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.
Monday, December 18, 2006
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
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