Division Of Interior Seeks To Extend Nelchina Caribou Hunting Closure Through Winter

The Division of the Interior announced on Wednesday, an upcoming public hearing for Wildlife Special Action Requests regarding Nelchina Caribou Herd Winter Season Hunt Closure to all users in Units 11, 12, and 13.

Temporary Wildlife Special Action Request WSA23-02, submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, requests that the Federal Subsistence Board close hunting of the Nelchina caribou herd to all users in Unit 13 for the winter hunt seasons 2023 – 2024, due to conservation concerns.

Temporary Wildlife Special Action Request WSA23-04, submitted by the Alaska Board of Game, subsequently requests that the Board further expand the Nelchina caribou herd winter hunt closure to include Units 11, 12, and 13 due to conservation concerns.

The above requests follow recent Board action on emergency Wildlife Special Actions Requests WSA23-01 and WSA23-03, which closed hunting of Nelchina caribou for the fall 2023 season in Unit 13. The Board approved WSA23-01/03, recognizing that conservation concerns warrant a closure to all users for the fall 2023 season.  The most recent population information shows the Nelchina Caribou Herd is in serious decline.

A public hearing to receive testimony on WSA23-02/04 is scheduled as follows:

– August 31, 2023, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  (Or until conclusion of public comments)
– Teleconference: 1-833-436-1163 Conference ID: 186 771 49#

 

To participate via teleconference, call the toll-free telephone number provided above.  When prompted, enter the conference ID.

Comments received during the public hearing will be forwarded to the Board for consideration when it meets to act on WSA23-02/04 at a to be announced date in October 2023. Further information on the upcoming Board meeting will be provided through news releases, radio and newspaper ads, the program webpage (https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/board), and social media.

Members of the public may also provide oral or written comments on WSA23-02/04 to the affected Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils (Councils) during their fall 2023 meetings.  The Southcentral Council will meet October 3-4, 2023, in Kenai, and the Eastern Interior Council will meet October 4-5, 2023, in Arctic Village. For more information on how to participate in these Council meetings in-person or via teleconference, visit www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions<http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regions> to view Council meetings information and materials.