Note: The bag and possession limits in this story have been corrected from an earlier version.
The 2016 hunting season begins today for big game and waterfowl, with new bag and possession limits for duck, geese, and brant.
As of yesterday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game released emergency regulation changes that increase limits for common waterfowl.
5AAC 85.065(a)(4) is amended to include the following changes:
1. (A) Ducks (except sea ducks), Canvasbacks: All Game Management Units, daily bag and possession limits are increased from a daily bag limit of 1 bird, 3 in possession, to a daily bag limit of 2 birds, 6 in possession.
2. (C) Geese, Light (Snow and Ross’): All Game Management Units, the daily bag and possession limits are increased from a daily bag limit of 4 birds, 12 in possession, to a daily bag limit of 6 birds, 18 in possession.
3. (F) Brant: All Game Management Units, the daily bag and possession limits are increased from a daily bag limit of 2 birds, 6 in possession, to a daily bag limit of 3 birds, 9 in possession.
Steve Miller, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Deputy Manager announces the opening of hunting season and shares areas waterfowl hunting spots are allowed within the refuge…
Miller: “The primary areas for waterfowl hunting on the refuge is around Skilak Lake or even Tustumena Lake. Those are the more slow moving water areas on the refuge and that’s where people primarily hunt for waterfowl and the Chickaloon flats area, out by the Chickaloon River on the northern part of the refuge, and Game Management Unit 15A is another prime spot for hunting.”
It’s important to exercise safety and caution when hunting, whether for big game or waterfowl. Steve reminds hunters to always be aware of their surroundings to each other, residences, and trailheads. Aside from state regulations, there is only one rule different on the refuge.
Miller: “On Skilak Lake and on Tustumena Lake, they cannot hunt within a quarter mile of any of the cabins or trailheads that we have there. Other than that, it’s the same as state regulations.”
In order to hunt, harvest tickets and/or registration permits are required and 15 days after the close of the season, the harvest reports are due back to the Department of Fish and Game.