Former ADFG biologist Patrick Valkenburg writing in the Alaska Outdoor Council newsletter Outdoor Alaska says that Alaska bears are more resilient than previously believed, and more management possibilities exist than have been used in recent decades.
"In the past, many biologists have described bears; particularly grizzlies, as a “slowly reproducing” species that must be carefully managed to prevent overharvest, and have recommended restricting allowable harvests to 4 or 5 percent of population size, preferably mostly males. Despite abundant, sound data to the contrary, this “truism” about bears appears in print regularly, both in technical scientific articles and in the popular press. Many biologists are now beginning to realize that bears are not unlike other species and sustainable harvest rates are highly variable, can often exceed 15%, and depend on the abundance of bear food and immigration from surrounding areas. Hunted bear populations on the Alaska Peninsula and Unit 13 have been shown to be more productive than adjacent unhunted populations and sows in the hunted populations reproduce earlier, and have more cubs. Cub survival is generally also higher in hunted populations (cub mortality is primarily caused by adult males killing cubs). Thus, bear populations “compensate” for heavy hunting with better reproduction and higher cub survival."
Valkenburg suggests that while active management involving only wolf reduction has been effective in some areas, in other areas, bear numbers must also be substantially reduced to achieve similar results. He suggests black bear trapping - well accepted in areas of the USA East Coast - should be considered by Alaskans.
Read the entire article in Outdoor Alaska (PDF 2.6 mb)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
AOC Says Musk Ox on North Slope in Trouble
The Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) today published on it's website a heavily viewed YouTube.com video of a North Slope muskox herd from which a grizzly bear apparently kills two calves. In text accompanying the video a biologist writes "....there are no muskoxen left there (ANWR) now. Yeah, that's right. Zero. This predatory behavior pattern has also now spread to Unit 26B, and I'm predicting that within about 5 years, muskoxen will be gone from the slope except for a few straggling bulls. Now that the problem is in 26B, and almost entirely on state land, we need to take action."
The AOC page says 15 years ago the North Slope supported about 600 muskoxen -- and a small, but "highly sought-after" hunt. The problem appears to be related to grizzly bears which biologists and other observers believe to have specialized in muskox predation.
The Council is asking members "to express concern over bear predation on musk ox on the North Slope to Gov. Palin and the Congressional delegation."
The AOC page says 15 years ago the North Slope supported about 600 muskoxen -- and a small, but "highly sought-after" hunt. The problem appears to be related to grizzly bears which biologists and other observers believe to have specialized in muskox predation.
The Council is asking members "to express concern over bear predation on musk ox on the North Slope to Gov. Palin and the Congressional delegation."
Feds Open Yukon Delta to Moose Hunt
The Federal Subsistence Board's decision to open a large area of the Yukon drainage to both local and non-local moose hunting is causing concern among Kuskokwim Delta hunters, the Anchorage Daily News reports.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Brown Shirts Coming Back
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has fulfilled a campaign pledge to restore the Alaska Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection, according to the Anchorage Daily News. Her predecessor in the Governor's mansion, Frank Murkowski, had merged the fish and wildlife law enforcement function of the Department of Public Safety into the Division of State Troopers and tasked troopers with enforcing all laws. The move was widely criticized in the outdoors community where a substantial reduction in fish and wildlife enforcement efforts was predicted and observed.
The paper reported Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan as saying that "part of the problem with the merged departments was that officers who were supposed to be focused on wildlife were not able to devote enough attention to that aspect of their jobs because of their law enforcement obligations. The separation should help resolve that, he said.
"They'll still be doing some blue shirt work, but their primary focus is now back to wildlife enforcement, which is what they need to be (doing)," he said."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The paper reported Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan as saying that "part of the problem with the merged departments was that officers who were supposed to be focused on wildlife were not able to devote enough attention to that aspect of their jobs because of their law enforcement obligations. The separation should help resolve that, he said.
"They'll still be doing some blue shirt work, but their primary focus is now back to wildlife enforcement, which is what they need to be (doing)," he said."
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Fish and Game Proposes Moving Forward With Wood Bison Restoration
From an ADFG News Release:
ADF&G has completed an Environmental Review of the possibility of restoring wood bison in Alaska and is seeking public comment on a proposal to more forward with the project.
The Environmental Review concludes that wood bison restoration can be accomplished with minimal or no negative environmental impacts, and would enhance the diversity of Alaska’s wildlife resources and provide significant benefits to people.
A newsletter and comment forms are available on the ADF&G website or at ADF&G offices. Comments are welcome through June 30, 2007. This is an important time for interested people to let the department know their thoughts on whether the project should move forward, and, if so, which area or areas should be considered first,” said ADF&G wildlife planner Randy Rogers.
The report evaluates possible wood bison restoration on Yukon Flats, Minto Flats and in the lower Innoko/Yukon River area, all of which have been identified as having suitable habitat. It is possible that wood bison could eventually be restored in one, two or all three areas.
The Environmental Review also identifies several major issues that must be adequately addressed in order for the project to succeed. These include concerns about the status of wood bison under the Endangered Species Act, disease testing and health certification requirements for wood bison stock and future allocation of hunting opportunities.
The Minto-Nenana, Tanana-Manley-Rampart, and Grayling-Anvik-Shageluk-Holy Cross Advisory Committees have unanimously endorsed wood bison restoration in their areas. The Fairbanks Advisory Committee is currently working on detailed comments and recommendations on the Environmental Review
According to Bob Stephenson, Wood Bison Project Biologist and member of Canada’s Wood Bison Recovery Team, “wood bison restoration in Alaska would make a significant contribution to international wood bison conservation efforts.”
If public support for the project continues as it has in the past, ADF&G hopes to import 40-50 wood bison calves from Elk Island National Park in Canada next winter and could begin releasing wood bison into the wild in 2010 or 2011.
A small herd of wood bison has been held at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, and includes five calves that have been born so far this spring. ADF&G is working in partnership with AWCC to develop additional holding facilities.
The concept of wood bison restoration originated in the early 1990’s on the Yukon Flats, where Athabascan elders provide historic accounts about bison and numerous wood bison bones have been found. Wood bison remains have been found in other parts of the interior, and one specimen was found in the Anchorage area. The most recent reported sightings of wood bison occurred around 1900. ADF&G has worked with local villages, the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments and others for over 10 years to consider wood bison restoration on the Yukon Flats, which offers extensive high quality habitat. In 2002 the project was expanded to consider other areas in interior Alaska.
The complete report and a newsletter that summarizes key points can be found on the internet. Copies of the newsletter can be obtained from the Fairbanks office of ADF&G (459-7313).
ADF&G has completed an Environmental Review of the possibility of restoring wood bison in Alaska and is seeking public comment on a proposal to more forward with the project.
The Environmental Review concludes that wood bison restoration can be accomplished with minimal or no negative environmental impacts, and would enhance the diversity of Alaska’s wildlife resources and provide significant benefits to people.
A newsletter and comment forms are available on the ADF&G website or at ADF&G offices. Comments are welcome through June 30, 2007. This is an important time for interested people to let the department know their thoughts on whether the project should move forward, and, if so, which area or areas should be considered first,” said ADF&G wildlife planner Randy Rogers.
The report evaluates possible wood bison restoration on Yukon Flats, Minto Flats and in the lower Innoko/Yukon River area, all of which have been identified as having suitable habitat. It is possible that wood bison could eventually be restored in one, two or all three areas.
The Environmental Review also identifies several major issues that must be adequately addressed in order for the project to succeed. These include concerns about the status of wood bison under the Endangered Species Act, disease testing and health certification requirements for wood bison stock and future allocation of hunting opportunities.
The Minto-Nenana, Tanana-Manley-Rampart, and Grayling-Anvik-Shageluk-Holy Cross Advisory Committees have unanimously endorsed wood bison restoration in their areas. The Fairbanks Advisory Committee is currently working on detailed comments and recommendations on the Environmental Review
According to Bob Stephenson, Wood Bison Project Biologist and member of Canada’s Wood Bison Recovery Team, “wood bison restoration in Alaska would make a significant contribution to international wood bison conservation efforts.”
If public support for the project continues as it has in the past, ADF&G hopes to import 40-50 wood bison calves from Elk Island National Park in Canada next winter and could begin releasing wood bison into the wild in 2010 or 2011.
A small herd of wood bison has been held at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, and includes five calves that have been born so far this spring. ADF&G is working in partnership with AWCC to develop additional holding facilities.
The concept of wood bison restoration originated in the early 1990’s on the Yukon Flats, where Athabascan elders provide historic accounts about bison and numerous wood bison bones have been found. Wood bison remains have been found in other parts of the interior, and one specimen was found in the Anchorage area. The most recent reported sightings of wood bison occurred around 1900. ADF&G has worked with local villages, the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments and others for over 10 years to consider wood bison restoration on the Yukon Flats, which offers extensive high quality habitat. In 2002 the project was expanded to consider other areas in interior Alaska.
The complete report and a newsletter that summarizes key points can be found on the internet. Copies of the newsletter can be obtained from the Fairbanks office of ADF&G (459-7313).
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Kodiak Deer Hard Hit by Winter
Up to 10,000 deer may have perished during the 2006/2007 winter according to Kodiak Area Biologist Larry VanDaele, as reported by KTVA in Anchorage.
Winter mortality was worst on the north end of the island where perhaps 80% of the deer died. Winter kill is not infrequent among Alaska deer, and in the winter of 1998/1999 as many as 75,000 deer may have died.
The hunting season will likely not be changed, but deer may be harder to locate on the north end of the island.
Read the story on ktva.com >>>
Winter mortality was worst on the north end of the island where perhaps 80% of the deer died. Winter kill is not infrequent among Alaska deer, and in the winter of 1998/1999 as many as 75,000 deer may have died.
The hunting season will likely not be changed, but deer may be harder to locate on the north end of the island.
Read the story on ktva.com >>>
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Governor Palin Introduces Bill to Streamline Predator Management Laws
From an ADFG News Release dated 11 May 2007:
Governor Sarah Palin has introduced a bill in the State House and Senate that will simplify and clarify Alaska’s intensive management law for big game and the state's "same day airborne hunting" law. “I have said many times that my administration is committed to management of game for abundance, and to a proactive, science-based predator management program where appropriate,” said the Governor. “The bill I am introducing will give the Board of Game and state wildlife managers the tools they need to actively manage important game herds and help thousands of Alaskan families put food on their tables.”
The bill, House Bill 256 and Senate Bill 176, clarifies and simplifies the language of what is known as the “intensive management” law (AS 16.05.255 (e-g)), which requires the Alaska Board of Game to adopt regulations to restore populations of moose, caribou and deer in parts of the state where they have been depleted over time. During the last four winters, the state has been conducting predator control programs in some areas to build up moose and caribou herds.
“We have had good success in achieving lower wolf densities in the predator control areas during the first few years of the programs,” said Matt Robus, Director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation in the Department of Fish and Game. “There are now indications in our longest-established programs that moose populations are responding well to reduced levels of predation, and this will directly affect the harvestable surplus so that people will be able to harvest these animals for subsistence and personal use.”
The Governor’s bill clarifies state law that requires the Board of Game to implement regulations to help manage important game herds for both abundant numbers and abundant opportunities for Alaskans to harvest game. In addition, the bill uses the new term "active management,” which is broader and is used in place of "intensive management." The bill also would eliminate several current requirements that have proven to be problematic for both the Board and the courts, and definitions that vary from existing usage within the wildlife management profession.
HB256/SB176 takes two laws that were written to achieve almost exactly opposite purposes and harmonizes them so that the state's game managers, the courts, and the public will have less trouble understanding how they work together and the legal requirements that apply in each situation. The important principle of limiting use of airborne and same day airborne shooting of large predators is retained, while the process for conducting game management programs critical to meeting the state's constitutional mandates is made simpler, more workable, and more legally defensible.
Governor Palin said she is introducing the bill at this time because she wants to generate discussion on the important issues related to predator reduction as a component of abundance-based management. “I understand that the legislature doesn’t have time to give this bill a committee hearing before the end of this session,” she said. “I want Alaskans to look at this new language over the summer and fall, debate the issues and urge their legislators to pass the bill into law early next year.”
Governor Sarah Palin has introduced a bill in the State House and Senate that will simplify and clarify Alaska’s intensive management law for big game and the state's "same day airborne hunting" law. “I have said many times that my administration is committed to management of game for abundance, and to a proactive, science-based predator management program where appropriate,” said the Governor. “The bill I am introducing will give the Board of Game and state wildlife managers the tools they need to actively manage important game herds and help thousands of Alaskan families put food on their tables.”
The bill, House Bill 256 and Senate Bill 176, clarifies and simplifies the language of what is known as the “intensive management” law (AS 16.05.255 (e-g)), which requires the Alaska Board of Game to adopt regulations to restore populations of moose, caribou and deer in parts of the state where they have been depleted over time. During the last four winters, the state has been conducting predator control programs in some areas to build up moose and caribou herds.
“We have had good success in achieving lower wolf densities in the predator control areas during the first few years of the programs,” said Matt Robus, Director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation in the Department of Fish and Game. “There are now indications in our longest-established programs that moose populations are responding well to reduced levels of predation, and this will directly affect the harvestable surplus so that people will be able to harvest these animals for subsistence and personal use.”
The Governor’s bill clarifies state law that requires the Board of Game to implement regulations to help manage important game herds for both abundant numbers and abundant opportunities for Alaskans to harvest game. In addition, the bill uses the new term "active management,” which is broader and is used in place of "intensive management." The bill also would eliminate several current requirements that have proven to be problematic for both the Board and the courts, and definitions that vary from existing usage within the wildlife management profession.
HB256/SB176 takes two laws that were written to achieve almost exactly opposite purposes and harmonizes them so that the state's game managers, the courts, and the public will have less trouble understanding how they work together and the legal requirements that apply in each situation. The important principle of limiting use of airborne and same day airborne shooting of large predators is retained, while the process for conducting game management programs critical to meeting the state's constitutional mandates is made simpler, more workable, and more legally defensible.
Governor Palin said she is introducing the bill at this time because she wants to generate discussion on the important issues related to predator reduction as a component of abundance-based management. “I understand that the legislature doesn’t have time to give this bill a committee hearing before the end of this session,” she said. “I want Alaskans to look at this new language over the summer and fall, debate the issues and urge their legislators to pass the bill into law early next year.”
ATVs to be Restricted in Wrangell St. Elias Preserve
A court settlement is restricting ATV use on three trails in the north part of the Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve except when the ground is frozen, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The Park Service must review ATV use for compatibility with purposes of the Park unit by 2010.
Mostly sport hunters will be affected by the settlement. Local hunters able to hunt under federal subsistence rules will continue to be able to use the trails, the paper reported.
"The three trails are the Copper Lake, Tanada Lake and Suslota Lake trails. Those are in boggy areas, according to the Park Service, and NCPA (National Parks Conservation Association) contends that those were the most damaged by ATVs."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Mostly sport hunters will be affected by the settlement. Local hunters able to hunt under federal subsistence rules will continue to be able to use the trails, the paper reported.
"The three trails are the Copper Lake, Tanada Lake and Suslota Lake trails. Those are in boggy areas, according to the Park Service, and NCPA (National Parks Conservation Association) contends that those were the most damaged by ATVs."
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Federal Subsistence Board Approves Changes to Hunting Regulations
From a USFWS News Release:
The Federal Subsistence Board approved changes to Federal subsistence hunting and trapping regulations at its April 30-May 2 meeting in Anchorage. The new regulations are effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Among the changes:
The Federal Subsistence Board approved changes to Federal subsistence hunting and trapping regulations at its April 30-May 2 meeting in Anchorage. The new regulations are effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Among the changes:
- The Board lifted closures to hunting by non-federally qualified hunters for moose in the Yukon River drainage portion of Unit 18; for moose on federal public lands in the Brevig Mission/Teller area of Unit 22D; for moose in most of Unit 26B in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and for sheep on federal public lands in a portion of the Arctic Village Management Area of Unit 25A. These closures are being lifted because these populations have improved.
- The Board adopted proposals to extend the moose hunting season for federally qualified hunters in the Yukon River drainage portion of Unit 18 and increased the harvest limit for moose in most of Unit 26B in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, due to improved moose populations in these areas. The Board also approved regulatory changes to provide additional opportunities to hunt moose in part of Unit 21B in the Western Interior; in part of Unit 12 in the Eastern Interior; in Unit 9E on the Alaska Peninsula; and in Unit 26A on the North Slope.
- The Board recognized the customary and traditional use by Ninilchik residents of black bear on federal public lands in Unit 15 on the Kenai Peninsula and brown bear for Ninilchik residents on federal public lands in Unit 15C and established federal seasons and harvest limits for these hunts.
- The Board reduced the harvest limit for the Mulchatna Caribou Herd in Unit 9 and Unit 17, from five caribou to three, due to a steep decline in the population of the herd.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
650 Alaska Moose Killed in Vehicle Collisions Since July
At least 650 moose have died in vehicle collisions around Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News reports. Most died in southcentral Alaska in automobile accidents, but others were killed along the Alaska Railroad and along Interior Alaska roads.
Winter is the worst time, according to the article, but another spike in deaths occurs as summer traffic increases in late May and June. Calves often follow their mothers across a road, and unwary travelers may strike them.
Road kills are up in the Mat/Su area, and down on the Kenai. Nearly 100 moose have died along Anchorage area roads, and two more months remain in the regulatory year, which is the basis for comparison of counts.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Winter is the worst time, according to the article, but another spike in deaths occurs as summer traffic increases in late May and June. Calves often follow their mothers across a road, and unwary travelers may strike them.
Road kills are up in the Mat/Su area, and down on the Kenai. Nearly 100 moose have died along Anchorage area roads, and two more months remain in the regulatory year, which is the basis for comparison of counts.
Read the entire article in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Wood Bison Restoration Project Gathers Momentum
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game on April 17 announced completion of "Wood Bison Restoration in Alaska: A Review of Environmental and Regulatory Issues and Proposed Decisions for Project Implementation". This step clears the way for expected importation of wood bison stock from Canada in the winter of 2007-2008, with a view to releasing animals into the wild by spring 2010 or 2011.
According to a letter from Interior Region Supervisor David James, "this Environmental Review represents a significant milestone in the department's efforts to evaluate wood bison restoration in Alaska. Public comment on this report will have a major influence in determining whether the department continues to pursue wood bison restoration in Alaska and, if so, where we attempt to restore this historically important species."
The Department issued both a complete environmental review and a less detailed summary of that review. All the documents can be accessed on the wood bison restoration page on the ADFG website.
According to a letter from Interior Region Supervisor David James, "this Environmental Review represents a significant milestone in the department's efforts to evaluate wood bison restoration in Alaska. Public comment on this report will have a major influence in determining whether the department continues to pursue wood bison restoration in Alaska and, if so, where we attempt to restore this historically important species."
The Department issued both a complete environmental review and a less detailed summary of that review. All the documents can be accessed on the wood bison restoration page on the ADFG website.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Caribou Return to the Seward Peninsula: An Alaska Native Elder's Perspective
For almost the entire 20th century, caribou were largely absent from the Seward Peninsula, changing the way of life of Alaska Natives living in the area.
In 2000, the Western Arctic Herd came onto the peninsula, again changing the way of life of people there; this time sweeping away domestic reindeer herds which wandered away with the caribou.
Alaska Native Elder Jacob Ahwinona tells the story in the Alaska Wildlife News.
In 2000, the Western Arctic Herd came onto the peninsula, again changing the way of life of people there; this time sweeping away domestic reindeer herds which wandered away with the caribou.
Alaska Native Elder Jacob Ahwinona tells the story in the Alaska Wildlife News.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Fed Subsistence Board Meets 30 Apr - 2 May
From a USFWS News Release:
The Federal Subsistence Board will meet April 30-May 2 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, 401 E. 6th Ave., Anchorage to consider changes to Federal subsistence hunting and trapping regulations. Also on the agenda at this meeting will be the State of Alaska's request for reconsideration of the Board's November 2006 decision recognizing the customary and traditional use of fish in the Kenai River area by residents of Ninilchik.
The Board will also meet May 8-10 at the Coast International Inn, 3450 Aviation Drive, Anchorage, to consider changes to Federal subsistence fishing regulations on the Kenai Peninsula. In addition the Board will take action regarding the proper balance of subsistence, sport, and commercial representatives on the subsistence regional advisory councils.
Additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program can be found on the web here.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Spring Drawing / Tier II Permit Hunt Information Available
The spring application period for Alaska drawing and Tier II permit hunt starts May 1 and ends on May 31, 2007. Permit hunt supplements for these hunts are available online now. The permit supplements describe the hunts and will be available shortly at Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices and many license sellers around the state.
It is also possible to order hunting (and fishing, trapping and other licenses and stamps) online from ADFG.
It is also possible to order hunting (and fishing, trapping and other licenses and stamps) online from ADFG.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Shots End April Bear Mauling
A spring bear hunter was saved by his partner with three shots after a second bear emerged from a winter den surprising the hunters who had just taken another bear from the same den.
The second, larger bear began mauling Anchorage hunter Lynn Keogh moments after Keogh's snap shot failed to stop the charging sow. Shots from Keogh's partner into the bear's brain ended the mauling, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
The second, larger bear began mauling Anchorage hunter Lynn Keogh moments after Keogh's snap shot failed to stop the charging sow. Shots from Keogh's partner into the bear's brain ended the mauling, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Read the entire story in the Anchorage Daily News >>>
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Hunter Heritage Foundation a Benefit for Alaska Hutners
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 >>>
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 >>>
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 >>>
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