacled cormorants inhabited Aleutian waters. But by 1900, these animals were gone.
It’s too late to bring back the Steller sea cow and the spectacled cormorant – these animals are extinct. And while musk oxen and wood bison were extirpated from Alaska, populations survived in Greenland and Canada. In the 1930s, musk oxen were reintroduced to Alaska, and now several thousand animals inhabit about six different regions of the state.
Many Alaskans hope the same thing can happen with wood bison. These oversize cousins to the plains bison are the largest land animal in North America and still inhabit a few areas in western Canada. Bob Stephenson, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Yukon Flats area biologist, began work on wood bison reintroduction in the early 1990s, in partnership with tribal councils and others. ADFG has found that wood bison restoration has broad appeal and is supported by Native groups, hunters, conservation organizations and biologists outside the department of Fish and Game. But times have changed since the days of the musk oxen restoration, and reintroducing wood bison to Alaska has met some surprising hurdles.
Read the entire article on Alaska Wildlife News >>>
A few hundred years ago, massive wood bison and musk oxen roamed the meadows of Interior Alaska. Steller sea cows and spectacled cormorants inhabited Aleutian waters. But by 1900, these animals were gone.
It’s too late to bring back the Steller sea cow and the spectacled cormorant – these animals are extinct. And while musk oxen and wood bison were extirpated from Alaska, populations survived in Greenland and Canada. In the 1930s, musk oxen were reintroduced to Alaska, and now several thousand animals inhabit about six different regions of the state.
Many Alaskans hope the same thing can happen with wood bison. These oversize cousins to the plains bison are the largest land animal in North America and still inhabit a few areas in western Canada. Bob Stephenson, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Yukon Flats area biologist, began work on wood bison reintroduction in the early 1990s, in partnership with tribal councils and others. ADFG has found that wood bison restoration has broad appeal and is supported by Native groups, hunters, conservation organizations and biologists outside the department of Fish and Game. But times have changed since the days of the musk oxen restoration, and reintroducing wood bison to Alaska has met some surprising hurdles.
Read the entire article on Alaska Wildlife News >>>
Regional Advisory Council Meetings Homer, Delta, Ruby, Kotzebue, Sitka
The Southcentral Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet October 17-19 at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. each day. The public is welcome at this meeting. There will be opportunities for public comment. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Eastern Interior Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 17-18, in Delta Junction. The meeting will be held at the Delta Junction Community Hall and will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday and at 9 a.m. Wednesday. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Western Interior Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 11-12, in Ruby. The meeting will be held at the Ruby Community Hall and will begin at 9 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Northwest Arctic Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Friday, Oct. 13, in Kotzebue. The meeting will be held at the Nullagvik Hotel Meeting Room and will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Southeast Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 11-13, in Sitka. The meeting will be held at the Sitka Community House, Sheetka Kwaan Naa Kahidi, and will begin at 9 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
All USFWS subsistence news releases can be found here: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1
The Eastern Interior Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 17-18, in Delta Junction. The meeting will be held at the Delta Junction Community Hall and will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday and at 9 a.m. Wednesday. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Western Interior Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 11-12, in Ruby. The meeting will be held at the Ruby Community Hall and will begin at 9 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Northwest Arctic Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Friday, Oct. 13, in Kotzebue. The meeting will be held at the Nullagvik Hotel Meeting Room and will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
The Southeast Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will meet Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 11-13, in Sitka. The meeting will be held at the Sitka Community House, Sheetka Kwaan Naa Kahidi, and will begin at 9 a.m. For more information read the USFWS News Release >>>
All USFWS subsistence news releases can be found here: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1
Monday, October 02, 2006
Veterans Group Helps Make Disabled Moose Hunt a Reality
"Ron Hoskins looked pretty much like any other moose hunter in Alaska.
Dressed in camouflage from head to toe, he sat in a hunting blind at the edge of the woods on a seepage channel within the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, waiting for a bull moose to appear.
For Hoskins, who has been confined to a wheelchair for 30 years as a result of a car accident, it was therapeutic. The birds and squirrels didn't know he was paralyzed and neither would a bull moose if it happened to show up within shooting distance. The fact he was in a wheelchair didn't matter. He was a hunter in the woods."
Read entire Fairbanks Daily News-Miner article >>>
Dressed in camouflage from head to toe, he sat in a hunting blind at the edge of the woods on a seepage channel within the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, waiting for a bull moose to appear.
For Hoskins, who has been confined to a wheelchair for 30 years as a result of a car accident, it was therapeutic. The birds and squirrels didn't know he was paralyzed and neither would a bull moose if it happened to show up within shooting distance. The fact he was in a wheelchair didn't matter. He was a hunter in the woods."
Read entire Fairbanks Daily News-Miner article >>>
Should Skilak Lake Area Remain Closed to Hunting?
"This sliver of the federal refuge, just north of Skilak Lake, has been mostly set aside for wildlife viewing and other "take only pictures" recreation for two decades. The Alaska Board of Game wants to change that by allowing hunters with guns to chase small game each fall, the way many Kenai Peninsula residents remember doing when they were young.
The proposal could lead to a showdown with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which so far has favored expanding wildlife watching along Skilak Lake Road, and keeping current hunting restrictions."
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
The proposal could lead to a showdown with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which so far has favored expanding wildlife watching along Skilak Lake Road, and keeping current hunting restrictions."
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
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