Special actions that would extend moose hunting in one unit and close it in another will be considered at an upcoming Federal Subsistence Board meeting.
The subsistence board meets on August 8, 2024, beginning at 1:30 p.m. During the meeting, the Board will consider Wildlife Special Action Requests WSA24-04 and WSA24-06.
Temporary Wildlife Special Action WSA24-04, submitted by Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission requests to extend the fall moose season in the portion of Unit 12 within the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve northeast of the Pickerel Lake Winter Trail hunt area by 10 days from September 20 to September 30 for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The proponent states locals are having a difficult time harvesting moose because they are not moving around until late September due to warmer weather in the fall. A public hearing was held on May 29, 2024.
Temporary Special Action Request WSA24-06, submitted by a Glennallen resident, requests that Federal public lands in Unit 13 be closed to moose hunting by non-federally qualified users for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The proponent cites conservation concerns for the Unit 13 moose population, food insecurity and public safety concerns for local subsistence users, threats to the continuation of subsistence uses, and provision of a meaningful Federal subsistence priority as reasons for submission. A public hearing was held on July 23, 2024.
Board meeting information:
- August 8, 2024, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (or until the Board completes its business)
- Teleconference: toll-free (833) 436-1163, conference ID: 429 252 677#.
- MS Teams meeting link: Join the meeting now
- In-person: Southern Alaska U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK.
The Board meeting will be available in person, via teleconference, or via Microsoft Teams. To join the teleconference, call the toll-free telephone number provided above. When prompted, enter the conference ID.
An opportunity for public testimony will be provided during the meeting.