Governor Frank Murkowski will bring together top officials from the Alaska State Troopers, the Department of Fish and Game and possibly representatives from the Alaska Boards of Fisheries and Game to review Board allegations of impaired wildlife enforcement.
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News article >>>
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Wildlife enforcement lax, Fish and Game boards tell governor
The Alaska Boards of Fisheries and Game have written the governor to ask him to overrule the way the troopers operate the Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement. The Anchorage Daily News reported recently that "the state Board of Game has written the governor a letter asking him to overrule one of his Cabinet members.
The governor-appointed board wants to stop wildlife enforcement officers from regularly assisting Alaska state troopers, because the double duty is jeopardizing protection of the state's fields and streams, the July 11 letter says."
Read the entire story >>>
The governor-appointed board wants to stop wildlife enforcement officers from regularly assisting Alaska state troopers, because the double duty is jeopardizing protection of the state's fields and streams, the July 11 letter says."
Read the entire story >>>
Monday, July 10, 2006
2006 Drawing, Tier II permit hunt results online now
All of the 2006 Spring Draw and Tier II application hunt results are now available. Permits for these hunts are now scheduled to be printed and in the mail by July 20, 2006, the Division of Wildlife Conservation says.
You can lookup your permit results online at the ADFG website.
You can lookup your permit results online at the ADFG website.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Duck Numbers Up Overall
The US Fish & Wildlife Service has released a preliminary report indicating that western breeding duck numbers are up overall based on May surveys. Read the entire story >>
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Fed Subsistence Board Proposes Change In Rural / NonRural
ANCHORAGE -- The Federal Subsistence Board is seeking public comments through Oct. 27, 2006 on a proposed rule that would change the rural or nonrural status of several Alaska communities and areas. The Board will make a decision on a final rule in December 2006.
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, comments are sought on the following proposed changes:
Adak would change from nonrural to rural. Adak has undergone substantial change that warrants a change in status. Specifically, the population of Adak decreased by 94% from 1990 to 2000, bringing it well below the presumptive rural 2,500 population threshold. It is an extremely remote island community accessible only by boat or plane.
Prudhoe Bay would change from rural to nonrural. The Board has come to the preliminary conclusion that Prudhoe Bay is an industrial enclave built for the sole purpose of extracting oil, with no permanent residents and none of the characteristics typical of a rural community.
Point MacKenzie would be grouped with the nonrural Wasilla area and would change from rural to nonrural. Available information suggests that Point MacKenzie is economically, socially and communally integrated with the Wasilla area. Point MacKenzie is in proximity and road accessible to the Wasilla area, its students attend Wasilla High school and 50 percent of Point MacKenzie workers commute to the Wasilla area for employment.
Fritz Creek East (not including Voznesenka) and the North Fork Road area would be grouped with the nonrural Homer area and would change from rural to nonrural. Available information suggests that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Homer area. They are in proximity and road-connected with Homer, more than 40 percent of workers commute to the Homer area and most students from these areas attend Homer High School.
The nonrural Ketchikan area would be expanded to include all those living on the road system connected to the City of Ketchikan (except Saxman), as well as Pennock Island, and parts of Gravina Island and the entire area would be considered nonrural. However, Saxman would remain separate and rural. With the exception of Saxman, the Board has come to the preliminary conclusion that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Ketchikan area. In addition, the population of the Ketchikan area, excluding Saxman, is 12,720, which is well above the population threshold in Federal subsistence regulations of 7,000 at which a community or area is presumed to be nonrural.
The Kodiak area, including the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women's Bay and Bells Flats, would be grouped and would change from rural to nonrural. The population of this area is approximately 12,000, well above the population threshold in Federal subsistence regulations of 7,000 at which a community or area is presumed to be nonrural. (Places excluded from this nonrural grouping are Chiniak, Pasagshak, Anton Larsen, Kalsin Bay and Middle Bay, as well as villages and communities on the Kodiak Archipelago not connected by road to the Kodiak area. These places would remain rural.)
The analysis used by the Board in developing the proposed rule can be found under the "Issues in Depth" section of the Federal Subsistence Management Program website at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/home.html. The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register.
Written comments on this issue will be accepted through Oct. 27, 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
Federal Subsistence Board members intend to hold public hearings in Kodiak and Ketchikan in the fall. Additional hearings in communities affected may be scheduled as needed. The Board will also be accepting recommendations on this issue from Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils during their fall meetings. In addition, the Board will meet Dec.12-13 at the Egan Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage to hear public comment and to draft a final rule.
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.
-FSB-
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, comments are sought on the following proposed changes:
Adak would change from nonrural to rural. Adak has undergone substantial change that warrants a change in status. Specifically, the population of Adak decreased by 94% from 1990 to 2000, bringing it well below the presumptive rural 2,500 population threshold. It is an extremely remote island community accessible only by boat or plane.
Prudhoe Bay would change from rural to nonrural. The Board has come to the preliminary conclusion that Prudhoe Bay is an industrial enclave built for the sole purpose of extracting oil, with no permanent residents and none of the characteristics typical of a rural community.
Point MacKenzie would be grouped with the nonrural Wasilla area and would change from rural to nonrural. Available information suggests that Point MacKenzie is economically, socially and communally integrated with the Wasilla area. Point MacKenzie is in proximity and road accessible to the Wasilla area, its students attend Wasilla High school and 50 percent of Point MacKenzie workers commute to the Wasilla area for employment.
Fritz Creek East (not including Voznesenka) and the North Fork Road area would be grouped with the nonrural Homer area and would change from rural to nonrural. Available information suggests that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Homer area. They are in proximity and road-connected with Homer, more than 40 percent of workers commute to the Homer area and most students from these areas attend Homer High School.
The nonrural Ketchikan area would be expanded to include all those living on the road system connected to the City of Ketchikan (except Saxman), as well as Pennock Island, and parts of Gravina Island and the entire area would be considered nonrural. However, Saxman would remain separate and rural. With the exception of Saxman, the Board has come to the preliminary conclusion that these areas are economically, socially and communally integrated with the Ketchikan area. In addition, the population of the Ketchikan area, excluding Saxman, is 12,720, which is well above the population threshold in Federal subsistence regulations of 7,000 at which a community or area is presumed to be nonrural.
The Kodiak area, including the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, the Coast Guard Station, Women's Bay and Bells Flats, would be grouped and would change from rural to nonrural. The population of this area is approximately 12,000, well above the population threshold in Federal subsistence regulations of 7,000 at which a community or area is presumed to be nonrural. (Places excluded from this nonrural grouping are Chiniak, Pasagshak, Anton Larsen, Kalsin Bay and Middle Bay, as well as villages and communities on the Kodiak Archipelago not connected by road to the Kodiak area. These places would remain rural.)
The analysis used by the Board in developing the proposed rule can be found under the "Issues in Depth" section of the Federal Subsistence Management Program website at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/home.html. The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register.
Written comments on this issue will be accepted through Oct. 27, 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
Federal Subsistence Board members intend to hold public hearings in Kodiak and Ketchikan in the fall. Additional hearings in communities affected may be scheduled as needed. The Board will also be accepting recommendations on this issue from Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils during their fall meetings. In addition, the Board will meet Dec.12-13 at the Egan Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage to hear public comment and to draft a final rule.
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.
-FSB-
North Slope Muskox Herd In Mysterious Decline
Muskox numbers are falling on the North Slope, and state biologists have not yet been able to determine why the decline, according to the Anchorage Daily News.
Hunting has not played a substantial role in the decline, biologists say. Subsistence hunting is closed. Grizzly bear mortality seems to be one major issue in the North Slope herds, but not elsewhere in the state.
Hunting has not played a substantial role in the decline, biologists say. Subsistence hunting is closed. Grizzly bear mortality seems to be one major issue in the North Slope herds, but not elsewhere in the state.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Tularemia Hot Spot Noted in Interior
Tests have confirmed that a snowshoe hare from the North Pole area died of Tularemia last week, according to an ADF&G news release.
“Hares die of this infection every spring and summer in the Interior,” said wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen. “This is the first hare we’ve found this year, but we expect to see more.”
A local resident of the Pheasant Road area reported to the Alaska State Troopers dispatch that there were a number of dead hares in the area. Personnel from the ADFG Regional Office investigated and collected a freshly dead hare for postmortem examination. Lab tests returned today confirmed the presence of Franciella tularensis, the bacteria that causes the disease known as Tularemia.
Tularemia is a bacterial disease that typically affects hares, beavers and muskrats. Predators and scavengers including dogs and cats that bite into a sick or dead hare as well as people who handle infected hares can become infected. Ticks, which are common on hares, and water contaminated with a dead animal can also spread the bacteria to animals and people. The most common symptoms in people include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, fever, flu-like illness, diarrhea or pneumonia. Tularemia can be fatal if the person is not treated with appropriate antibiotics. However, human cases in Alaska are rare and one case is reported about every two years.
Beckmen encouraged people to contact ADF&G at 459-7206 if they notice hares that appear to be ill. Signs that a hare is infected include lack of fear of people, “tameness,” lethargy, and sudden death. People can protect themselves by using gloves or a plastic bag if they have to touch a dead hare, and washing their hands afterwards. Don’t drink untreated water from areas where muskrats and beavers occur. Double bag and dispose of dead hares in trash or bury where dogs and scavengers can not get to them.
Dog and cat owners can protect their pets by keeping them away from snowshoe hares. Dogs or cats that become infected may show fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and swollen lymph nodes. Infected animals can be successfully treated by veterinarians with antibiotics. It is important to treat pets promptly not only for their sake, but because tularemia can be contracted though the bite of an infected pet.
For more information about Tularemia see the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Epidemiology Website.
“Hares die of this infection every spring and summer in the Interior,” said wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen. “This is the first hare we’ve found this year, but we expect to see more.”
A local resident of the Pheasant Road area reported to the Alaska State Troopers dispatch that there were a number of dead hares in the area. Personnel from the ADFG Regional Office investigated and collected a freshly dead hare for postmortem examination. Lab tests returned today confirmed the presence of Franciella tularensis, the bacteria that causes the disease known as Tularemia.
Tularemia is a bacterial disease that typically affects hares, beavers and muskrats. Predators and scavengers including dogs and cats that bite into a sick or dead hare as well as people who handle infected hares can become infected. Ticks, which are common on hares, and water contaminated with a dead animal can also spread the bacteria to animals and people. The most common symptoms in people include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, fever, flu-like illness, diarrhea or pneumonia. Tularemia can be fatal if the person is not treated with appropriate antibiotics. However, human cases in Alaska are rare and one case is reported about every two years.
Beckmen encouraged people to contact ADF&G at 459-7206 if they notice hares that appear to be ill. Signs that a hare is infected include lack of fear of people, “tameness,” lethargy, and sudden death. People can protect themselves by using gloves or a plastic bag if they have to touch a dead hare, and washing their hands afterwards. Don’t drink untreated water from areas where muskrats and beavers occur. Double bag and dispose of dead hares in trash or bury where dogs and scavengers can not get to them.
Dog and cat owners can protect their pets by keeping them away from snowshoe hares. Dogs or cats that become infected may show fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and swollen lymph nodes. Infected animals can be successfully treated by veterinarians with antibiotics. It is important to treat pets promptly not only for their sake, but because tularemia can be contracted though the bite of an infected pet.
For more information about Tularemia see the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Epidemiology Website.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Montana Outdoors Directory online
While not specifically Alaska hunting news, this is an important announcement for the Outdoors Supersite (tm) network, now grown to three states.
Aaron and Jill Bork have been working hard for months now to prepare an outdoors website
for Montana. While they would be first to say that there is much yet to do, I think you'll find that there is a LOT of quality information on
Montana Outdoors Directory about Treasure State hunting and fishing even at this early stage in the website's development. Subject areas right now include hunting, fishing, forums (they use the same vBulletin software that Alaska Outdoors Directory uses), services, and bookstore. They plan to continue adding quality information about Montana hunting and fishing, but also expanding to other outdoor activities in "Big Sky Country." Take a look at Montana Outdoors Directory today. If you're quick, you can take first post on the new forums.
Aaron and Jill Bork have been working hard for months now to prepare an outdoors websitefor Montana. While they would be first to say that there is much yet to do, I think you'll find that there is a LOT of quality information on
Montana Outdoors Directory about Treasure State hunting and fishing even at this early stage in the website's development. Subject areas right now include hunting, fishing, forums (they use the same vBulletin software that Alaska Outdoors Directory uses), services, and bookstore. They plan to continue adding quality information about Montana hunting and fishing, but also expanding to other outdoor activities in "Big Sky Country." Take a look at Montana Outdoors Directory today. If you're quick, you can take first post on the new forums.
Meanwhile, Dan Schwartz at Colorado Outdoors Directory continues to work on his website, announced earlier here. His next move is to add vBulletin forums too. We'll announce that here as soon as the new forums are online.
We look forward to continuing to work together with the Borks and Dan as they develop their Outdoors Supersites™ websites.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Kenai Grizzlies On The Increase
Kenai Peninsula brown bear populations seem to be increasing, and as a result more homeowners, hikers, anglers and outdoor people are running into the bruins. Not everyone is happy with the increasing numbers of bear encounters, and defense of life and property bear killings - reported and unreported - seem to be growing.
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News story >>>
Read the entire Anchorage Daily News story >>>
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Predator War Foe Jim Brooks Died
Former ADF&G Commissioner and ardent foe of indiscriminate wolf killing Jim Brooks died May 19 in Juneau.
In Territorial days, wolves were killed indiscriminately statewide, using traps, snares, poison and aerial gunning. When Alaska became a state, those practices were ended, and Brooks was an important part of this.
But later, as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Brooks permitted selective wolf control.
Anchorage Daily News writer Craig Medred tells the story in the June 11, 2003 edition.
Brooks' book "North to Wolf Country - Stories of an Alaska conservationist" tells more about the former ADFG commissioner's life.
In Territorial days, wolves were killed indiscriminately statewide, using traps, snares, poison and aerial gunning. When Alaska became a state, those practices were ended, and Brooks was an important part of this.
But later, as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Brooks permitted selective wolf control.
Anchorage Daily News writer Craig Medred tells the story in the June 11, 2003 edition.
Brooks' book "North to Wolf Country - Stories of an Alaska conservationist" tells more about the former ADFG commissioner's life.
Alaska Challenges Feds Over Subsistence Process In Court
The State of Alaska is challenging a US Government decision to extend subsistence priviledges over a broad area where no subsistence history is found. The ADFG press release put it this way:
On May 3, 2005, the Federal Board expanded the customary and traditional use determination for residents of Chistochina for moose to include all 10,000 square miles of Game Management Unit 12. The decision was made despite harvest data that provided evidence of customary use of only a very small portion of the unit (approximately 206 square miles). The State had requested the Board extend the determination to only those parts of the unit where customary use was documented.
“This lawsuit is neither pro nor anti subsistence. We are not challenging the federal government’s responsibility for implementing a rural subsistence priority on federal lands,” said McKie Campbell, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “This lawsuit is about the need for the Federal Board to follow its own regulations, to develop written policies, and to use data to make decisions.”
Read the entire press release >>>
On May 3, 2005, the Federal Board expanded the customary and traditional use determination for residents of Chistochina for moose to include all 10,000 square miles of Game Management Unit 12. The decision was made despite harvest data that provided evidence of customary use of only a very small portion of the unit (approximately 206 square miles). The State had requested the Board extend the determination to only those parts of the unit where customary use was documented.
“This lawsuit is neither pro nor anti subsistence. We are not challenging the federal government’s responsibility for implementing a rural subsistence priority on federal lands,” said McKie Campbell, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “This lawsuit is about the need for the Federal Board to follow its own regulations, to develop written policies, and to use data to make decisions.”
Read the entire press release >>>
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Recent Threads on the Alaska Hunting Forum
- viktor proposes his idea of restricting non-resident hunters in southcentral Alaska because of lower animal numbers.
- mdhunter is looking for some thoughts from bear hunters about shot placement.
- JLG is getting to know everyone who frequents the forums; what does everyone do for a living?
- Michael Strahan starts a hot debate about cost vs benefits of "predator control".
- solo hunter posted a picture of a ram; is this a legal sheep?
- geoff156 is wondering about other's experiences with brown bears at black bear bait stations.
- muledeer got a beautiful black bear near Juneau.
- barrowdave gives his opinion of subsistence hunting; thus starting an active thread.
- BruceB is curious about your experience with Bettles Air as far as hunting trips are concerned.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Managers Crush Copper Valley Trees For Moose
State, Federal and Native managers in March cooperated to crush 50+ acres of moose habitat in the Chistochina area. According to the Alaska Wildlife News, "willow, aspen and poplar are nutritious, high-quality forage for moose. These plants can regenerate and thrive after certain kinds of physical trauma, such as fire or crushing. Lush sprouts emerge from the ground level – gardeners refer to them as suckers – and quickly grow."
The project may be repeated in future years to provided staggered areas of regrowth for moose.
Read the entire article >>>
The project may be repeated in future years to provided staggered areas of regrowth for moose.
Read the entire article >>>
Monday, May 29, 2006
Federal Subsistence Wildlife Regulations Approved
The Federal Subsistence Board approved changes in wildlife regulations at a mid-May meeting in Anchorage. The regulations are for the 2006/2007 regulatory year and apply on federal public lands. Among the changes:
- # The Board adopted a proposal to provide for the sale of handicrafts made from the nonedible byproducts of most wildlife harvested for subsistence uses from Federal public lands. The change was made to accommodate existing subsistence uses and to align Federal regulations with State regulations.
- # The Board adopted a proposal to remove the two-week closure to non-Federally qualified users in the southeast portion of Prince of Wales Island for the harvest of deer. The change will allow non-Federally qualified deer hunters additional opportunities to harvest deer without impacting Federally qualified subsistence users.
- # The Board closed that portion of Unit 7 near Seward, draining into Kings Bay, to moose hunting for all hunters, due to extremely low moose numbers. Another moose survey is planned for the fall. If the numbers are considerably higher the Federal season could be reopened.
- # The Board adopted a proposal to provide for a late-season moose hunt for Federally qualified hunters, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 10, in Units 15B and 15C on the Kenai Peninsula. This proposal provides additional subsistence opportunities when the weather is cooler and the meat is less likely to spoil.
- # The Board eliminated the caribou cow hunt in Unit 9D on the Alaska Peninsula. The change is expected to help slow the population decline of the Southern Alaska Peninsula caribou herd.
- # The Board adopted a proposal to broaden the eligibility for moose hunting in portions of Unit 12 in the Eastern Interior. The change recognizes the customary and traditional use of moose in Unit 12 by those living in Unit 13C.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
May 31 deadline for most drawing permit apps
May is the month when applications for most Alaska drawing permit hunts must be submitted. Applications are due on May 31.
It is possible now to apply for these hunts online or by mail. You can read more about these hunts in a special regulatory supplement. Applications must be accompanied by payment.
It is possible now to apply for these hunts online or by mail. You can read more about these hunts in a special regulatory supplement. Applications must be accompanied by payment.
Alaska predator control programs expand
The Alaska Board of Game voted unanimously to continue predator control programs in the state, and expand effort in one of the areas.
The board met to consider whether to make permanent emergency regulations adopted in January to allow the programs struck down by the court to continue. The programs were halted because of technical flaws in the process of adopting the regulation.
The programs are designed to improve moose and caribou populations in areas where their numbers have been reduced by wolf predation. Read the entire ADFG news release >>>
The state's wolf control program is now the largest in recent decades, the Anchorage Daily News reported, and the board's decisions now allow relaxed regulations for taking bears.
The board met to consider whether to make permanent emergency regulations adopted in January to allow the programs struck down by the court to continue. The programs were halted because of technical flaws in the process of adopting the regulation.
The programs are designed to improve moose and caribou populations in areas where their numbers have been reduced by wolf predation. Read the entire ADFG news release >>>
The state's wolf control program is now the largest in recent decades, the Anchorage Daily News reported, and the board's decisions now allow relaxed regulations for taking bears.
State to burn part of Nenana Ridge for grouse
The Alaska Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources and the Ruffed Grouse Society are working together to burn portions of Nenna Ridge to benefit grouse. The 46 acre burn must occur after snowmelt but before leafout, so the window is very short.
The project is designed to kill the older aspens so as to allow new stands of young aspens needed by young grouse. Read the entire news release >>>
The project is designed to kill the older aspens so as to allow new stands of young aspens needed by young grouse. Read the entire news release >>>
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Are fishers moving into Alaska?
Alaska Wildlife News (AWN) reports in the May issue that fishers, a large cousin of the familiar Alaska marten, appear to be moving into SE Alaska.
AWN reported that ADF&G Juneau Area Biologist Neil Barten said he’s learned of three more fishers that were trapped in recent years, including a second animal trapped by Nelson. Barten now has one animal in the freezer at the Douglas Fish and Game office that came from the Taku River, near Grizzly Bar, and Barten hopes to take some genetic information from that animal. Others came from the Eagle River area.
“It would be interesting to see what the source population is, and if the fishers moving into Southeast are from the same source population,” Barten said in the AWN article. “I don’t doubt there are a few more around.”
AWN reported that ADF&G Juneau Area Biologist Neil Barten said he’s learned of three more fishers that were trapped in recent years, including a second animal trapped by Nelson. Barten now has one animal in the freezer at the Douglas Fish and Game office that came from the Taku River, near Grizzly Bar, and Barten hopes to take some genetic information from that animal. Others came from the Eagle River area.
“It would be interesting to see what the source population is, and if the fishers moving into Southeast are from the same source population,” Barten said in the AWN article. “I don’t doubt there are a few more around.”
Blue grouse hunting going in SE Alaska
"Blue grouse are chicken-sized birds closely related to ptarmigan. Weighing about 3 pounds, they are the largest of the four species of grouse in Alaska and they are the only grouse found in the Juneau area. They are year-round residents of Southeast Alaska, and although they don't migrate, they do move up and down the mountain slopes."
ADF&G writer Riley Woodford writes regularly for the Juneau Empire, and this is part of what he wrote about this largest of Alaska's game birds, and their spring habits. The spring hunting season is open until 15 May.
ADF&G writer Riley Woodford writes regularly for the Juneau Empire, and this is part of what he wrote about this largest of Alaska's game birds, and their spring habits. The spring hunting season is open until 15 May.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
State wolf control efforts fall short
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that the efforts by private gunner teams to take up to 400 wolves only resulted in 153 reported wolves.
The paper cited state officials as saying that high fuel prices, a court ordered cessation of the program for a week in January, and a temporary closure because of the Iditarod sled dog races were all factors in the smaller than hoped for take of wolves.
Still, state officials say that the program is already having an effect in reduced wolf numbers and improved moose survival.
The paper cited state officials as saying that high fuel prices, a court ordered cessation of the program for a week in January, and a temporary closure because of the Iditarod sled dog races were all factors in the smaller than hoped for take of wolves.
Still, state officials say that the program is already having an effect in reduced wolf numbers and improved moose survival.
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