The Federal Subsistence Board has closed Federal public lands to caribou hunting by all users in Units 11, 12, and 13 for 60 days.
The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) approved Wildlife Special Action 23-06 to close Federal public lands to caribou hunting by all users in Units 11, 12, and 13 for 60 days due to conservation concerns. The closures in Units 11 and 12 extend from Oct. 1-Nov. 29, 2023. The closure in Unit 13 extends from Oct. 21-Dec. 19, 2023.
Emergency Wildlife Special Action WSA23-06, submitted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), requested these 60-day closures due to a dramatic decline in the Nelchina caribou herd population. ADF&G and the Alaska Board of Game also submitted temporary special actions, requesting closure for the entire winter seasons that are still being processed.
The Board approved the special action based on the most recent population information, which indicates the Nelchina Caribou Herd is in serious decline with no harvestable surplus. The July 2023 estimate was 8,823 animals, a 50% reduction from the fall 2022 estimate and well below the State management objective of 35,000–40,000 caribou. Additionally, the July 2023 composition metrics are concerning, with a calf to cow ratio of 13:100 and a bull to cow ratio of 23:100, both of which are well below the management objective of 40:100 for each. ADF&G has closed the State Nelchina caribou hunts, and it is prudent that Federal lands be closed in unison to protect the viability of the herd. Such a closure is consistent with Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) Section 816(b), and is needed to assure the continued viability of the Nelchina Caribou Herd and to provide for the continuation of subsistence uses of the caribou resource in the long-term.
The Federal Subsistence Board had previously closed Unit 13 from August 1–September 30, per WSA 23-01. Then on August 31st, the Division of Interior held a public meeting to discuss the prospect of closing Units 11 and 12 as well.
