2020-2022 Wildlife Proposals - doi.gov · meeting materials, or in any proposal analysis. After the Fall 2019 Regional Advisory Council meeting cycle, anyone wishing to provide written

Federal Subsistence Mangement Program

2020-2022 Wildlife Proposals

Comment period open through June 28, 2019

Comment period open through June 28, 2019Send your written comments on the enclosed proposals to:

Federal Subsistence BoardOffice of Subsistence Management

(Attn: Theo Matuskowitz) 1011 E. Tudor Road, MS-121

Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199 Email: [email protected]

Fax: (907) 786-3898

*Comments received after June 28, 2019 will be forwarded to the Federal Subsistence Board for their consideration; however, they will not be included in Fall 2019 Regional Advisory Council

meeting materials, or in any proposal analysis.

After the Fall 2019 Regional Advisory Council meeting cycle, anyone wishing to provide written comments on these proposals may do so only by delivering comments directly to the Federal

Subsistence Board at its regulatory meeting scheduled to take place in April 2020.

Cover Photo: Kent Miller, 2008

iFederal Subsistence Management Program

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) invites your comments on the enclosed proposals to change Federal subsistence wildlife hunting and trapping regulations for the 2020–2022 regulatory years (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022). These proposals seek changes to existing Federal subsistence regulations for the taking of wildlife on Federal public lands and waters in Alaska. Wildlife proposals submitted during the current regulatory cycle can be found beginning on page 5.

In addition, the Board is asking for your comments on existing wildlife closures that will be reviewed by the Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils and the Board during this wildlife cycle. The wildlife closures being reviewed can be found beginning on page 100.

You may mail your comments to the Federal Subsistence Board at the address on the previous page of this book, fax them to (907) 786-3898, or email them to [email protected]. Please refer to a specific proposal number or wildlife closure number in your comments. All comments received by June 28, 2019 will be included in the meeting materials for the appropriate Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils to discuss at their fall meetings and the Board at its spring 2020 meeting.

Before making decisions on these proposals and wildlife closures, the Board considers technical analyses prepared by its staff, recommendations from the 10 Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils, and any written public comments and oral testimony it receives on the proposal, along with Tribal and Alaska Native Corporation comments received during consultations. The Board may consider and act on alternatives that address the intent of a proposal while differing in approach. Once the Board makes its decisions, the changes will be published as final regulations for the 2020–2022 regulatory years, effective July 1, 2020, and the regulation book distributed throughout Alaska.

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing: [email protected].

ii Federal Subsistence Management Program

iiiFederal Subsistence Management Program

GENERAL INFORMATION

Federal Subsistence BoardThe Federal Subsistence Board oversees the Federal Subsistence Management Program. Board members include the Alaska directors of five Federal agencies: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Forest Service. The Board Chair is a representative of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture. Two additional public members are appointed by the Secretaries to represent rural subsistence users.

Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils (Council(s)), State of Alaska representatives, and the general public play an active role in the regulatory process. You can find information about the Federal Subsistence Board on the Federal Subsistence Management Program’s website at: www.doi.gov/subsistence or by contacting the Office of Subsistence Management at 800-478-1456 or 907-786-3888.

Regional Advisory CouncilsThe Federal Subsistence Management Program divides Alaska into 10 subsistence resource regions, each represented by a Subsistence Regional Advisory Council. These 10 Councils provide an opportunity for Alaskans to contribute in a meaningful way to the management of subsistence resources. Subsistence users and other stakeholders have the opportunity to comment and offer input on subsistence issues at Council meetings. Councils meet a least twice a year to develop proposals to change Federal subsistence regulations, and review and make recommendations on proposals submitted by others.

Council membershipThe Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture appoint Council members. Members must reside in the area they wish to represent and have knowledge of subsistence uses and needs. Each year the Office of Subsistence Management accepts applications and nominations for membership between August and January. If you are interested in applying for membership, please contact Katya Wessels or the council coordinator for your region.

Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council CoordinatorsCouncil Coordinators facilitate communication between the Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils and the Federal Subsistence Board. Each Coordinator is responsible for one or two regions and serves as a contact for the Councils, Federal agency staff, and the public. Contact a Coordinator for more information on the activities of each Council.

Southeast and Southcentral RegionsDeAnna PerryJuneau(907) 586-7918Fax: (907) [email protected]

Bristol Bay and Kodiak/Aleutians RegionsDonald MikeAnchorage(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3629Fax: (907) [email protected]

Western Interior and Seward Peninsula RegionsKaren DeatherageFairbanks(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3564Fax: (907) [email protected]

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and North Slope RegionsEva PattonAnchorage(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3358Fax: (907) [email protected]

Northwest Arctic and Eastern Interior RegionsZach StevensonAnchorage(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3674Fax: (907) [email protected]

Eastern Interior RegionKaterina “Katya” WesselsAnchorage(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3885Fax: (907) [email protected]

For information on Regional Advisory Council membership, contact:

Katerina “Katya” Wessels(800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3885

Fax: (907) [email protected]

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1Federal Subsistence Management Program

2020–2022 Wildlife Proposals

Proposal Number

AffectedRegion(s) Species Unit General Description Page

Southeast

WP20-01 SE Moose1C - Berners Bay

Eliminate Unit 1C - Berners Bay moose hunt 5

WP20-02 SE Deer 2 Remove harvest limits to non-Federally qualified users 8

WP20-03 SE Deer 2 Eliminate doe harvest 16

WP20-04 SE Deer 2 Revise harvest limit 17

WP20-05 SE Deer 2 Establish a registration permit for does 18

WP20-06 SE Deer 2 Revise season 19

WP20-07 SE Deer 2 Revise harvest limit 20

WP20-08 Statewide All trapping species 2 Require traps or snares to be marked with

name or State identification number 21

WP20-09 SE Beaver 1-4 Revise trapping season dates 22

WP20-10 Statewide Black Bear 1-5 Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination 23

WP20-11 Statewide Brown Bear 1-5 Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination 25

WP20-12 SE Deer 3 Revise hunt areas, season dates, and harvest limits 27

WP20-13 Statewide Elk 3 Establish Customary and Traditional Use Determination 29

WP20-14 Statewide Goat 1-5 Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination 31

2 Federal Subsistence Management Program


Proposal Number


WP20-15 Statewide Moose 1-5 Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination 33

WP20-16 Statewide Wolf-Trapping 2 Eliminate harvest limit/quota and revise

sealing requirement 35

WP20-17 Statewide Wolf-Hunting 2 Eliminate harvest limit/quota and revise

sealing requirement 36

Southcentral

WP20-18 SC Goat 7a. Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination b. Establish season and harvest limit

37

WP20-19 SC, EI Sheep 11 Revise the elder/minor hunt 38

WP20-20 SC General regulations 7 Restrict hunting/trapping in residential areas

and mark trap sites 41

WP20-21 SC Moose 15 Revise permit requirements 42

WP20-22 Statewide Caribou 15a. Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination b. Establish season and harvest limit

44

WP20-23 Statewide Goat 15a. Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination b. Establish season and harvest limit

47

WP20-24 SC Sheep 15a. Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination b. Establish season and harvest limit

50

Kodiak/Aleutians

WP20-25 KA Caribou 10 - Unimak Island

Conduct a subsistence user prioritization and establish season and harvest limit 53

Bristol Bay

WP20-26 Statewide Wolf, Wolverine

9B, 9C, 17B, 17C Allow use of snowmachines for positioning 55

WP20-27 BB, WI, YK Caribou 17 Allow use of snowmachines to assist in take 56

WP20-28 BB, YK Moose 17A Revise the season 58



Proposal Number


WP20-29 BB, YK Moose 17A Establish antlerless season 59

WP20-30 Statewide Hare 9 Revise definition of hare, seasons, and harvest limits 60

WP20-31 Statewide Ptarmigan 9 Revise season, harvest, and possession limits 61

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

WP20-32 YKD Moose 18 Establish a season 62

WP20-33 YKD Moose 18 Revise hunt area 64

WP20-34 Statewide Mink and weasel 18 Revise trapping season 65

WP20-35 YKD Moose 18 - Kuskokwim Establish a may be announced winter season 67

Western Interior

WP20-36 WI Moose 21D, 21D remainder

Revise permit requirement and to be announced seasons 69

WP20-37 WI Moose 21D Revise and establish announced seasons 73

Seward Peninsula

WP20-38 SP Moose 22D remainder

Revise seasons, harvest limit, and permit requirments 74

WP20-39 SP Moose 22D remainder Revise harvest limit for winter season 77

WP20-40 SP Moose 22D remainder Close to non-Federally qualified users 78

WP20-41 SP Moose 22A North Rescind closure to non-Federally qualified users 80

WP20-42 SP Moose 22A remainder

Rescind closure to non-Federally qualified users 81



Proposal Number


Northwest Arctic

WP20-43 NWA, WI, SP, NS Caribou 23 Revise seasons 82

WP20-44 NWA, WI, SP, NS Caribou 23 Allow the harvest of calves 84



WP20-47 NWA, NS Moose 23 Eliminate cow season 91

Eastern Interior

WP20-48 EI Caribou 20F, 20E, 25C Revise seasons and harvest limits 92

WP20-49 EI, NS Sheep 25A AVSMA Rescind closure to non-Federally qualified users 95

WP20-50 EI, SC Moose 12 Revise hunt area, seasons, and harvest limits 97

WP20-51 EI, SC Sheep 12 Revise Customary and Traditional Use Determination 98

The proposals are published as submitted by the proponents and vary in color, format, size, and type.



Southeast

WP20-01

PROPOSAL to change2020-2022 Federal Subsistence Regulations for the

Taking of Wildlife on Federal Public Lands

Organization: Alaska Department of Fish and GameDivision of Wildlife Conservation

Address: P. O. Box 115526Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Phone: (907) 861-2109

E-mail: [email protected]

1: What Regulation do you wish to change?

MooseUnit 1C-Resdents of Units Unit 1C-Berners Bay Drainages Sept. 15 - Oct. 151, 2, 3, 4, and 5 1 bull by Federal drawing permit

2: How would the new regulation read?

Repeal the following federal regulation:

MooseUnit 1C-Resdents of Units Unit 1C-Berners Bay Drainages Sept. 15 - Oct. 151, 2, 3, 4, and 5 1 bull by Federal drawing permit

3: Why should this regulation change be made?

The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) created a federal moose hunt in Berners Bay for federally qualified hunters with the adoption of WP18-11 at their April 2018 meeting. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Department) strongly disagrees with the action taken and encourages the Board to repeal this federal moose hunt. The Department review of the following biological and management metrics do not suggest a conservation concern that would require a federal priority for moose in Berners Bay:

• Population indices (aerial surveys) do not indicate a decline in moose numbers and herd composition data is at or above management objectives (Figure 1.)

• Current moose harvest levels remain stable.• Current hunter success rates are high and are stable.



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• Federally qualified hunters are provided significant moose hunting opportunity throughout Unit1C and the remainder of Southeast Alaska.

The Federal Subsistence Board Policy on Closures to Hunting, Trapping and Fishing on Federal Public Lands and Waters in Alaska (August 29, 2007) clearly states that restricting hunting on federally managed public land should not occur except for conservation concerns. The Board’s actions, by restricting the number of harvest permits available to all Alaskans, equates to a partial closure to non-federally qualified hunters at a time when there are no conservation concerns associated with moose in Berners Bay. Not withstanding Berners Bay, sufficient opportunity to harvest moose exists within the region to provide customary and traditional subsistence uses.

The positive Customary & Traditional finding (2012) did not consider the residents of Juneau because this community has been designated as non-federally qualified. Recognizing the remaining game management subunits where moose occur (1A, 1B, 1D, and 5) and that have positive findings, the exclusion of Juneau is understandable. However, a review of hunting activity and effort clearly demonstrates most of the historical use of Berners Bay moose originated from Juneau. This proposal is not seeking a change in the Unit 1C Customary & Traditional finding for moose. The proposal does seek recognition that all residents of Alaska were afforded opportunity to hunt moose, prior to adoption of WP18-11, in Berners Bay through the State’s drawing process, and have been provided meaningful and significant moose hunting opportunity throughout the region.

Figure 1. Berners Bay moose population estimates, 2006-2019.

4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations?

The Department believes this proposal will have no impact to the Berners Bay moose population. Through WP18-11, only allocation was changed while the Guideline Harvest Level and associated management actions remain the same. The Department is mandated to manage wildlife resources for the benefit of all residents of Alaska based on sustained yield principals. The Department maintains management authority for the Berners Bay moose herd and will ensure a sustainable moose herd in Berners Bay into the future.



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Figure 1 demonstrates moose population levels for Berners Bay for the period 2006-2019. Moose numbers declined precipitously after the severe winter of 2006-2007. Subsequently, based largely on mild winters, moose numbers have increased to an estimated 114-160 moose (137 ± 23), 2019. Herd composition can be difficult to calculate due to survey timing where bull moose have cast antlers prior to surveying the herd which results in the inability to calculate bull:100 cow ratios. The most recent herd composition data (2016) was 26 bulls:100 cows and 39 calves:100 cows. All herd composition and population data indicate there is not conservation concern which negates the need for a federal priority due to conservation concerns.

5: How will this change affect subsistence uses?

Subsistence uses will not be affected. If adopted, this proposal will repeal the federal drawing moose hunt in Berners Bay which will result in the hunt being available for all Alaskans through the State’s drawing hunt process. Subsistence moose hunting opportunity in Southeast Alaska is available to all Alaskans through registration and tier II hunts throughout Southeast Alaska. Two communities in Southeast Alaska have been designated non-federally qualified; Ketchikan and Juneau. Juneau and Ketchikan residents are not eligible to participate in federal hunting seasons; however, all the remaining communities are federally qualified, and the residents may participate in both state and federal hunts. Through registrations permits, which are not limited, all residents of Southeast have significant moose hunting opportunity. Federally qualified moose hunters harvest an estimated 76% of moose taken in the region.

6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial?

The Department believes the proposed change will have little effect on the uses described above. Allowing all residents to continue to participate fully in Berners Bay moose hunting opportunities will continue to provide a nominal moose hunting opportunity for those who have traditionally participated in this hunt.



Southeast

WP20-02




Address: P.O. Box 115526Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Phone: (907) 861-2109


1: What Regulation do you wish to change?Game Management Unit 2 Sitka black-tailed deer bag limit for nonqualified federal hunters.

DEERResidents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4 5 deer, however… July 24-Jan 31

… ….Federal public lands on Princeof Wales Island, excluding theWest Arm of Chomondeley Sounddraining into Chomondeley Soundor draining eastward into Clarence Strait),are closed to hunting of deer from Aug. 1-Aug. 15, except by Federally qualifiedsubsistence users hunting under theseregulations.

Unless otherwise restricted, non-Federallyqualified users may only harvest up to male2 deer.

2: How would the new regulation read?DeerResidents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4 5 deer, however… July 24-Jan 31

… ….Federal public lands on Princeof Wales Island, excluding theWest Arm of Chomondeley Sounddraining into Chomondeley Soundor draining eastward into Clarence Strait),



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are closed to hunting of deer from Aug. 1-Aug. 15, except by Federally qualifiedsubsistence users hunting under theseregulations.

Unless otherwise restricted, non-Federallyqualified users may only harvest up to 4 maledeer.

3: Why should this regulation change be made?

The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) reduced the deer bag limit in Unit 2 for non-federally qualified hunters at the April 2018 meeting (WP18-01). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Department) strongly disagrees with that action and encourages the Board to return the non-federally qualified Sitka black-tailed deer (deer) bag limits to 4 buck deer.

The Board does not have the authority to unnecessarily restrict state of Alaska subsistence or other uses. ANILCA Section 1314 affirms the state of Alaska’s sovereign responsibility and authority for management of fish and wildlife on all lands “except as may be provided in title VIII.” Numerous sections in Title VIII specifically recognize the state of Alaska’s role in providing the priority for customary and traditional subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on federal public lands. Consultation is necessary to evaluate whether proposed federal regulatory actions are “consistent with management of fish and wildlife in accordance with recognized scientific principles” and “assure the continued viability of a fish or wildlife population,” which Congress recognized is the purview of the state. The extent and consistency of directions in ANILCA Title VIII confirm that Congress intended for the state of Alaska to continue to manage fish and wildlife in accordance with established scientific principles, to continue to regulate harvests and other uses, and to be involved in implementation of the federal subsistence priority. The state of Alaska, and not the Board, is authorized to establish methods and means and to establish seasons for nonfederally qualified users.

Furthermore, the Board’s bag limit restriction is unnecessary and unjustified in these circumstances and this is the first known occurrence of the Board reducing state of Alaska bag limits. As directed by Congress in Section 802 of ANILCA, subsistence uses of wildlife shall be the priority consumptive use on federal public lands “when it is necessary to restrict taking in order to assure the continued viability of a fish or wildlife population or the continuation of subsistence uses of such population.” Section 815 of ANILCA provides that a restriction on taking wildlife for non-federally qualified hunters is only authorized if “necessary for the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife, for the reasons in Section 816, to continue subsistence uses of such populations, or pursuant to other applicable law.” None of those reasons apply. There is no conservation concern for the deer population. The deer population continues to be viable, as indicated by the generous bag limits for federally qualified users (5 deer, 1 of which may be a doe) and a lengthy hunting season (July 24-January 31); this season length represents 54 additional days of hunting opportunity compared to hunters hunting under state



Southeast

regulations. No restrictions are needed to continue subsistence uses of deer. There is no credible argument that restricting nonfederally qualified hunters to two bucks instead of 4 is necessary to continue subsistence uses. The effect is likely to be very marginal and any benefit will not be quantifiable.

No other applicable laws support these restrictions. The Board had no justification or legal authorization to adopt the original proposal.

Assuming the Board was authorized to change the bag limit, the Board did not clearly delineate the conditions under which state management would resume. This lack of consideration and clear criteria make it almost impossible for the state of Alaska to regain management once the Board has supersededstate of Alaska regulations. For example, the Board should consider how many days per deer harvest would allow state bag limits to again apply on federal lands for nonfederally qualified users or how many deer reported to be harvested by federally qualified users would be sufficient? Without such criteria and quantified reasons for superseding state of Alaska authority, these actions essentially become permanent. We consider this a major shortcoming of the federal subsistence management program.

The Department also conducted a review of the following biological and management metrics, and there is nothing to suggest there is a significant decline in deer numbers in Unit 2:

• Population indices (pellet group survey and alpine aerial surveys) do not indicate a significant decline in deer numbers.

• Current deer harvest levels remain above long-term means.• Current deer hunting effort (days per deer) remain below long-term means.• Federally qualified hunters are provided additional opportunity through seasons length (July 24-

Jan 31 and bag limits (5 deer, 1 of which may be a doe deer) over non-federally qualified Unit 2 deer hunters.

In addition, other action taken by the Federal Subsistence Board at its April 2018 meeting provides for a positive Customary and Traditional finding (WP18-02) for all federally qualified Southeast, Alaska deer hunters in Unit 2. This action increased the number of hunters allowed to participate in the Unit 2 deer hunt under federal regulations which provide for a very liberal hunting season and bag limit. While the increase in harvest due to this action will likely be low, this action contradicts the intent of the Southeast Regional Advisory Council action to reduce deer harvest to provide for additional harvest for Unit 2 residents. The result of this action is the singling out of two communities in Southeast Alaska; Juneau and Ketchikan which are both non-rural communities and residents of these communities are not federally qualified under federal regulations. This too appears to contradict the intent of WP18-01when a significant number of hunters now qualify to deer hunt in Unit 2 while only two communities are excluded. The Department believes the non-federally qualified Unit 2 deer bag limit reduction was unnecessary based on biological considerations and is not warranted considering a significant number of hunters were added to the number of potential hunters who are now qualified to hunt deer in Unit 2.



Southeast

What impact will this change have on wildlife populations?

The change being proposed in this proposal will not have a negative impact on the deer population on POW. Given the most current biological data the Department has shown that reverting back to the bag limit before the Board made this restriction to nonfederally qualified users will not impact the sustainability of the deer population.

The Board should rely on recommendations by the State of Alaska, as the sovereign trustee for fish and wildlife, in making decisions to modify or reject proposals based on conservation issues and impacts on the state’s sustainable management of fish and wildlife. If the Board is going to disregard the ADF&G’s assessment of species conservation status and sustainable harvest levels, it should clearly state on the record where and how it finds the ADF&G’s analysis to be flawed.

Public testimony indicated the deer population had declined and asserted that subsistence needs were not being met. Based on harvest data, current harvest levels are only slightly below (~112 deer) the average harvest over the previous 10 years (2007-2016). Numbers of federally qualified and non-federally qualified hunters hunting in Unit 2 peaked in 2015, and both declined in 2016. That decline in hunter effort could explain the decline in number of deer harvested in 2016 compared to 2015. The 3.3 days of hunting effort required for a federally qualified hunter to harvest a Unit 2 deer in 2016 remained comparatively low and was statistically similar to the 10-year average of 3.4 days. These data do not suggest a declining deer population or a conservation concern. Further, deer in alpine areas on northern and central Prince of Wales Island (POW) were surveyed by air during summer 2018. Based on deer seen per hour surveyed, the central portion of POW had the second highest counts in the region, trailing only southern Admiralty Island where deer are most abundant. Counts on northern POW were higher than most areas surveyed in Unit 3 and similar to northeastern Chichagof Island in Unit 4 where deer are also considered abundant.

We have reason to believe the actual number of deer harvested in some Unit 2 communities is far higher than harvest estimated by ADF&G’s Division of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Those estimates are the only regularly collected unbiased source of information on deer harvest in Unit 2.DWC estimated annual total deer harvest through RY2010 using a deer hunter survey mailed to one third of hunters in each community. Since RY2011, harvest estimates have been derived from mandatory harvest ticket reports. The magnitude of harvest estimated using the survey and harvest ticket reports did not change, so DWC believes they produce similar results.

Although reporting is mandatory, RY2016 reporting rates in the Unit 2 communities of Craig, Klawock, and Hydaburg were 46%, 36%, and 30%, respectively. Other Unit 2 communities reported at higher rates, and statewide about 70% of deer hunters submitted reports. Low reporting rates by individual communities add uncertainty and potentially bias, to DWC’s total deer harvest estimates for those communities.



Southeast

Investigating potential bias in DWC’s harvest estimates for those three communities required finding another unbiased source of deer harvest information. Only one source could be found. In 1997 the ADF&G, Division of Subsistence completed a wide-ranging survey of subsistence resources used by residents of Craig, Klawock, and Hydaburg including deer. DWC compared estimated total harvest derived from the 1997 household subsistence surveys to estimated total harvest derived from 1997 deer hunter surveys. Harvest estimated using the household subsistence surveys was generally 2 to 4 timeshigher than harvest estimated using deer hunter survey data. A 2012 household survey in Hydaburg and more recent anecdotal information support the contention that actual harvest remains far higher than reported in those communities. The OSM analysis prepared by Forest Service subsistence biologists relied on ADF&G data. Both OSM and the ADF&G found no biological concern or reason to adopt proposal WP18-01. In adopting ANILCA, Congress stated its intent that “recognized scientific principles” would govern decisions. See Section 802(1). The Board is authorized under ANILCA to restrict uses other than federally qualified subsistence uses only if necessary, to address a conservation concern or if a restriction is needed to continue subsistence uses. Evidence in the record does not support a biological concern or a need to restrict deer hunting by nonfederally qualified users.

5: How will this change affect subsistence uses?

The proposed change will have little impact to subsistence uses. The Federal Subsistence Board reduced the deer bag limit in Unit 2 for non-federally qualified hunters at the April 2018 meeting (WP18-01). WP18-01 was adopted due to subsistence user comments focusing on difficulties in harvesting deer in subsistence uses. Deer harvest reached historically high levels in 2015 (Figure 1) and then began to decline through 2017. Figure 2 and Figure 3 demonstrate increasing number of deer harvested and number of hunters through approximately 2015. These data suggest all hunters took advantage of opportunity available to harvest deer in Unit 2.

The high level of harvest in 2015 (est. 4300 deer) is more than two times the 10-year mean harvest of 2, 155 deer (2008-2017). As suggested above, all hunters took a record number of deer in 2015 but these data must be viewed as historical highs and the level of opportunity provided to all hunters is reflected in the number of deer harvested. The same is true when viewing historical harvest data; the mean harvest should be used when determining opportunity. In addition, Figure 4 demonstrates hunter effort for federally qualified and non-federally qualified hunters. The number of days per deer harvest by federally qualified hunters reached historically low levels concurrent with he high harvests of 2015 but has remained at very low levels through 2017.

Over time the mean deer harvest and effort to take deer indicate that while harvest may have declined slightly and effort increased slightly for federally qualified hunters, federally qualified hunters continue to take more deer in a shorter amount of time compared to non-federally qualified hunters. Unit 2 deer harvests and effort will likely return to levels consistent with the long-term mean.



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Figure 1. Unit 2 deer harvest for all hunter groups, 1998-2017.

Figure 2. Deer harvest by federally qualified and non-federally qualified Unit 2 hunters, 1997-2017.



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Figure 3. Number of federally qualified and non-federally qualified Unit 2 deer hunters, 1997-2017.

Figure 4. Unit 2 deer hunter effort, 1997-2017.



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6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial?

The Department believes the proposed change will have little affect on the uses described above. Nonresident deer hunting and harvest represents very little of the total deer hunting occurring in Unit 2. Other than big game guiding for deer in Unit 2 which is very low, and limited transportation costs to hunters and revenue generated by transporting hunters, commercial affects of the proposal are negligible.



Southeast

WP20-03

Organization: East Prince of Wales ADF&G Advisory Committee

Address: Box 706 Craig, AK 99921

Phone: 907-530-7500

Email: [email protected]

What regulation do you wish to change?

Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. 5 deer, however, no more than one may be a female deer. Female deer may be taken only during the period Oct. 15 – January 31st. Harvest ticket number five must be used when recording the harvest of a female deer, but may be used for recording the harvest of a male deer. Harvest tickets must be used in order except when recording a female deer on tag number five.

The new regulation should read:

Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. 5 antlered deer.

Why the regulation needs to be changed:

The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change is desperately needed to allow for future harvest of deer on POW Island. For several years, the predator populations have been drastically increasing, while the deer populations have been decreasing. The harvest data shows over 4,000 deer were harvested in 2015 in Unit 2. The number decreased to under 2500 deer by 2017. The reported doe harvest was almost 100 in 2015 and was reduced to 80 in 2017.

All resource users of Unit 2 have expressed a concern for the low deer population in recent years. The State of Alaska Board of Game recently granted regulation to increase the harvest of wolf and black bears on Prince of Wales. The next step is for the deer to repopulate and to increase their numbers. In doing so, the harvest of does can not occur. The doe season will have a negative effect on rebuilding the deer population in Unit 2. A healthy deer population is a key part of life on Prince of Wales Island. With very little support for the doe harvest to continue, the regulation needs to be changed to read for an antlered deer harvest only.



Southeast

WP20-04



Phone: 907-530-7500





Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. From July 1st, 2020 until June 30th 2022 the harvest limit will be 5 antlered deer.

- The one female deer per season after October 15th, if five subsistence already have not been harvested, will automatically go into effect on July 1st, 2022


The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change is desperately needed to allow for future harvest of deer on POW Island. For several years, the predator populations have been drastically increasing, while the deer populations have been decreasing. The harvest data shows over 4,500 deer were harvested in 2015 in Unit 2. The number decreased to fewer than 2400 deer by 2017. The reported doe harvest was almost 100 in 2015 and was reduced to 80 in 2017.

All resource users of Unit 2 have expressed a concern for the low deer population in recent years. The State of Alaska Board of Game recently granted regulation to increase the harvest of wolf and black bears on Prince of Wales. The next step is for the deer to re-populate and to increase their numbers. In doing so, the harvest of does cannot occur. The doe season will have a negative effect on rebuilding the deer population in Unit 2. A healthy deer population is a key part of life on Prince of Wales Island. With very little support for the doe harvest to continue, the regulation needs to be changed to read for an antlered deer harvest only during the next regulation cycle of July 1st 2020 through June 30th 2022. This closure will aid in rebuilding the Unit 2 deer population and automatically allow the take of one female deer beginning October 15th 2022.



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WP20-05



Phone: 907-530-7500





Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. 5 deer, however, no more than one may be a female deer. Female deer may be taken only during the period Oct. 15 – January 31st. A registration permit is required to take a doe.


The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change as it is well known the harvest of female deer in Unit 2 is under reported and biologists are not getting factual information for better management of Deer.

As shown by the previous federal subsistence regulatory cycle, a Prince of Wales village community leader testified they knew over 100 female deer had been harvested in their community the previous year. Alaska Department of Fish and Game had a reported harvest of 18 bucks harvested in that community that same year with zero does being reportedly harvested.

A doe registration permit would allow biologists to better manage the deer population in Unit 2. The registration permit would also clarify the regulations for subsistence users so they won’t unknowingly violate state laws. Most subsistence users of Unit 2 are unaware of the subsistence regulations. The US Forest Service has not actively promoted subsistence regulations to educate subsistence users of the regulations that pertain to them. Federal subsistence harvest often times occurs on state or private land in Unit 2. A doe registration permit will educate subsistence users of the subsistence regulations and gather harvest data for the biologist to properly manage the deer population.



Southeast

WP20-06



Phone: 907-530-7500



Unit 2 Deer Open Season. July 24th through January 31st.


Unit 2 Deer Open Season. July 24th through December 31st.


The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change as an open harvest season into January is not beneficial.

Often deer are attempting to survive the winter months and surviving off their fat reserves. Deer are often found on the beaches at low tide which is below the mean high tide mark and on state or private land. It’s illegal to harvest federal subsistence game on state or private land. Closing the season December 31st would still allow for a deer season that will last greater than 5 months. December 31st historically has been the close of deer season in Unit 2. Subsistence users will still be given priority with subsistence deer season starting July 24th .



Southeast

WP20-07



Phone: 907-530-7500



Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. 5 deer


Unit 2 Deer Harvest Limits. 4 deer


The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change is desperately needed to allow for future harvest of deer on POW Island. For several years, the predator populations have been drastically increasing, while the deer populations have been decreasing. The harvest data shows over 4,000 deer were harvested in 2015 in Unit 2. The number decreased to under 2500 deer by 2017.

All resource users of Unit 2 have expressed a concern for the low deer population in recent years. The State of Alaska Board of Game recently granted regulation to increase the harvest of wolf and black bears on Prince of Wales. The next step is for the deer to re-populate and to increase their numbers. A reduction in deer bag limit is necessary to allow the Unit 2 deer population to rebound. The last federal subsistence regulation cycle limited non-qualified subsistence users to a bag limit of 2 deer on federal lands of Unit 2. Hunters still struggled in 2018 with success in harvesting deer.



Southeast

WP20-08



Phone: 907-530-7500



Statewide Trapping Special Provisions


Traps or snares must be marked with name or state identification number.


The East POW AC represents the communities of Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Hollis, and Kasaan. The communities propose this regulation change to address illegal trappers or “sloppy trappers” and the violations that they cause. Currently if a trapper leaves their traps out and set after the close of the season, the trapper can not be held accountable. These trappers never have their identifying marks on their traps and deny their involvement in leaving traps set after the close of the season. Trappers who use illegal baits such as whole chunks of deer meat or whole migratory birds would be identified by their trap ID requirement.



Southeast

WP20-09

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Extend the trapping season for beaver in Units 1-5 Current Federal Regulations:

Units 1, 2, 3 except Mitkof Island, and Unit 4—Beaver

No limit Dec. 1 – May 15

Unit 3 Mitkof Island—Beaver

No limit Dec. 1 – Apr. 15

Unit 5—Beaver

No limit Nov. 10 – May 15

2: How would the new regulation read? Extend the trapping season for beaver in Units 1–5 as follows:

Beaver, Units 1–5 No limit Nov. 10 – May 15 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This proposal will increase harvest opportunity in Units 1-4 for Federally qualified subsistence users, and align the Federal season with the State season which was recently extended by the Alaska Board of Game. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? Beaver populations throughout Southeast Alaska are healthy so no conservation concerns are anticipated with extending the season. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? This proposal would allow additional opportunity for Federally qualified subsistence users to harvest beaver in these units. There will be no change in Unit 5 as the current Federal trapping season is in alignment with the proposed dates. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? Implementation of this proposal will bring the Federal beaver trapping season in alignment with State regulations, and is not expected to impact any other users.



Southeast

WP20-10

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Customary and Traditional Use Determinations for Black Bear from Black Bear in Units 1, 2, 3, 5 TO Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2: How would the new regulation read? UNIT 1 – Black Bear Units 1A, 1B, and 1D – All rural residents Unit 1C – Residents of Units 1C, 1D, 3, Hoonah, Pelican, Point Baker, Sitka, and Tenakee Springs Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 2 – Black Bear All rural residents Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 3 – Black Bear All rural residents Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 5 – Black Bear Residents of Unit 5A Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This council believes that customary and traditional use determinations carried over from state management were inappropriately narrow. Residents of southeast Alaska and the Yakutat area have a long history of obtaining large game resources from throughout the region. We frequently travel far within our region to obtain subsistence resources and this is a pattern that has been practiced both traditionally and contemporarily. We access these areas by plane, boat, vehicle, and ATV. This species provides not only nutritional value for our families but for many, there is a deeply seated cultural connection and we have passed hunting, processing, and preservation knowledge down for generations. This resource is also frequently shared within and among our communities. We also depend on them to sustain our mixed subsistence-cash economy. Harvest and sharing of this species in recent times has been frequently documented in subsistence harvest surveys, harvest ticket reporting, and in communications at both our meetings and those of the state’s local advisory committees. There is additional data available in published literature from various authors. It is clear that a long-term pattern of use throughout our region exists for this species and that we continue to rely on them to meet our



Southeast

subsistence needs. This species provides substantial cultural, economic, social, and nutritional elements to our region. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This is a change to C&T determinations. Wildlife populations are not managed by C&T determinations. There should be no direct effect on wildlife conservation. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Subsistence users will be able to hunt black bear consistent with historical patterns of use without worrying about restrictive C&T determinations. There is overwhelming support for customary and traditional uses throughout the Southeast region for Federally qualified subsistence users. It is evident by traditional ecological knowledge regarding travel and how families are spread out across many islands, that the Southeast is unique. Providing for sharing and cultural exchanges of fish and wildlife take is important for Southeast rural residents and extending the customary and traditional use determination to all rural residents would benefit subsistence users without adversely affecting non-subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? We do not anticipate that this proposal will affect other users as customary and traditional use determinations merely recognize existing patterns.



Southeast

WP20-11

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Customary and Traditional Use Determinations for Brown Bear from Brown Bear in Units 1, 3, 4, 5 TO Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2: How would the new regulation read? UNIT 1 – Brown Bear Unit 1A – Residents of Unit 1A, excluding residents of Hyder Unit 1B – Residents of Unit 1A, Petersburg, and Wrangell, excluding residents of Hyder Unit 1C – Residents of Unit 1C, Haines, Hoonah, Kake, Klukwan, Skagway, and Wrangell, excluding residents of Gustavus Unit 1D – Residents of Unit 1D Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 3 – Brown Bear Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 UNIT 4 – Brown Bear Residents of Unit 4 and Kake Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 5 – Brown Bear Residents of Yakutat Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This council believes that customary and traditional use determinations carried over from state management were inappropriately narrow. Residents of southeast Alaska and the Yakutat area have a long history of obtaining large game resources from throughout the region. We frequently travel far within our region to obtain subsistence resources and this is a pattern that has been practiced both traditionally and contemporarily. We access these areas by plane, boat, vehicle, and ATV. This species provides not only nutritional value for our families but for many, there is a deeply seated cultural connection and we have passed hunting, processing, and preservation knowledge down for generations. This resource is also frequently shared within and among our communities. We also depend on them to sustain our mixed subsistence-cash economy. Harvest and sharing of this species in recent times has been frequently documented in subsistence harvest surveys, harvest ticket reporting, and in communications at both our meetings and those of the state’s local advisory committees. There is



Southeast

additional data available in published literature from various authors. It is clear that a long-term pattern of use throughout our region exists for this species and that we continue to rely on them to meet our subsistence needs. This species provides substantial cultural, economic, social, and nutritional elements to our region. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This is a change to C&T determinations. Wildlife populations are not managed by C&T determinations. There should be no direct effect on wildlife conservation. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Subsistence users will be able to hunt brown bear consistent with historical patterns of use without worrying about restrictive C&T determinations. There is overwhelming support for customary and traditional uses throughout the Southeast region for Federally qualified subsistence users. It is evident by traditional ecological knowledge regarding travel and how families are spread out across many islands, that the Southeast is unique. Providing for sharing and cultural exchanges of fish and wildlife take is important for Southeast rural residents and extending the customary and traditional use determination to all rural residents would benefit subsistence users without adversely affecting non-subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? We do not anticipate that this proposal will affect other users as customary and traditional use determinations merely recognize existing patterns.



Southeast

WP20-12

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Change the Unit 3 deer regulation on Mitkof, Woewodski, and Butterworth Islands to extend the season from October 15 – October 31 TO October 1 – November 7 AND to extend the area to include Lindenberg Peninsula. 2: How would the new regulation read? Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Unit 3 Mitkof, Woewodski, and

Butterworth Islands and that portion of Kupreanof Island on the Lindenberg Peninsula east of the Portage Bay-Duncan Canal Portage – 1 antlered deer Buck

Oct. 15 – Oct. 30 Oct. 1 – Nov. 7

Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Unit 3 Kupreanof Island, that portion east of the Portage Bay – Duncan Canal Portage – 1 antlered deer

Oct. 15 – Oct 31

Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Unit 3 remainder – 2 antlered deer Bucks

Aug. 1 – Nov. 30 Dec. 1 – Dec. 30 season to be announced

3: Why should this regulation change be made? This would bring federal regulations into alignment with recent state modifications in state proposal 45 to liberalize the season and to extend the area. We also propose changing “antlered deer” to “buck” in all deer hunt areas in Unit 3 to align with state regulations. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? We feel that deer populations can support this additional user opportunity based on local observations of our members in the region as well as evidenced by the recent actions of the Alaska Board of Game in state proposal 45. Having the season extended at the end of the period later in the fall is important because it helps hunters to keep the meat cool, extending the time available for travel and processing before the meat spoils. We do not currently wish to extend the season further because we feel that it is important to give deer a break from hunting stress in the late fall, especially given other stressors at this time like weather and wolf predation.



Southeast

5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? We do not want to be more restrictive than state regulations as we are charged with providing a rural priority to Federally qualified subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? Hunting regulations can be complex for users and when possible, it is helpful to have matching regulations with the State.



Southeast

WP20-13

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? The Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council proposes the following customary and traditional use determination: Elk in Unit 3: Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2: How would the new regulation read? UNIT 3 – Elk Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This council believes that customary and traditional use determinations carried over from state management were inappropriately narrow. Residents of southeast Alaska and the Yakutat area have a long history of obtaining large game resources from throughout the region. We frequently travel far within our region to obtain subsistence resources and this is a pattern that has been practiced both traditionally and contemporarily. We access these areas by plane, boat, vehicle, and ATV. This species provides not only nutritional value for our families but for many, there is a deeply seated cultural connection and we have passed hunting, processing, and preservation knowledge down for generations. This resource is also frequently shared within and among our communities. We also depend on them to sustain our mixed subsistence-cash economy. Harvest and sharing of this species in recent times has been frequently documented in subsistence harvest surveys, harvest ticket reporting, and in communications at both our meetings and those of the state’s local advisory committees. There is additional data available in published literature from various authors. It is clear that a long-term pattern of use throughout our region exists for this species and that we continue to rely on them to meet our subsistence needs. This species provides substantial cultural, economic, social, and nutritional elements to our region. We recognize that elk were introduced to our region in 1986; they have now been available as a subsistence resource for more than 30 years. We have established patterns of use of this resource and we rely on elk as part of a wide diversity of resources in the area. We appreciate that this species is available as part of large game availability in the region that helps us to meet our subsistence needs. These are large animals that provide a lot of meat that would otherwise need to be obtained elsewhere, sometimes even by buying expensive commercial goods. They are reasonably accessible from our area and often venture far from the islands that they were originally introduced to. We teach our kids about the elk, how to find them, and how to hunt them, similar to the knowledge transition we provide regarding the other species. When these animals occur near our communities there is an efficiency of economy that we enjoy in having access to these large game animals.



Southeast

4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This is a change to C&T determinations. Wildlife populations are not managed by C&T determinations. There should be no direct effect on wildlife conservation. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Subsistence users will be able to hunt elk consistent with historical patterns of use without worrying about restrictive C&T determinations. There is overwhelming support for customary and traditional uses throughout the Southeast region for Federally qualified subsistence users. It is evident by traditional ecological knowledge regarding travel and how families are spread out across many islands, that the Southeast is unique. Providing for sharing and cultural exchanges of fish and wildlife take is important for Southeast rural residents and extending the customary and traditional use determination to all rural residents would benefit subsistence users without adversely affecting non-subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? We do not anticipate that this proposal will affect other users as customary and traditional use determinations merely recognize existing patterns.



Southeast

WP20-14

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? The Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council proposes the following customary and traditional use determination changes: Goat in Units 1, 4, 5: Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2: How would the new regulation read? UNIT 1 - Goat Units 1A and 1D – All rural residents Unit 1B – Residents of Units 1B and 3 Unit 1C – Residents of Haines, Kake, Klukwan, Petersburg, Hoonah, and Gustavus Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 4 - Goat Unit 4 Residents of Angoon, Elfin Cove, Funter Bay, Hoonah, Pelican, Port Alexander, Sitka, and Tenakee Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 5 - Goat Residents of Unit 5A Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This council believes that customary and traditional use determinations carried over from state management were inappropriately narrow. Residents of southeast Alaska and the Yakutat area have a long history of obtaining large game resources from throughout the region. We frequently travel far within our region to obtain subsistence resources and this is a pattern that has been practiced both traditionally and contemporarily. We access these areas by plane, boat, vehicle, and ATV. This species provides not only nutritional value for our families but for many, there is a deeply seated cultural connection and we have passed hunting, processing, and preservation knowledge down for generations. This resource is also frequently shared within and among our communities. We also depend on them to sustain our mixed subsistence-cash economy. Harvest and sharing of this species in recent times has been frequently documented in subsistence harvest surveys, harvest ticket reporting, and in communications at both our meetings and those of the state’s local advisory committees. There is additional data available in published literature from various authors. It is clear that a long-term pattern of use throughout our region exists for this species and that we continue to rely on them to meet our



Southeast

subsistence needs. This species provides substantial cultural, economic, social, and nutritional elements to our region. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This is a change to C&T determinations. Wildlife populations are not managed by C&T determinations. There should be no direct effect on wildlife conservation. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Subsistence users will be able to hunt goat consistent with historical patterns of use without worrying about restrictive C&T determinations. There is overwhelming support for customary and traditional uses throughout the Southeast region for Federally qualified subsistence users. It is evident by traditional ecological knowledge regarding travel and how families are spread out across many islands, that the Southeast is unique. Providing for sharing and cultural exchanges of fish and wildlife take is important for Southeast rural residents and extending the customary and traditional use determination to all rural residents would benefit subsistence users without adversely affecting non-subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? We do not anticipate that this proposal will affect other users as customary and traditional use determinations merely recognize existing patterns.



Southeast

WP20-15

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? The Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council proposes the following customary and traditional use determination changes: Moose in Units 1, 3 : Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2: How would the new regulation read? UNIT 1 – Moose Unit 1A – All rural residents Unit 1B – Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 Unit 1C – Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Unit 1D – Residents of Unit 1D Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 UNIT 3 – Moose Unit 3 – Mitkof and Wrangell Islands – Residents of Units 1B, 2, and 3 Unit 3 remainder – All rural residents Residents of Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 3: Why should this regulation change be made? This council believes that customary and traditional use determinations carried over from state management were inappropriately narrow. Residents of southeast Alaska and the Yakutat area have a long history of obtaining large game resources from throughout the region. We frequently travel far within our region to obtain subsistence resources and this is a pattern that has been practiced both traditionally and contemporarily. We access these areas by plane, boat, vehicle, and ATV. This species provides not only nutritional value for our families but for many, there is a deeply seated cultural connection and we have passed hunting, processing, and preservation knowledge down for generations. This resource is also frequently shared within and among our communities. We also depend on them to sustain our mixed subsistence-cash economy. Harvest and sharing of this species in recent times has been frequently documented in subsistence harvest surveys, harvest ticket reporting, and in communications at both our meetings and those of the state’s local advisory committees. There is additional data available in published literature from various authors. It is clear that a long-term pattern of use throughout our region exists for this species and that we continue to rely on them to meet our subsistence needs. This species provides substantial cultural, economic, social, and nutritional elements to our region.



Southeast

4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This is a change to C&T determinations. Wildlife populations are not managed by C&T determinations. There should be no direct effect on wildlife conservation. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Subsistence users will be able to hunt moose consistent with historical patterns of use without worrying about restrictive C&T determinations. There is overwhelming support for customary and traditional uses throughout the Southeast region for Federally qualified subsistence users. It is evident by traditional ecological knowledge regarding travel and how families are spread out across many islands, that the Southeast is unique. Providing for sharing and cultural exchanges of fish and wildlife take is important for Southeast rural residents and extending the customary and traditional use determination to all rural residents would benefit subsistence users without adversely affecting non-subsistence users. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? We do not anticipate that this proposal will affect other users as customary and traditional use determinations merely recognize existing patterns.



Southeast

WP20-16

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Change the harvest limit, sealing period, and remove the quota for wolves in Unit 2. 2: How would the new regulation read?

Unit 2 Trapping—Wolf

No limit Any wolf taken in Unit 2 must be sealed within 14 days of harvest. 30 days of the end of the season.

3: Why should this regulation change be made? Adoption of this proposal would align State and Federal regulations for wolves in Unit 2, and implement a new wolf management strategy for Unit 2. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This proposal is not expected to cause any conservation concern for wolves in Unit 2. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Adoption of this proposal would increase harvest opportunity for wolves in Unit 2. The proposal will align harvest regulations by extending the mandatory 14 day sealing period. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? Adoption of this proposal will align State and Federal regulations, and is not expected to affect other uses.



Southeast

WP20-17

Organization: Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Address: P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907-586-7918 E-mail: [email protected] 1: What Regulation do you wish to change? Change the harvest limit, sealing period, and remove the quota for wolves in Unit 2. 2: How would the new regulation read?

Unit 2 Hunting—Wolf

5 wolves No limit The Federal hunting and trapping seasons may be closed when the combined Federal-State harvest quota is reached. Any wolf taken in Unit 2 must be sealed within 14 days of harvest. 30 days of the end of the season.

3: Why should this regulation change be made? Adoption of this proposal would align State and Federal regulations for wolves in Unit 2, and implement a new wolf management strategy for Unit 2. 4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This proposal is not expected to cause any conservation concern for wolves in Unit 2. 5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? Adoption of this proposal would increase harvest opportunity for wolves in Unit 2. The proposal will remove a harvest quota based on a percentage of the estimated wolf population in the unit and will allow for harvest to occur to be managed under a guideline fall population range. The proposal will align harvest regulations by extending the mandatory 14 day sealing period. 6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? Adoption of this proposal will align State and Federal regulations, and is not expected to affect other uses.

Michael Adams

PO Box 847 Cooper Landing, AK 99572

New Federal Subsistence Regulation:

Goat

Unit 7 – Residents of Cooper Landing

Harvest Limits: 1 Goat by Federal registration permit. The Seward Ranger District will close the Federal season when 2 goats are harvested by Federal registration permit. If a billy is taken the hunter will be eligible for a permit again in 3 years. If a nanny is taken the hunter will be eligible for a permit again in 5 years. Taking of nannies with kids is prohibited.

Goat has been customarily and traditionally harvested by Cooper Landing residents in Unit 7. There is a lack of opportunity under current regulation. Goat populations in the area have increased steadily over time and many goats can now be seen inhabiting habitat traditionally populated by sheep. A reasonable opportunity should be available for subsistence harvest.



Southcentral

WP20-18

Michael Adams

PO Box 847 Cooper Landing, AK 99572

New Federal Subsistence Regulation:

Goat

Unit 7 – Residents of Cooper Landing

Harvest Limits: 1 Goat by Federal registration permit. The Seward Ranger District will close the Federal season when 2 goats are harvested by Federal registration permit. If a billy is taken the hunter will be eligible for a permit again in 3 years. If a nanny is taken the hunter will be eligible for a permit again in 5 years. Taking of nannies with kids is prohibited.

Goat has been customarily and traditionally harvested by Cooper Landing residents in Unit 7. There is a lack of opportunity under current regulation. Goat populations in the area have increased steadily over time and many goats can now be seen inhabiting habitat traditionally populated by sheep. A reasonable opportunity should be available for subsistence harvest.



Southcentral

WP20-19

Robert Cyr PO Box 325

Glennallen, AK 99588 1. What regulation do you wish to change? (Include management unit number and species. Quote the

current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.”)

Aug. 1- Oct. 20 Unit 11 Elder Hunt: (Bag limit 1 ram) 1 sheep by Federal registration permit (FS1104) only by persons 60 years of age or older. Ewes accompanied by lambs may not be taken. Special Provisions: A Federal Joint permit (FS1103) may be issued to a pair of a minor and elder to hunt sheep during the August 1-October 20 hunt. The following conditions apply:

1) The permittees must be a minor aged 8-15 years old and an accompanying adult 60 years of age or older;

2) Both the elder and the minor must be Federally qualified subsistence users with a customary and traditional use determination for the area they want to hunt;

3) The minor must hunt under the direct and immediate supervision of the accompanying adult, who is responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met, and;

4) Only one animal may be harvested with this permit. The sheep harvested will count against the harvest limits of both the minor and the accompanying adult.

2. How should the new regulation read? (Write the regulation the way you would like to see it written.) I propose to separate the youth and elder hunt, so the new regulations should read:

Aug. 1- Oct. 20 Unit 11 Elder Hunt: (Bag limit 1 ram) 1 sheep by Federal registration permit (FS1104) only by persons 60 years of age or older. Ewes accompanied by lambs may not be taken. Aug. 1- Oct. 20 Unit 11 Youth Hunt: (Bag limit 1 ram) 1 sheep by Federal registration permit (FS1103) only by persons age 8-17 years of age. Ewes accompanied by lambs may not be taken. The following conditions apply:

1) The permittees must be a minor aged 8-17 years old; 2) The minors must be Federally qualified subsistence users with a customary and traditional

use determination for the area they want to hunt; 3) The minors must hunt under the direct and immediate supervision of an accompanying adult,

who is responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met, and; 4) Only one animal may be harvested with this permit.

3. Why should this regulation change be made?



Southcentral

The FS1104 elder hunt offers federally qualified hunters over the age of 60 additional opportunities to harvest sheep, above and beyond the regular general season. Only a limited number of hunters can still do this hunt (few permits are issued annually). Even fewer are able to take a youth hunting at the same time. The special provisions of this hunt are meant to help elders pass on the tradition of sheep hunting to young people. While well meaning, it doesn’t effectively help young people get into the field sheep hunting. Please consider separating the regulation into two parts, allowing for a stand-alone elder hunt, and a stand-alone youth hunt. Under this change, a few more youth will be able to get out into the field sheep hunting as they can go with mobile middle aged hunters who have the strength and stamina to physically participate in sheep hunts with kids. Youth hunters are the most critical component of maintaining a strong cultural awareness of our hunting heritage. Local youth begin hunting small game and waterfowl. As they learn effective hunting techniques, respect and skill, they slowly graduate to hunting big game species. Anyone who has hunted with youth knows it requires a serious amount of patience, planning, strength and stamina as we want to make sure to give the youth the best most positive experience possible. Even the best planned hunts can go badly in the face of steep competition. When youth are ready to begin sheep hunting, they often experience undesirable and crowded situations. There are a limited number of quality sheep hunting areas on federal lands in GMU 11 affordably accessible by foot, ATV or boat. Considering local youth generally start school around August 25th, they are limited to the first two weeks of the general sheep hunting season August 10th – 24th. Due to weather deterioration and other factors, this coincides with the most heavily hunted period of the entire sheep season. By allowing more flexibility in timing for a youth specific hunt, young hunters will have an opportunity for a quality hunt their first try. By expanding the age of youth permittees from 8-15 to 8-17 this also allows for older and stronger youth to participate in a hunt they could not do on their own. This hunt will not result in many more rams harvested, probably less than 3 a year. Please consider keeping this hunt simple. If successful, there is no biological reason to count the harvest towards the adult’s bag limit. Due to the timing of school and good weather, most youth hunt rams will likely be taken before the general season even opens so the hunt focus will already be on the youth. 4. What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? This change will have virtually no effect on wildlife populations. The additional harvest from this regulatory change will likely result in 0-3 rams per year from GMU 11, a very large game management unit with well over 15,000 sheep. 5. How will this change affect subsistence uses? This change will allow federal subsistence families with a history of sheep hunting to effectively take their kids and other youth sheep hunting during the best weather and before school begins. Offering a quality first sheep hunt experience is critical to engaging youth and ensuring they have a positive experience. While many elders would love to take their grandkids sheep hunting, most just are not able to physically do it. This is where we must rely on our own kids, the middle aged hunters. They



Southcentral

are the ones most capable of taking youth sheep hunting and passing on this traditional hunt. The benefits of this change would be tremendous to federal subsistence families like our own. 6. How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? This change would have virtually no effect on other hunters, recreational or commercial. I would expect the majority of youth hunts to take place in early August on park lands, not preserve. Should a youth hunt occur in the preserve, the additional harvest of a ram or two would have virtually no impact on general season hunters. Experienced hunters will encourage kids to harvest mature rams, but the focus will not be on trophy class rams.



Southcentral

WP20-20

The is a Comment on the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Proposed Rule: Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska: 2020-21 and 2021-22 Subsistence Taking of Wildlife

For related information, Open Docket Folder

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View document: 1) Proposed that because of natural population expansion leading into regular use of hiking trails and trails to local lakes and rivers including surrounding areas of Cooper Landing that hunting and trapping not be allowed within one mile of major residential thoroughfares (roads), ie. Snug Harbor, Bean Creek roads, and Sterling Highway. Serious injuries to pets near popular trails have occurred. 2) Proposed that properly located traps be identified with brightly colored surveyor's tape in pain view on a nearby tree or overhanging branch. No documents available.

Comment Now! Due Mar 27 2019, at 11:59 PM ET ID: FWS-R7-SM-2018-0015-0003 Tracking Number: 1k3-982k-6ji8 View original printed format:

Document Information

Date Posted:Feb 4, 2019 RIN:1018-BD11 Show More Details

Submitter Information

Submitter Name:robert gieringer



Southcentral

WP20-21

Page 1 of 2

Wildlife Regulatory Proposal

To change regulations during the two-year regulatory cycle, submit a request to change the regulations by providing the following information:

Name: Ivan Encelewski Name Organization: Ninilchik Traditional Council Address: Po Box 39070 Ninilchik Alaska 99639 Phone: 907-567-3313 Fax: 907-567-3308 E-mail: [email protected]

1. What regulation do you wish to change? (Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.”) Change to existing regulation: Antler sealing requirements

All subsistence users, including designated hunters, must possess and comply with any permits, harvest tickets, or tags required by State or Federal regulations.

Season opens: All

C&T Determination:

All 2. How should the new regulation read? (Write the regulation the way you would like to see it

written.) All subsistence users, including designated hunters, must possess and comply with any permits, harvest tickets, or tags approved required by State or Federal regulations. Season opens:

All

C&T Determination: • Unit 15 A, B, and C Residents of Ninilchik


The opportunity to participate in the subsistence harvest provides more than just food. There is also he crafts that are made by rural people. The primary example of this is the



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sealing requirements for moose antlers. Moose antler is composed of both hardened and soft pith material. The structure provides limited uses of antler parts for traditional crafts and even the use of trade craft goods that is allowed by federal regulation. The current method of tagging antlers is applied by drilling a hole through the solid part of the antler therefore ruining the material for carving and crafts. There have been several reports that this is done egregiously and deliberately when antlers are tagged. We believe that it is important to support all of the use intended under ANILCA and preserve the ability of rural communities to maintain and continue cultural and intergenerational activities. Changes in the documentation of antlers and tags will preserve the cultural aspects of subsistence as intended by ANILCA and provide for the opportunity for the rural residents of Ninilchik to have the opportunity to engage in the subsistence lifestyle and provide a meaningful preference for specific wildlife populations traditionally used by the residents of Ninilchik.

4. What impact will this change have on wildlife populations?

None

5. How will this change affect subsistence uses?

No Change

6. How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial?

This question is not appropriate under section 804 of ANILCA.



Southcentral

WP20-22

Page 1 of 3




1. What regulation do you wish to change? (Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.”) Change to existing regulation: Caribou – No federal open season Unit 15—1 Caribou – All rural residents – No federal open season Season opens: No federal open season C&T Determination: • Unit 15 – All rural residents

2. How should the new regulation read? (Write the regulation the way you would like to see it

written.) Unit 15 —1 Caribou by Federal registration permit. The season may be opened or closed by announcement of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge manager in consultation with ADF&G and the chair of the Southcentral Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council. Season opens: August 10th – October 10th C&T Determination: • Unit 15 B and C Residents of Ninilchik



Southcentral

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The opportunity to participate in the subsistence harvest of Caribou in areas that have established C&T determinations is provided by permit through sports hunting regulations provided by the state on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and subsistence availability has not been provided. During the C&T process, information was presented to the Federal subsistence process that indicated the harvest and use of caribou. Data has demonstrated the significant decline in subsistence opportunity that is demonstrated in terms of use. In 1994 usage indicated that 32 % of residents used caribou. This use declined in 1999 indicating that 14% of the community used caribou. The most recent information indicates that this use has declined to only 4%. This steady decline in subsistence opportunity has significant impacts to the rural community. While there are state issued permits available and not allowing federal subsistence to “all rural residents” on federal lands is not an acceptable practice under ANICLA. Changes in this regulation will provide for the opportunity for the rural residents of Ninilchik to have the opportunity to engage in the subsistence lifestyle and provide a meaningful preference for specific wildlife populations traditionally used by the residents of Ninilchik.


This proposal introduces changes to the current regulation that will provide preventative measures to reduce subsistence use impacts to the wildlife population through additional reviews and collaboration between agencies who issue harvest permits. Spreading the impact of harvest over public lands of documented C&T use will provide a mechanism that will reduce the impact of harvest to specific populations. This will also provide a meaningful preference by allowing closures in areas that have truly identified conservation concerns to protect and preserve subsistence resources as mandated in ANILCA, and allow for subsistence harvest in areas of documented use.


This will allow the subsistence users to harvest caribou and provide for the protection of subsistence resources. Subsistence users are the greatest conservationists and should have the inherent ability to participate in harvest decisions occurring in federal areas.

6. How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? This question is not appropriate under section 804 of ANILCA. However, providing information to support wildlife management is a more acceptable question. This has been an ongoing discussion in the management process regarding the number of subsistence users who participate in federal permit hunts. The record clearly demonstrates that rural use is small and can be



Southcentral

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successfully integrated into management practice while allowing for the rural preference mandated by ANILCA.



Southcentral

WP20-23

Page 1 of 3




1. What regulation do you wish to change? (Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.”) Change to existing regulation: Goat – No federal open season Unit 15—1 Goat – All rural residents – No federal open season Season opens: No federal open season C&T Determination: • Unit 15 – All rural residents


written.) Unit 15 —1 Goat by Federal registration permit. The season may be opened or closed by announcement of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge manager in consultation with ADF&G and the chair of the Southcentral Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council. Season opens: August 10th – November 14th C&T Determination: • Unit 15 A, B, and C Residents of Ninilchik



Southcentral

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The opportunity to participate in the subsistence harvest of Goat in areas that have established C&T determinations is provided by permit through sports hunting regulations provided by the state on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and subsistence availability has not been provided. During the C&T process, information was presented to the Federal subsistence process that indicated the harvest and use of goat. Data has demonstrated the significant decline in subsistence opportunity that is demonstrated in terms of use. In 1994 usage indicated that 20 % of residents used goat. This use was maintained through 1999 indicating that 20% of the community continued to use goat. The most recent information indicates that this use has declined to only 0% and is not available to subsistence users. This steady decline in subsistence opportunity has significant impacts to the rural community. While there are state issued permits available and not allowing federal subsistence to “all rural residents” on federal lands is not an acceptable practice under ANICLA. Changes in this regulation will provide for the opportunity for the rural residents of Ninilchik to have the opportunity to engage in the subsistence lifestyle and provide a meaningful preference for specific wildlife populations traditionally used by the residents of Ninilchik.




This will allow the subsistence users to harvest goat and provide for the protection of subsistence resources. Subsistence users are the greatest conservationists and should have the inherent ability to participate in harvest decisions occurring in federal areas.

6. How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? This question is not appropriate under section 804 of ANILCA. However, providing information to support wildlife management is a more acceptable question. This has been an ongoing discussion in the management process regarding the number of subsistence users who participate



Southcentral

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in federal permit hunts. The record clearly demonstrates that rural use is small and can be successfully integrated into management practice while allowing for the rural preference mandated by ANILCA.



Southcentral

WP20-24

Page 1 of 3




1. What regulation do you wish to change? (Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.”) Change to existing regulation: Sheep – No federal subsistence priority C&T, methods and means, and bag limits

Season opens: No federal open season C&T Determination: • Unit 15 – No federal subsistence priority


written.) Unit 15 —1 Sheep by Federal registration permit. The season may be opened or closed by announcement of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge manager in consultation with ADF&G and the chair of the Southcentral Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council. Season opens: August 10th – November 14th C&T Determination: • Unit 15 A, B, and C Residents of Ninilchik


The opportunity to participate in the subsistence harvest of Sheep in areas have been excluded in the subsistence process for unknown reasons. The regulatory statement in the



Southcentral

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federal regulations that there is no subsistence priority seems to have misses the documented harvest and use of sheep by rural residents. C&T establishment is the same as other C&T findings for the residents of Ninilchik that include both documents and records of use and support the 8 factors of C&T determination. The proposed methods and means are intended to mirror state permit allowance to provide subsistence preference. Presently Permits are available through sports hunting regulations provided by the state to hunters to harvest on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge During the last several C&T processes, information was presented to the Federal subsistence process that indicated the harvest and use of Sheep. Data has demonstrated the significant decline in subsistence opportunity that is demonstrated in terms of use. In 1994 usage indicated that 24 % of residents used Sheep. This use declined in 1999 indicating that 5% of the community used Sheep. The most recent information indicates that this use has declined to only 0% and is not available to subsistence users. This steady decline in subsistence opportunity has significant impacts to the rural community based on the eight factors measured, circumstances beyond the control of the community, and a well documented measure of use. While there are state issued permits available, not allowing federal subsistence to harvest on federal lands is not an acceptable practice under ANICLA. Changes in this regulation will provide for the opportunity for the rural residents of Ninilchik to have the opportunity to engage in the subsistence lifestyle and provide a meaningful preference for specific wildlife populations traditionally used by the residents of Ninilchik.




This will allow the subsistence users to harvest sheep and provide for the protection of subsistence resources. Subsistence users are the greatest conservationists and should have the inherent ability to participate in harvest decisions occurring in federal areas.




Southcentral

Page 3 of 3

This question is not appropriate under section 804 of ANILCA. However, providing

information to support wildlife management is a more acceptable question. This has been an ongoing discussion in the management process regarding the number of subsistence users who participate in federal permit hunts. The record clearly demonstrates that rural use is small and can be successfully integrated into management practice while allowing for the rural preference mandated by ANILCA.



Kodiak/Aleutians

WP20-25

KODIAK/ALEUTIANS SUBSISTENCE REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL UNIT 10 UNIMAK ISLAND CARIBOU FEDERAL REGULATORY PROPOSAL

Existing Federal Regulation Unit 10 – Caribou

Proposed Federal Regulation Unit 10 – Caribou

Request: The Kodiak/Aleutians Subsistence Regional Advisory Council (Council) requests the Federal Subsistence Board open a limited bull hunt in Unit 10-Unimak Island effective1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022. Quotas may be determined by the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Manager, based on the health and status of the Unimak Caribou Herd (UCH) population. The current population estimate of the UCH is 330 animals, up 50% from the previous year. Up to 10 permits for a bulls-only hunt would be issued based upon harvestable surplus from the most recent population estimates, as well as composition of the Unimak Island caribou population. The Council would like to see this hunt open to residents of False

Unit 10 Unimak Island – Residents of Akutan, False Pass, King Cove, and Sand Point Unit 10 remainder – All rural residents

Unit 10 – Unimak Island only

Unit 10 remainder – No limit

No Federal open season

July 1 – June 30

Unit 10 Unimak Island – Residents of Akutan, False Pass, King Cove, and Sand Point

Unit 10 remainder – All rural residents

Unit 10 – Unimak Island only – 1 bull by Federal registration permit. Annual harvest quotas to be determined by the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Manager. Unit 10 remainder – no limit

Aug 15 – Oct 15

July 1 – June 30



Kodiak/Aleutians

Pass only. This small harvest is not expected to impact the continued growth of the herd. Why is this Federal Regulatory Proposal needed? The Council submits this Federal regulatory proposal and believes the Unit 10 UCH is growing and can sustain a small hunt for Federally qualified users in False Pass. False Pass residents have gone without this important food source for many years due to a hunting closure in response to herd declines. Access to other caribou herds such as the Southern Alaska Peninsula herd (SAP) is extremely expensive and limited to those False Pass subsistence users who have boats. Residents of Akutan, King Cove and Sand Point have easier access to the SAP herd and therefore are not included in this request. The Council is primarily interested in providing opportunities through a registration permit for False Pass residents, who do not have the same opportunities for caribou as other communities. The Council is also open to a community harvest permit for these residents. The Council recognized the importance of caribou hunting opportunity to the community of False Pass. Beyond the nutritional value of caribou, this opportunity provides for continuity of a traditional cultural practice and the transfer of hunting knowledge between and among generations. Even a small harvest quota can provide access to a meaningful subsistence experience.



Bristol Bay

WP20-26

Proposal to Change 2020 – 2022 Federal Subsistence Regulations a. Name, address, telephone number of requestor

Bristol Bay Subsistence Regional Advisory Council c/o Office of Subsistence Management 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 121 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone: (907) 786-3888

b. Section or paragraph of proposed rule for whinch changes are suggested

§100.26 Subsistence taking of wildlife

∙ ∙ ∙

(b) Except for special provisions found at paragraphs (n)(1) through (26) of this section, the following methods and means of taking wildlife for subsistence uses are prohibited:

(5) Using a motorized vehicle to drive, herd, or molest wildlife

§100.26(n)(17)(iii) Unit 17—Unit-specific regulations

∙ ∙ ∙

c. A description of the regulatory change(s) desired Add Unit-specific regulations for Units 9B, 9C, 17B and 17C that allow snowmachine use for wolf and wolverine on BLM lands only, using the regulatory language found in Unit-specific regulation for Unit 23.

d. Statement explaining why each change is necessary

Use of snowmachine to position wolf and wolverine has been traditionally used by rural residents. The proposed regulation will mirror current Unit 23 regulations under BLM managed lands to also apply in Units 9B, 9C, 17B and 17C BLM managed lands.

e. Proposed wording changes


∙ ∙ ∙

In Units 9B and 9C, on BLM-managed lands only, a snowmachine may be used to position a wolf or wolverine for harvest provided that the animals are not shot from a moving snowmachine.


∙ ∙ ∙

In Units 17B and 17C, on BLM-managed lands only, a snowmachine may be used to position a wolf or wolverine for harvest provided that the animals are not shot from a moving snowmachine.



Bristol Bay

WP20-27

Proposal to Change 2020 – 2022 Federal Subsistence Regulations a. Name, address, telephone number of requestor

Bristol Bay Subsistence Regional Advisory Council c/o Office of Subsistence Management 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 121 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone: (907) 786-3888

b. Section or paragraph of proposed rule for which changes are suggested

§100.26 Subsistence taking of wildlife

∙ ∙ ∙

(b) Except for special provisions found at paragraphs (n)(1) through (26) of this section, the following methods and means of taking wildlife for subsistence uses are prohibited:

(5) Using a motorized vehicle to drive, herd, or molest wildlife


∙ ∙ ∙

c. A description of the regulatory change(s) desired Add a Unit-specific regulation for Unit 17 that allows snowmachines to assist in the taking of caribou, using the regulatory language passed by the Alaska Board of Game in February 2018.

d. Statement explaining why each change is necessary

Keeping regulations aligned and simple will be consistent in both Federal and State hunting regulations, and understandable for all users.

e. Proposed wording changes §100.26(n)(17)(iii) Unit 17—Unit-specific regulations

∙ ∙ ∙

(D) In Unit 17, a snowmachine may be used to assist in the taking of a caribou and caribou may be shot from a stationary snowmachine. "Assist in the taking of a caribou" means a snowmachine may be used to approach within 300 yards of a caribou at speeds under 15 miles per hour, in a manner that does not involve repeated approaches or that causes a caribou to run. A snowmachine may not be used to contact an animal or to pursue a fleeing caribou.

f. Any additional information that you believe will help the Board in evaluating the proposed

change



Bristol Bay

The Council decided to use the State’s regulatory language for this proposal at the recommendation of a working group convened for this purpose. There was consensus among working group members that existing language found in State regulations was a good starting point. The working group consisted of representatives from the public, the Bristol Bay Regional Advisory Council, the Bristol Bay Native Association, the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Office of Subsistence Management, and State and Federal law enforcement offices.



Bristol Bay

WP20-28

PROPOSAL to change 2020-2022 Federal Subsistence Regulations for the Taking of Wildlife on Federal Public Lands DATE: March 25, 2019 REQUESTER'S NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER: Togiak National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 270 Dillingham, AK 99576

PHONE NUMBER: (907) 842-1063 FAX NUMBER: (907) 842-5402 REGULATION AFFECTED:

Federal Subsistence Regulations Booklet: Year: 2018-2020 Page: 82

1. What regulation do you wish to change?

Moose, Unit 17A-1 bull by State registration permit. Aug. 25 – Sept. 20

2. How should the new regulation read? Moose, Unit 17A-1 bull by State registration permit. Aug. 25 – Sept. 25

3. Why should this regulation change be made? This change should be made to align with the current State regulation, which we supported. The most recent aerial survey conducted in Unit 17A under good snow conditions was in March 2017, and resulted in an estimate of 2,370 +564 moose (90% CI), well above the population objective of 800–1,200 identified in the Unit 17A Moose Management Plan. Composition data collected in October 2017indicated 69.2 bulls per 100 cows.


This change is intended to reduce the Unit 17A moose population to keep it in a healthy and productive state and to prevent over-browsing of the habitat.


This change will allow subsistence hunters another 5 days to hunt moose in Unit 17A. 6. How will this change affect other uses?

This change is not anticipated to have any affects on other uses.



Bristol Bay

WP20-29





Moose, Unit 17A-1 bull by State registration permit. Aug. 25 – Sept. 20

2. How should the new regulation read? Moose, Unit 17A-1 bull by State registration permit. Aug. 25 – Sept. 25 or Moose, Unit 17A-1 antlerless moose by State registration permit.

3. Why should this regulation change be made? This change should be made to align with the current State regulation, which we supported. The most recent aerial survey conducted in Unit 17A under good snow conditions was in March 2017, and resulted in an estimate of 2,370 +564 moose (90% CI), well above the population objective of 800–1,200 identified in the Unit 17A Moose Management Plan.


This change is intended to reduce the Unit 17A moose population to keep it in a healthy and productive state and to prevent over-browsing of the habitat.


This change will allow subsistence hunters the option to harvest an antlerless moose during the fall hunt in Unit 17A.

6. How will this change affect other uses?




Bristol Bay

WP20-30



Bristol Bay

WP20-31




WP20-32





Moose, Unit 18-south of and including the Kanektok River drainages to the Goodnews River drainage. No Federal open season Federal public lands are closed to the harvest of moose.

2. How should the new regulation read? Moose, Unit 18-south of and including the Kanektok 1 antlered bull State by River drainages to the Goodnews River drainage*. State registration permit *Note: a separate proposal was submitted to modify Sept. 1-Sept. 30 area description.

3. Why should this regulation change be made? This change should be made to align with the current State regulation, which we support. The most recent aerial survey conducted in the Kanektok and Arolik River drainages under excellent snow and survey conditions was in March 2018, and resulted in a minimum count of 173 moose. The last minimum count conducted in these drainages, prior to 2018, occurred in March 2013, and found a minimum of 30 moose (which was then, the new high count). Removing the closure to the harvest of moose on Federal public lands would allow subsistence hunters to use State registration permit anywhere within the open area during the open season.


This change is not anticipated to have any negative impacts on the moose population in area under consideration.





This change will allow subsistence hunters to harvest antlered moose during the fall hunt on Federal public lands in the hunt area.






WP20-33





Moose, Unit 18-south of and including the Kanektok River drainages to the Goodnews River drainage. No Federal open season

2. How should the new regulation read? Moose, Unit 18-south of the Eek River drainage and north of the Goodnews River drainage. No Federal open season* *Note: a separate proposal was submitted to establish a Sept. 1-Sept 30 hunt for antlered bulls.

3. Why should this regulation change be made? This change should be made to align with the current State regulation, which we support.


This change is not anticipated to have any negative impacts on the moose population in area under consideration.


This change will allow subsistence hunters to harvest antlered moose during the fall hunt on State and Federal public lands in the hunt area.






WP20-34

Submitted 03-25-19

1

Proposal to Change Federal Subsistence Regulations (Wildlife) Name and contact information (address, phone, fax, or E-mail address) Aaron P. Moses PO Box 346 Bethel Alaska 99559 (907)-543-3151 [email protected] Organization Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge What regulations you wish to change. Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. CURRENT REGULATION - Mink and Weasel-All rural residents Units 1 ,2 ,3, and 4 No Limit Dec. 1- Feb. 15 Unit 5 No Limit Nov. 10 - Feb. 15 Units 6, 7, 8, 14C, 15, 16 and 18 No Limit Nov. 10 - Jan.31 Units 9, 10, 11, 13, and 17 No Limit Nov. 10 - Feb. 28 Units 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, and 25 No Limit Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 Units 14A and 14B No Federal open season Units 22, 23, and 26 No Limit Nov. 1 - Jan. 31

PROPOSED REGULATION - Write the regulation the way you would like to see it written.

Mink and Weasel-All rural residents Units 1 ,2 ,3, and 4 No Limit Dec. 1- Feb. 15 Unit 5 No Limit Nov. 10 - Feb. 15 Units 6, 7, 8, 14C, 15, 16 and 18 No Limit Nov. 10 – Jan. 31 Unit 18 No Limit Nov. 10 – Mar. 31 Units 9, 10, 11, 13, and 17 No Limit Nov. 10 - Feb. 28 Units 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, and 25 No Limit Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 Units 14A and 14B No Federal open season Units 22, 23, and 26 No Limit Nov. 1 - Jan. 31




Submitted 03-25-19

2

Explain why these regulations change should be made.

Current federal subsistence trapping regulations in Unit 18 are more restrictive than state trapping regulations for this species. The states trapping season for mink and weasel goes from November 10 to March 31 while the federal subsistence trapping season goes from November 10 to January 31. Extending these dates in federal subsistence trapping regulations does not pose a conservation threat and will allow for the continuation of subsistence uses and practices.




WP20-35

1

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Subsistence Regional Advisory Council

Proposed 2020 Wildlife Regulation Change

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Subsistence Regional Advisory Council voted unanimously to submit a Federal proposal to establish a December 1-January 31, to be announced, antlered bull moose hunt on Federal public lands in Unit 18 of the Kuskokwim River drainage hunt area for Federally qualified hunters that were unable to get a moose during the September season.

Justification: Hunters will have additional opportunity to harvest moose if they were not able to harvest a moose during the fall hunt. A second hunting season will provide oppor-tunity after the fall rut when the meat is not stinky and also the cold weather will help with meat preservation and ability to access moose hunt areas by snow machine. The one antlered bull by registration permit per year remains the same so the additional season will provide additional opportunity but does not increase the quota and thus is not a con-servation concern. Based on the first hunt success rate, the remaining quota will be allow-able for harvest for those who were not successful in the first hunt.

To avoid any inadvertent harvest of cow moose the Council requests that the harvest limit remain one antlered bull moose in order to distinguish them from cow moose. The Council discussed the timing of when bull moose drop antlers with the understanding that the bulls start dropping their antlers in December and as the season progresses, fewer bulls will have antlers. However, the Council expressed the importance that the extended winter season of December 1 - January 31 would allow some flexibility for opportunity to hunt when the weather conditions are good and freeze-up sufficient for safe travel. The Council recounted that warmer weather in recent years has made conditions unpredicta-ble with rain, overflow, and thin ice on rivers and lakes occurring even in the winter month of December.

Existing Federal Regulation

Unit 18—Moose

Unit 18-that portion east of a line running from the mouth of the Ishkowik River to the closest point of Dall Lake, then to the east bank of the Johnson River at its entrance into Nunavakanukakslak Lake (N 60°59.41′ Latitude; W162°22.14′ Longitude), continuing upriver along a line 1⁄2 mile south and

Sep 1 – 30




2

east of, and paralleling a line along the southerly bank of the Johnson River to the confluence of the east bank of Crooked Creek, then continuing upriver to the outlet at Arhymot Lake, then following the south bank east of the Unit 18 border and then north of and including the Eek River drainage—1 antlered bull by State registration permit; quotas will be announced annually by the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Manager

Federal public lands are closed to the taking of moose except by residents of Tuntutuliak, Eek, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Atmautlauk, Oscarville, Bethel, Kwethluk, Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Lower Kalskag, and Kalskag

Proposed Federal Regulation

Unit 18—Moose

Unit 18-that portion east of a line running from the mouth of the Ishkowik River to the closest point of Dall Lake, then to the east bank of the Johnson River at its entrance into Nunavakanukakslak Lake (N 60°59.41′ Latitude; W162°22.14′ Longitude), continuing upriver along a line 1⁄2 mile south and east of, and paralleling a line along the southerly bank of the Johnson River to the confluence of the east bank of Crooked Creek, then continuing upriver to the outlet at Arhymot Lake, then following the south bank east of the Unit 18 border and then north of and including the Eek River drainage—1 antlered bull by State registration permit; quotas will be announced annually by the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Manager

Federal public lands are closed to the taking of moose except by residents of Tuntutuliak, Eek, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Atmautlauk, Oscarville, Bethel, Kwethluk, Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak, Lower Kalskag, and Kalskag

Sep. 1 – Sep. 30 A season may be announced Dec. 1 – Jan. 31



Western Interior

WP20-36

Wildlife Proposal 2019

Submitted by Koyukuk/Nowitna/Innoko NWR

This proposal suggests a change to (check all that apply):

Harvest season Method and means of harvest

Harvest limit Customary and traditional use determination


100.26 (n) (21) (iv)

Unit 21D - Koyukuk Controlled Use Area - 1 bull; 1 antlerless moose by Federal permit if authorized by announcement by the Koyukuk/Nowitna NWR manager. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. A harvestable surplus of cows will be determined for a quota

Sep. 1-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced.

Or

1 antlered bull by Federal permit, if there is no Mar. 1-5 season and if authorized by announcement by the Koyukuk/Nowitna NWR manager and BLM Central Yukon field office manager. A harvestable surplus of bulls will be determined for a quota. Announcement for the March and April seasons and harvest quotas will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and Middle Yukon and Koyukuk River Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Apr. 10-15 season to be announced.

Unit 21D, remainder - 1 moose; however, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Mar. 1-5 season if authorized jointly by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Manager and the Central Yukon Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. During the Aug. 22-31 and Sep. 5-25 seasons, a State registration permit is required. During the Mar. 1-5 season, a Federal registration permit is required. Announcement for the antlerless moose seasons and cow quotas will be made after consultation with

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced



Western Interior

the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and the Middle Yukon Fish and Game Advisory Committee

2. How should the new regulation read?

Unit 21D - Koyukuk Controlled Use Area - 1 bull by State registration permit; 1 antlerless moose by Federal permit if authorized by announcement by the Koyukuk/Nowitna NWR manager. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. A harvestable surplus of cows will be determined for a quota

Sep. 1-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced

Or

1 antlered bull by Federal permit, if there is no Mar. 1-5 season and if authorized by announcement by the Koyukuk/Nowitna NWR manager and BLM Central Yukon field office manager. A harvestable surplus of bulls will be determined for a quota. Announcement for the March and April seasons and harvest quotas will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and Middle Yukon and Koyukuk River Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Apr. 10-15 season to be announced.

Unit 21D-that portion south of the South Bank of the Yukon River, downstream of the up-river entrance of Kala Slough and west of Kala Creek. 1 moose; however, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Mar. 1-5 season if authorized jointly by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Manager and the Central Yukon Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management. Antlerless moose may also be harvested during the State, to be announced, 15 day March winter registration hunt. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. During the Aug. 22-31 and Sep. 5-25, and March to be announced seasons, a State registration permit is required. During the Mar. 1-5 season, a Federal registration permit is required. Announcement for the antlerless moose seasons and cow quotas for the Sept 21-25 season, will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and the Middle Yukon Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25.

March to be announced 15 day season



Western Interior

Unit 21D, remainder - 1 moose; however, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Mar. 1-5 season if authorized jointly by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Manager and the Central Yukon Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. During the Aug. 22-31 and Sep. 5-25 seasons, a State registration permit is required. During the Mar. 1-5 season, a Federal registration permit is required. Announcement for the antlerless moose seasons and cow quotas will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and the Middle Yukon Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced

3. Why should the regulation change be made?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently added a March, to be announced ,15 day season within GMU21D. We want the Federal regulations to match this new state regulation for consistency (including the new boundary). We also want to remove “to be announced” federal winter hunts in GMU21D remainder and 21D within the controlled use area to simplify regulations in GMU21D. These hunts have been on the books since 2004, in which there has not been a single opening for any winter hunt opportunities. We feel it is important to shadow the state seasons in this area to eliminate regulatory complexity at this time. We do want to emphasize that we will support additional harvest opportunities when populations will support it through Federal or State regulations.

Subsistence is a priority in Alaska. However, in some circumstances, Federal hunts can be restricting and confusing due to land status and other unforeseen issues. Under regulation, Federal subsistence hunts are allowed only on Federal lands. In GMU21D, there is Village Corporation land, Regional Corporation land, State land, and Native allotments, which are not open for hunting during Federal subsistence hunts. This can be very confusing for users as the lands are arranged in a mixed “checkerboard” pattern. Not only does this require hunters to know what lands they are on, but it also requires them to travel long distances in order to fulfill their subsistence needs. In some cases, it is just not possible to reach Federal lands where these hunts occur. Reverting to State hunts in this GMU will simplify regulations in this area and allow for increased opportunity.

In addition to land status issues, there are less subsistence hunting days offered under Federal regulation, specifically in GMU21D remainder. With the recently established March, to be announced, registration hunt, subsistence users actually get more days to hunt. By having a State hunt in March, users get 15 days to hunt as opposed to 5 days that is offered under Federal regulation.



Western Interior

Finally, permitting under the Federal Subsistence program can be inconsistent and confusing for subsistence users. Having ADF&G in charge of permitting allows for a more reliable system to get permits to subsistence users in remote areas due to the use of village vendors and the availability of a permitting website. Also, harvest reporting is more consistent and reliable with the availability of an online reporting system along with being able to report to the local vendors in each community. State vendors will also have the ability to issue out hunting licenses to hunters who might need them.


Subsistence users will get more opportunity by utilizing a state winter registration hunt in GMU 21D. Users will have more land available to hunt, as well as an increased number of days they can hunt. We do not anticipate significant competition from sport hunters as this hunt is held in a very remote area in Alaska, during a time when moose have no trophy value. Regulatory complexity will also be simplified with this proposal by eliminating land status issues and simplifying what permits are required.


None



Western Interior

WP20-37

UNIT 21D, DECEMBER MOOSE SEASON FEDERAL PROPOSAL


Unit 21D — Moose

Unit 21D, remainder—1 moose; however, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Mar. 1-5 season if authorized jointly by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Manager and the Central Yukon Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. During the Aug. 22-31 and Sep. 5-25 seasons, a State registration permit is required. During the Mar. 1-5 season, a Federal registration permit is required. Announcement for the antlerless moose seasons and cow quotas will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and the Middle Yukon Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced.


Unit 21D — Moose

Unit 21D, that portion south of the South bank of the Yukon River, down-stream of the up-river entrance of Kala Slough and west of Kala Creek – 1 moose by State registration permit. However, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Dec. and Mar. seasons. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. A 15 day season will be announced in Dec. If the harvest quota, which is announced annually is not met, then another 15 day season will be announced in Mar.

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25. Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, season to be announced Mar. 1 – Mar. 31 season may be announced.

Unit 21D, remainder—1 moose; however, antlerless moose may be taken only during Sep. 21-25 and the Mar. 1-5 season if authorized jointly by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Manager and the Central Yukon Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management. Harvest of cow moose accompanied by calves is prohibited. During the Aug. 22-31 and Sep. 5-25 seasons, a State registration permit is required. During the Mar. 1-5 season, a Federal registration permit is required. Announcement for the antlerless moose seasons and cow quotas will be made after consultation with the ADF&G area biologist and the Chairs of the Western Interior Regional Advisory Council and the Middle Yukon Fish and Game Advisory Committee

Aug. 22-31. Sep. 5-25. Mar. 1-5 season to be announced.

Why should this regulation be changed? The intention of this proposal is to increase subsistence harvest opportunity to benefit subsistence users. A December hunt would benefit subsistence users who do not harvest a moose during the fall. Harvesting a moose in December would provide valuable meat to families over the winter. A similar proposal is being submitted to the Alaska Board of Game.



Seward Peninsula

WP20-38





Phone: (907) 861-2109


REGULATION AFFECTED:Federal Subsistence Regulations Booklet:

Year: 2018-2020Page: 110


Unit 22D remainder-1 bull Aug. 10-Sept. 14Oct. 1-Nov. 30

Unit 22D remainder- 1 moose; however, no personmay take a calf or a cow accompanied by a calf Dec. 1-Dec. 31

Unit 22D remainder- 1 antlered bull Jan. 1-Jan.31

2. How should the new regulation read?Unit 22D remainder-1 bull by state registration permit only. Aug. 10-Sept. 14

Unit 22D remainder- 1 bull by state registrationpermit only. Dec. 1-Jan 31

A season may be announced

3. Why should this regulation change be made?Moose abundance in Unit 22D has persisted at low density since dramatic declines in abundance occurred throughout Unit 22 in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Moose abundance in Unit 22D Remainder was last surveyed in 2014 at which time the population was estimated at 491 moose (95% CI: 410-571) with 18% recruitment. This represents a 14% annual rate of decline 2011-2014. The department unsuccessfully attempted to complete a moose survey during the spring of 2018 but plans to attempt another abundance survey in the area during the spring of 2020. A spring recruitment survey completed in 2018



Seward Peninsula

observed 977 moose and found 11% recruitment throughout Unit 22D suggesting that the population of moose has not continued to decline 13% annually however recruitment in the area is low.

Fall composition surveys completed in the area 2001-2018 indicate that the bull:cow ratio has declined to below our management objective of 30 bulls:100cows. Surveys completed in 2018 found 18 bulls:100cows. Declines in the bull:cow ratio suggest that the current level of harvest is not sustainable, and that management action should be taken to reduce harvest in the area.

The Unit 22D Remainder hunt area is remote and not immediately accessible along the Nome road system. Such challenges have historically limited hunter participation and harvest in the area, consequently liberal seasons and bag limits have persisted in the area. Elsewhere in Unit 22, hunt areas immediately accessible along the Nome Road System registration permit hunts with harvest quotas (RM840) have been implemented in order to maintain harvest at sustainable levels.

Hunter participation in 22D Remainder has steadily grown 2000-2018. Hunters seeking to take advantage of more liberal moose seasons coupled with advances in the capabilities of off-road vehicles have likely reduced some of the challenges associated with hunting in the area and facilitated the increase in hunter participation.

Reported harvest during RY2017 and preliminary estimates of reported harvest during RY2018 were 34 and 32 bulls respectively. Compared to the long-term average annual reported harvest 2001-2016 of 20 bulls per year this information indicates that harvest in the area is increasing. Reported harvest should be considered a minimum estimate of harvest as a portion of the moose harvested from 22D Remainder are not reported to the department. Household subsistence surveys completed by the Subsistence Division in the communities of Teller and Brevig Mission 1988-2016 suggest an average harvest of 15 and 5 moose respectively. Conversely, average reported harvest from residents of Teller and Brevig Mission for the period 2006-2017 is <1 moose and 1-2 moose, respectively.The proposed regulatory changes would improve harvest reporting in the area as well as provide the department the tools necessary to maintain harvest in the area at sustainable levels.

The department will submit a similar proposal to the Board of Game for consideration during the 2020 Arctic/Western Region meeting. The proposed regulatory changes would be in addition to a series of small incremental changes enacted by the Board of Game in response to declines in abundance and poor productivity. In 2014, antlerless moose hunts in the area were eliminated. In 2017, nonresident hunting was closed. Additional steps are warranted at this time to address biological concerns.

The department has considered only making changes to the season dates in the area. Although such changes may reduce the reported harvest in the area, such measures are considered inadequate since they will not improve harvest reporting within the area and do not provide the department with the tools necessary to prevent over harvest.



Seward Peninsula

4. What impact will this change have on wildlife populations?Changes to the season dates eliminate the opportunity to hunt moose in Unit 22D Remainder during the months of October and November. Given the status of the population and the observed declines in the bull:cow ratios, providing protections for breeding bulls as well as reducing hunter disturbance during the rut is necessary to ensure future productivity.

5. How will this change affect subsistence uses?This change will require federally qualified subsistence users hunting under federal regulations on federal public lands in 22D remainder to obtain a state registration permit prior to hunting, comply with all the permit conditions and provide the department a hunt report with information about their hunting activities.

6. How will this change affect other uses?This change is not anticipated to have any effects on other uses.



Seward Peninsula

WP20-39

1

UNIT 22D REMAINDER, COW MOOSE SEASON CLOSURE FEDERAL PROPOSAL


Unit 22—Moose

Unit 22D, remainder—1 bull Aug. 10 – Sep. 14 Oct. 1 – Nov. 30

Unit 22D, remainder—1 moose; however, no person may take a calf or a cow accompanied by a calf

Dec. 1 – 31

Unit 22D, remainder—1 antlered bull Jan. 1 – 31


Unit 22—Moose


Unit 22D, remainder—1 bull moose; however, no person may take a calf or a cow accompanied by a calf

Dec. 1 – 31


Why should this regulation be changed? The moose population in Unit 22D remainder experienced severe declines between 2011-2014, and although possibly stabilized, remains at very low densities in this area. The Council was recently informed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) that low recruitment remains a concern and action is needed is needed to protect this moose population. Cow moose hunts have been closed by temporary special actions for several years. This proposal would permanently close the cow moose hunt in Unit 22D remainder consistent with State regulations.



Seward Peninsula

WP20-40

1

UNIT 22D REMAINDER, CLOSE LANDS TO NON FEDERALLY QUALIFED USERS FEDERAL PROPOSAL


Unit 22—Moose



Dec. 1 – 31



Unit 22—Moose

Unit 22D, remainder—1 bull

Federal public lands are closed to the harvest of moose except by Federally qualified subsistence users.

Aug. 10 – Sep. 14 Oct. 1 – Nov. 30



Dec. 1 – 31

Unit 22D, remainder—1 antlered bull


Jan. 1 – 31



Seward Peninsula

2

Why should this regulation be changed? The moose population in Unit 22D remainder experienced severe declines between 2011-2014, and although possibly stabilized, remains at very low densities in this area. The Council was recently informed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) that low recruitment remains a concern, and action is needed is needed to protect this moose population. Closing the hunt to non-Federally qualified users would contribute to conservation of moose in this area while allowing for local users to meet their subsistence needs.



Seward Peninsula

WP20-41



Seward Peninsula

WP20-42



Northwest Arctic

WP20-43

The Kotzebue Sound ADF&G Advisory Committee met January 31, 2019 and passed two proposals to submit to the Alaska Board of Game and to the Federal Subsistence Board, so as to have the same regulation in place on both state and federal lands to make for a greater impact and to assist local hunters in complying with the new rules if passed. See attached PDF's for the proposals we would like the FSB to consider.

5 AAC 85.025. Hunting seasons and bag limits for caribou. Unit 23 RESIDENT HUNTERS: that portion north of and including the Singoalik River drainage: 5 caribou per day, by registration permit only, as follows: up to 5 bulls per day; July 1 – June 30 [OCT. 14 - FEB. 1] however, calves may not be taken; up to 5 cows per day; Sept. 1 - Mar. 31, however, calves may not be taken

Remainder of Unit 23 RESIDENT HUNTERS: 5 caribou per day, by registration permit only, as follows: up to 5 bulls per day; July 1 – June 30 [OCT. 14 - FEB. 1] however, calves may not be taken; up to 5 cows per day; Sept. 1 - Mar. 31, however, calves may not be taken

What is the problem you would like the Board to address? During the recent downturn in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd population, the local Advisory Committees considered supporting a variety of different regulations for conservation purposes. One of these was to limit the bull season from the former year-round to an abbreviated season that closed from October 14 until February 1. The thought was that mature bulls were rutting during the first half of this period and then were in recovery mode during the second half. Given that local people generally avoided mature bulls during this time it was thought to have little impact on traditional harvesting activities, but still provide some conservation benefit. It was also the case that for decades these mature bulls were targeted and very much accessible for harvest during their annual southern migration in September, so this season would still allow ample opportunity for bull harvest opportunities. However, in the last couple of years, the migration has stalled out during September with the main body of caribou becoming “stranded” in the middle of the Baird Mountains where they remain inaccessible to hunters from the major rivers in Unit 23. By the time the caribou resume their migration the season for bulls has already closed, this has caused harvest pressure to shift to cows. If the bull season remains open year-round, many hunters would take young bulls during the currently closed period, because they do not get rutted and stink like the mature bulls, which would relieve some pressure on the cows. For the conservation of the herd it would be more desirable to take bulls than cows and even in those cases where a hunter may have a difficult time telling a young bull from a cow, both would be open for harvest, so there would



Northwest Arctic

be no compliance issue, which currently may happen from time to time. Notably the decline of the herd has stabilized and may in fact be on the road to increasing, this would only be helped by putting in place regulations that encourage the harvest of bulls when either sex is open to take. What will happen if this problem is not solved? The fall harvest in Unit 23 is likely to be unnecessarily cow heavy in years like the last couple when mature bulls are hard to come by and when the season closes for bulls when young bulls would be selected for harvest in lieu of cows by many.

What solution do you prefer? Year-round bull season.

Does your proposal address improving the quality of the resource harvested or the products produced? It creates an opportunity and incentive for the harvest of young bulls in lieu of cows, contributing to the long-term growth and conservation the Western Arctic Caribou Herd.

Who is likely to benefit if your solution is adopted? Those who want a stable and growing Western Arctic Caribou Herd and local people who may inadvertently take a young bull during the current cow only fall season.

Who is likely to suffer if your solution is adopted? None.

List any other solutions you considered and why you rejected them. None.

Proposed by: Kotzebue Sound Advisory Committee



Northwest Arctic

WP20-44

The Kotzebue Sound ADF&G Advisory Committee met January 31, 2019 and passed two proposals to submit to the Alaska Board of Game and to the Federal Subsistence Board, so as to have the same regulation in place on both state and federal lands to make for a greater impact and to assist local hunters in complying with the new rules if passed. See attached PDF's for the proposals we would like the FSB to consider.

5 AAC 85.025. Hunting seasons and bag limits for caribou. Unit 23 RESIDENT HUNTERS, that portion north of and including the Singoalik River drainage: 5 caribou per day, by registration permit only, as follows: up to 5 bulls per day; OCT. 14 - FEB. 1, [HOWEVER, CALVES MAY NOT BE TAKEN]; up to 5 cows per day; Sept. 1 - Mar. 31 [HOWEVER, CALVES MAY NOT BE TAKEN]

Remainder of Unit 23 RESIDENT HUNTERS: 5 caribou per day, by registration permit only, as follows: up to 5 bulls per day; OCT. 14 - FEB. 1, [HOWEVER, CALVES MAY NOT BE TAKEN]; up to 5 cows per day; Sept. 1 - Mar. 31 [HOWEVER, CALVES MAY NOT BE TAKEN]

What is the problem you would like the Board to address? Removing the calf harvest prohibition would allow for calves to be harvested in those circumstances where they have lost their mother and are wandering unattached to the herd or where their mother may have been accidently harvested. Nobody is targeting calves, but there are rare circumstances where it may make sense to harvest a calf and there is no reason to prohibit this, since making rules based on the exception is not good policy making.

What will happen if this problem is not solved? Abandoned/orphaned calves will continue to become food for predators, instead of being able to be used for human consumption.

What solution do you prefer? Removal of calf harvest prohibition.

Does your proposal address improving the quality of the resource harvested or the products produced? It allows for abandoned calves to be utilized for human food instead of feeding predators.

Who is likely to benefit if your solution is adopted? Those who come across abandoned calves and would otherwise have to leave them for the predators.

Who is likely to suffer if your solution is adopted? None.

List any other solutions you considered and why you rejected them. None.

Proposed by: Kotzebue Sound Advisory Committee



Northwest Arctic

WP20-45

1

UNIT 23 BULL CARIBOU FEDERAL PROPOSAL


Unit 23 — Caribou

Unit 23—that portion which includes all drainages north and west of, and including, the Singoalik River drainage—5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows: Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 15-Oct. 14.

Jul. 1-Oct. 14. Feb. 1-Jun. 30. Jul. 15-Apr. 30.

Unit 23, remainder—5 caribou per day by State registration permit, as follows: Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested Cows may be harvested However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 31-Oct. 14. Federal public lands within a 10-mile-wide corridor (5 miles either side) along the Noatak River from the western boundary of Noatak National Preserve upstream to the confluence with the Cutler River; within the northern and southern boundaries of the Eli and Agashashok River drainages, respectively; and within the Squirrel River drainage are closed to caribou hunting except by federally qualified subsistence users hunting under these regulations

Jul. 1-Oct. 31. Feb. 1-Jun. 30. Jul. 31-Mar. 31.


Unit 23 — Caribou

Unit 23—that portion which includes all drainages north and west of, and including, the Singoalik River drainage—5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows: Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 15-Oct. 14.

Jul. 1-Oct. 14. Feb. 1-Jun. 30. Jul. 15-Apr. 30.



Northwest Arctic

2

Unit 23, remainder—5 caribou per day by State registration permit, as follows: Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested Cows may be harvested However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 31-Oct. 14. Federal public lands within a 10-mile-wide corridor (5 miles either side) along the Noatak River from the western boundary of Noatak National Preserve upstream to the confluence with the Cutler River; within the northern and southern boundaries of the Eli and Agashashok River drainages, respectively; and within the Squirrel River drainage are closed to caribou hunting except by federally qualified subsistence users hunting under these regulations

Jul. 1-Oct. 31. Feb. 1-Jun. 30. Jul. 31-Mar. 31.

Why should this regulation be changed? This proposal would allow people to harvest young bulls and takes harvest pressure off cows. The timing of caribou migration has changed with caribou migrating later in the year when only the cow caribou season is open. Eliminating the bull closure takes pressure off subsistence users (who can spend a lot of time and fuel to access hunting areas) to harvest caribou during a certain timeframe.



Northwest Arctic

WP20-46

Submitted 03-22-19

1

Proposal to Change Federal Subsistence Regulations (Wildlife) Name and contact information (address, phone, fax, or E-mail address) Vern Cleveland, Chair Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group

Submitted on behalf of the WACH Working Group by: Jan Caulfield, Facilitator 525 W. 9th St. Juneau, AK 99801 (907)209-8604 [email protected] Organization Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group What regulations you wish to change. Include management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. CURRENT REGULATION -

Unit 23 – Caribou

Unit 23—that portion which includes all drainages north and west of, and including, the Singoalik River drainage – 5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows:

Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested

July 1–Oct. 14 Feb. 1–June 30

Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 15–Oct. 14.

July 15–Apr. 30

Unit 23, remainder – 5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows:

Calves may not be taken Bulls may be harvested

July 1–Oct. 31 Feb.1–June 30



Northwest Arctic

Submitted 03-22-19

2

Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 31–Oct. 14. Federal public lands within a 10-mile wide corridor (5 miles either side) along the Noatak River from the western boundary of Noatak National Preserve upstream to the confluence with the Cutler River; within the northern and southern boundaries of the Eli and Agashashok River drainages, respectively; and within the Squirrel River drainage are closed to caribou hunting except by Federally qualified subsistence users.

July 31–March 31

PROPOSED REGULATION - Write the regulation the way you would like to see it written.

Unit 23 - Caribou

Unit 23—that portion which includes all drainages north and west of, and including, the Singoalik River drainage – 5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows:

Bulls may be harvested

July 1–June 30

Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 15–Oct. 14.

July 15–Apr. 30

Unit 23, remainder – 5 caribou per day by State registration permit as follows:


July 1- June 30

Cows may be harvested. However, cows accompanied by calves may not be taken July 31–Oct. 14. Federal public lands within a 10-mile wide corridor (5 miles either side) along the Noatak River from the western boundary of Noatak National Preserve upstream to the confluence with the Cutler River; within the northern and southern boundaries of the Eli and Agashashok River drainages, respectively; and within the Squirrel River drainage are closed to caribou hunting except by Federally qualified subsistence users.

July 31–March 31



Northwest Arctic

Submitted 03-22-19

3

Explain why these regulations change should be made. At its meeting on December 13, 2018, the Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group (WACHWG) voted unanimously to submit a proposal to the Federal Subsistence Board to change the federal wildlife regulation for caribou harvest in Unit 23 to match the Kotzebue Advisory Committee’s (AC) proposal to the Board of Game, which would remove the seasonal closure on bull harvest and remove the restriction on calf harvest in Unit 23. The WACHWG has also submitted a companion proposal to the Board of Game. The following information provided by the Kotzebue AC provides the rationale for this proposal: Remove seasonal closure on bull harvest – “During the recent downturn in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd population, the local ACs considered supporting a variety of different regulations for conservation purposes. One of these ways was to limit the bull season from the former year-round to an abbreviated season that closed from October 14 until February 1. The thought was that mature bulls were rutting during the first half of this period and then were in recovery mode during the second half. Given that local people generally avoided mature bulls during this time it was thought to have little impact on traditional harvesting activities, but still provide some conservation benefit. It was also the case that for decades these mature bulls were targeted and very much accessible for harvest during their annual southern migration in September, so this season would still allow ample opportunity for bull harvest opportunities. However, in the last couple of years, the migration has stalled out during September with the main body of caribou becoming “stranded” in the middle of the Baird Mountains where they remain inaccessible to hunters from the major rivers in Unit 23. By the time the caribou resume their migration the season for bulls has already closed, this has caused harvest pressure to shift to cows. If the bull season remains open year-round, many hunters would take young bulls during the currently closed period, because they do not get rutted and stink like the mature bulls, which would relieve some pressure on the cows. For the conservation of the herd it would be more desirable to take bulls than cows and even in those cases where a hunter may have a difficult time telling a young bull from a cow, both would be open for harvest, so there would be no compliance issue, which currently may happen from time to time. Notably the decline of the herd has stabilized and may in fact be on the road to increasing, this would only be helped by putting in place regulations that encourage the harvest of bulls when either sex is open to take.” If this regulation change is not made, “The fall harvest in Unit 23 is likely to be unnecessarily cow heavy in years like the last couple when mature bulls are hard to come by and when the season closes for bulls, when young bulls would be selected for harvest in lieu of cows by many.”



Northwest Arctic

Submitted 03-22-19

4

Remove restriction on calf harvest – “Removing the calf harvest prohibition would allow for calves to be harvested in those circumstances where they have lost their mothers and are wandering unattached to the herd or where their mother may have been accidentally harvested. Nobody is targeting calves, but there are rare circumstances where it may make sense to harvest a calf and there is no reason to prohibit this, since making rules based on the exception is not good policy making.” If this regulation change is not made, “Abandoned/orphaned calves will continue to become food for predators, instead of being able to be used for human consumption”.



Northwest Arctic

WP20-47

UNIT 23 COW MOOSE SEASON FEDERAL PROPOSAL


Unit 23 — Moose

Unit 23—that portion north and west of and including the Singoalik River drainage, and all lands draining into the Kukpuk and Ipewik Rivers—1 moose


Cows may be harvested No person may take a calf or a cow accompanied by a calf.

July 1-Dec. 31.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

Unit 23, remainder – 1 moose



Aug. 1-Dec. 31.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31.


Unit 23 — Moose

Unit 23—that portion north and west of and including the Singoalik River drainage, and all lands draining into the Kukpuk and Ipewik Rivers—1 moose by State registration permit.



July 1-Dec. 31.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

Unit 23, remainder – 1 moose by State registration permit.



Aug. 1-Dec. 31.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

Why should this regulation be changed? The Council is concerned about the declining moose population in Unit 23. The Council requests eliminating the cow moose season to conserve cows and to help grow and recover the Unit 23 moose population. Requiring a State registration permit would improve harvest reporting, providing better harvest data. This proposal would also align State and Federal regulations, reducing user confusion.



Eastern Interior

WP20-48

Current Federal Regulations

Unit 20F−Caribou This is blank

Unit 20F east of the Dalton Highway and south of the Yukon River—1 caribou; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10 - Sept. 30 season the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota between Aug. 10 - 29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C, is 100 caribou.

Aug. 10-Sept. 30 Nov. 1-Mar. 31.

Unit 20E--Caribou

Unit 20E—1 caribou; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10-Sep. 30 season, the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota for the period Aug. 10-29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C is 100 caribou. During the Nov. 1-Mar. 31 season, area closures or hunt restrictions may be announced when Nelchina caribou are present in a mix of more than 1 Nelchina caribou to 15 Fortymile caribou, except when the number of caribou present is low enough that fewer than 50 Nelchina caribou will be harvested regardless of the mixing ratio for the two herds.


Unit 25C--Caribou

Unit 25C—1 caribou; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10 - Sept. 30 season the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota between Aug. 10 - 29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C is 100 caribou.


Proposed Federal Regulations

Unit 20F--Caribou

Unit 20F east of the Dalton Highway and south of the Yukon River—1 A harvest limit of up to 3 caribou will be announced; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10 - Sept. 30 season the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota between Aug. 10 - 29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C, is 100 caribou.

Aug. 10-Sept. 30 Fall season between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, to be announced. Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Winter season between Oct. 21 and Mar. 31, to be announced.



Eastern Interior

Unit 20E−Caribou This is blank

Unit 20E—1A harvest limit of up to 3 caribou will be announced; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10-Sep. 30 season, the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota for the period Aug. 10-29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C is 100 caribou. During the Nov. 1-Mar. 31 season, area closures or hunt restrictions may be announced when Nelchina caribou are present in a mix of more than 1 Nelchina caribou to 15 Fortymile caribou, except when the number of caribou present is low enough that fewer than 50 Nelchina caribou will be harvested regardless of the mixing ratio for the two herds


Unit 25C--Caribou

Unit 25C—1A harvest limit of up to 3 caribou will be announced; a joint State/Federal registration permit is required. During the Aug. 10 - Sept. 30 season the harvest is restricted to 1 bull. The harvest quota between Aug. 10 - 29 in Units 20E, 20F, and 25C is 100 caribou.


This language would be issued to the in-season manager (BLM Eastern Interior Field Office Manager) via a delegation of authority letter and added to the table at the back of the Federal regulations handy-dandy booklet:

For Units 25C, 20E, 20F – Caribou: Open and close seasons and set harvest limits, including any sex restrictions.

Rationale: Harvest of caribou in Units 20E, 25C, and 20F (Fortymile and White Mountains herds) is managed through a joint State/Federal registration permit. Due to recent changes in State regulations to allow higher harvests, Federal caribou seasons in Unit 20E, 20F, and 25C are currently more restrictive than State seasons resulting in confusion among hunters. This proposal would allow Federal regulations to be adapted to align with State regulations (that can change frequently), increasing opportunity for



Eastern Interior

Federally qualified subsistence users, and reducing complexity and confusion. It would also provide the flexibility and responsiveness needed to manage the Fortymile caribou herd in the face of rapid population increases and concerns that the herd is reaching carrying capacity.

The BLM Eastern Interior Field Office manager currently has delegated authority to modify or restrict harvest limits and season dates for caribou in Unit 20E and 25C, and has closed (in consultation with ADF&G, the chair of the EIRAC, and Yukon-Charley National Preserve superintendent) seasons to meet harvest quotas in some years. This proposal will result add authority to set sex restrictions in these units and add authority to modify harvest limits, season dates, and set sex restrictions for Unit 20F.

Submitted by:

Bureau of Land Management, Eastern Interior Field Office

Jim Herriges, [email protected], 907-474-2373



Eastern Interior

WP20-49





Phone: (907) 861-2109


1: What Regulation do you wish to change?

Unit 25A —SheepUnit 25A —Arctic Village Sheep Management Area

2 rams by Federal registration permit only. Aug. 10–Apr. 30

Federal public lands are closed to the taking of sheep except by ruralAlaska residents of Arctic Village, Venetie, Fort Yukon, Kaktovik, andChalkyitsik hunting under these regulations.

2: How would the new regulation read?Unit 25A —Sheep

Unit 25A —Arctic Village Sheep Management Area

2 rams by Federal registration permit only. Aug. 10–Apr. 30

Federal public lands are closed to the taking of sheep except by ruralAlaska residents of Arctic Village, Venetie, Fort Yukon, Kaktovik, andChalkyitsik hunting under these regulations.

3: Why should this regulation change be made? The restriction of sheep hunting to only residents of a few communities (ArcticVillage, Chalkyitsik, Fort Yukon, Kaktovik, and Venetie) is not necessary to accommodate localsubsistence uses. Harvest records indicate residents of these communities rarely hunt sheep. Furthermore, there is no biological reason to preclude sheep hunting opportunities by the public in the AVSMA. This restriction is not necessary to provide for subsistence use.

4: What impact will this change have on wildlife populations? There is no conservation concern associated with hunting opportunity in this area. Sheep populations across the eastern Brooks Range appear to be stable. Because this is a full curl only harvest area during the fall hunting season, any harvest associated with this change would have no effect on the sheep



Eastern Interior

population. On average, during the winter registration permit season, 4 hunters harvest a total of 3 sheep per year throughout the entire hunt area. Ninety-five percent of these sheep are males. Travel to the registration permit hunt area is difficult and methods are limited by regulations and statutes. Therefore,we do not have any concerns that harvest would increase to levels that could be of concern, should this area be opened to nonfederally-qualified users.

5: How will this change affect subsistence uses? It is unknown if federally-qualified subsistence users will be impacted from adoption of this proposal. Based on biological data, federally qualified users will retain opportunity to meet their subsistence needs. Other nonfederally qualified users will regain an opportunity to harvest sheep in the Arctic Village Sheep Management Area (AVSMA) of Unit 25A.

6: How will this change affect other uses, such as sport/recreational and commercial? This change would provide additional harvest opportunity for nonfederally qualified hunters. It would also provide some opportunity for guide businesses in the area.



Eastern Interior

WP20-50

EASTERN INTERIOR RAC PROPOSAL TO CHANGE FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR MOOSE

IN UNIT 12 REMAINDER The Council recommends changing the Federal regulations for moose in parts of Unit 12 remainder to align Federal and State hunt areas, seasons, and harvest limits to reduce user confusion, as follows: Existing Federal Regulation

Unit 12 — Moose

Unit 12, remainder—1 antlered bull by joint Federal/State registration permit only

Aug. 20-Sep. 20.


Unit 12 — Moose

Unit 12, remainder that portion within the Nabesna River drainage west of the east bank of the Nabesna River upstream from the southern boundary of Tetlin National Wildlife refuge —1 antlered bull by joint Federal/State registration permit only

Aug. 20-Sep. 20.

Unit 12, that portion within the Tok River drainage upstream of a line from Peak 5885 at 63° 9.243 N. Lat., 143° 24.248 W. long., to MP 105 of the Glenn Highway (Tok Cutoff) at 63° 7.438 N. Lat., 143° 18.135 W. Long., then south along the Glenn Highway (Tok Cutoff) to the Little Tok River Bridge at mile 98.2; and within the Little Tok River drainage up-stream of the Little Tok River Bridge at mile 98.2 – 1 bull with spike-fork or 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines on at least one side

Aug. 24-Aug. 28 Sept. 8-Sept. 17

Unit 12, remainder – one bull Aug. 24-Aug. 28 Sept. 8-Sept. 17

Why should this regulation be changed? The intention of this proposal is to align Federal and State regulations to reduce user confusion. Currently, the small tracts of BLM lands in the Federal Unit 12 remainder have different seasons and antler restrictions under Federal regulations than under State regulations. However, differentiating land ownership in the field is impractical. This proposal will align Federal and State hunt areas, seasons, and harvest limits for moose in parts of Unit 12 (outlined above) to make it easier for users to understand where and when they can hunt.



Eastern Interior

WP20-51

Proposal to change federal subsistence wildlife regulations: Include the following in your proposal submission: 1. Your name, organization, address, phone, fax, and E-mail address. Bob Medinger Box 781, Slana, AK 99586 907-822-3798 [email protected] 2. The regulation you wish to change, including management unit number and species. Quote the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state “new regulation.” Customary and traditional use determination for sheep in Unit 12: Residents of Unit 12, Chistochina, Dot Lake, Healy Lake, and Mentasta Lake 3. The regulation as you would like to see it written. Add Slana to the list of communities and areas with C&T for sheep in Unit 12: Residents of Unit 12, Chistochina, Dot Lake, Healy Lake, and Mentasta Lake, AND SLANA. This includes Senior Sheep hunts. 4. An explanation of why the regulatory change should be made. This change is needed to recognize the customary and traditional use of sheep in Unit 12 by residents of Slana. Although the Nabesna Road is bisected by the Unit 11/Unit 12 boundary, residents of Slana, which is located at the west end of the road, often hunt along and off of the entire road, rather than turning around at the Unit boundary approximately 25 miles down the road. Because the season and harvest limit for sheep in Unit 12 during the general season are the same under state and federal regulations, Slana residents hunt in Unit 12 under the state regulations and did not have an incentive to request a change in the federal regulations. With the establishment of the elder sheep hunt in Unit 12 under federal regulations, we became aware that this customary and traditional use of sheep in Unit 12 is not recognized in the federal regulations. 5. You should provide any additional information that you believe will help the Federal Subsistence Board in evaluating the proposed change. See page 291 of Subsistence Harvests and uses of wild resources in Copper Center, Slana, Mentasta Lake, and Mentasta Pass, Alaska, 2010, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Technical Paper 380. Also earlier harvest surveys (e.g., TP107). Submit proposals: ► By mail or hand delivery Federal Subsistence Board Office of Subsistence Management Attn: Theo Matuskowitz 1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS-121 Anchorage, AK 99503



Eastern Interior

► At any Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council meeting ► On the Web at http://www.regulations.gov Submit a separate proposal for each proposed change. To cite which regulation(s) you want to change, use this book or the regulations published in the Federal Register: http:// www.ecfr.gov. All proposals and comments, including personal information, are posted on the Web at http://www. regulations.gov.



WILDLIFE CLOSURE REVIEWS

The Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) is reviewing existing wildlife closures to determine whether the original justifications for closure continue to apply. These reviews are being conducted in accordance with guidance found in the Federal Subsistence Board’s (Board) Policy on Closures to Hunting, Trapping and Fishing on Federal public lands and waters in Alaska, which was adopted in 2007, and amended in 2019. Pursuant to the Policy, closure review analyses are being addressed by the Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils and the Board in the same manner as regulatory proposal analyses.

Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) establishes a priority for the taking of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands and waters for non-wasteful subsistence uses over the taking of fish and wildlife for other purposes (ANILCA Section 804). The Federal Subsistence Board is authorized to restrict or close the taking of fish and wildlife by nonsubsistence users on Federal public lands and waters (ANILCA Section 804 and 815(3)) when necessary for: 1) the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife; 2) for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of such population; 3) to continue subsistence uses of such population; or 4) pursuant to other applicable law. In addition, the Board may also close Federal public lands and waters to any taking of fish and wildlife for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of such population (ANILCA Section 816(b)).

Distribution and abundance of fish and wildlife populations are known to fluctuate based upon a variety of factors such as weather patterns, management actions, habitat changes, predation, harvest activities, and disease. Subsistence use patterns are also known to change over time in response to many factors including resource abundance and human population changes, among others. A Closure Review analysis contains a brief history of why a closure was implemented, along with a summary of the current resource condition and the OSM recommendation as to whether the closure should be continued, lifted, or modified.

The affected Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils are asked to consider the OSM recommendation and make recommendations to the Board about closures. Recommendations from Councils receive deference from the Board on the final action, unless they are: 1) not supported by substantial evidence; 2) violate recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation; or 3) would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Closures remain in effect until changed by the Board.

Additional information on unit-specific wildlife closures can be found in the Federal Subsistence Management Regulations for the Harvest of Wildlife on Federal Public lands in Alaska.

A table of the existing wildlife closures is located on the following page.



Closure Number

Affected Region(s) Species Unit Description

WCR20-03 SC Moose 7 – that portion draining into Kings Bay Closed to all users

WCR20-04/06 BB, KA Caribou 9C remainder, 9E

Closed to non-Federally qualified users and some Federally qualified subsistence users

WCR20-10 SP Muskox 22B Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-19 NWA Muskox23 – south of Kotzebue Sound and west of and including the Buckland River drainage

Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-20 WI Moose 24B remainderClosed to non-Federally qualified users and some Federally qualified subsistence users

WCR20-28 SP Muskox22D – that portion west of the Tisuk River drainage and Canyon Creek


WCR20-29 SP Muskox 22D remainder Closed to non-Federally qualified users and some Federally qualified subsistence users

WCR20-30 SP Muskox 22E Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-31 NS Moose 26B remainder, 26C Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-38 YK Moose

18 – that portion east of a line from the mouth of the Ishkowik River to the closest point of Dall Lake, then to the easternmost point of Takslesluk Lake, then along the Kuskokwim River drainage boundary to the Unit 18 border and north of (and including) the Eek River drainage




Closure Number

Affected Region(s) Species Unit Description

WCR20-39 WI, YK Moose

19A - north of the Kuskokwim River, upstream from (but excluding) the George River drainage, and south of the Kuskokwim River upstream from (and including) the Downey Creek drainage, not including the Lime Village Management Area

Closed to all users

WCR20-40 YK Moose18 - south of the Kanektok River drainages to the Goodnews River drainage

Closed to all users

WCR20-41 SC Moose 6C Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-42 EI, SC Caribou

12 - that portion within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park that lies west of the Nabesna River and the Nabesna Glacier

Closed to non-Federally qualified users

WCR20-43 WI, YK Moose 19A remainderClosed to non-Federally qualified users and some Federally qualified subsistence users

WCR20-44 SP Muskox 22D – that portion within the Kuzitrin river drainages


Federal Subsistence Boardc/o Fish and Wildlife ServiceOffice of Subsistence Management1011 E Tudor Rd., MS-121Anchorage, AK 99503-6199

FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICEBUREAU of LAND MANAGEMENT

NATIONAL PARK SERVICEBUREAU of INDIAN AFFAIRS

FOREST SERVICE

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Documents

2020-2022 Wildlife Proposals - doi.gov · meeting materials, or in any proposal analysis. After the Fall 2019 Regional Advisory Council meeting cycle, anyone wishing to provide written