The Federal Subsistence Board has closed Federal Public Lands to caribou hunting by all users in Game Management Units 11, 12 remainder, and 13 for 2024-2025.
The board recently approved Wildlife Special Action WSA24-02 with modifications. Due to conservation concerns, the action closes Federal public lands to caribou hunting for the 2024/2025 regulatory year.
A modification to the special action does provide exceptions for traditional religious ceremonies and cultural/educational program permit harvest.
Special Action 24-02, submitted by the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission requested that all Federal caribou hunts on the Nelchina herd in Units 11, 12, and 13 be closed to all users for the 2024/2025 regulatory year, which begins July 1, 2024, and ends June 30, 2025.
Another Special Action (24-03), submitted by the Bureau of Land Management Glennallen Field Office, made the same request. Both requests were due to the continued decline of the Nelchina caribou herd population.
According to a board statement, conservation concerns warrant a closure to caribou hunting. The Nelchina Caribou Herd population has declined precipitously to only 6,983 caribou in October 2023, far below the population objectives of 35,000-40,000 caribou. Removing harvest pressure will aid in the herd’s recovery.
A press release from the Department of the Interior acknowledged this decision’s strain on hunters, especially subsistence hunters, but affirms the board’s commitment to rebuilding the herd.
“Although this closure will reduce opportunities for federally qualified subsistence users this year, it will help ensure the long-term viability of the Nelchina Caribou Herd and subsistence opportunities in the future. This closure is consistent with ANILCA Section 816(b), and support for it was indicated during Tribal and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporation consultations and public hearings.”
For further information, visit the DOI website.