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 >>>