Despite the rough weather and Monday opener, it’s been a good season so far for area moose hunters. According to Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Rich Lowell, it’s better even than average.
Fifty-two moose have been reported killed in the first two weeks, compared to 49 at this time last year for Unit 3, the Petersburg-Wrangell area. A total of 92 were gathered in 2013.
Nineteen have so far been taken on the Stikine River, better than the 15 noted for this time last year. A further 16 were reported had on Kupreanof Island. There were also six taken on Mitkof Island, three on Wrangell, two each in Thomas Bay and Farragut Bay, and one apiece at Port Houghton, Virginia Lake and on Woewodski and Zarembo islands.
Monday marked the two-week mark of the season, which began Sept. 15 and ended Oct. 15.
According to ADFG regulations, legal bull moose must have a spike or forked antler; or a 50-inch-or-greater antler spread; or three or more brow tines on one antler; or two or more brow tines on both antlers.
During the five years since the two-by-two brow tines rule was adopted, ADGF reports an average of 88 moose per year have been harvested in this hunting unit.
Hunters should report their kills within five days to their nearest ADFG department offices in Wrangell, Petersburg, Douglas, Kake or Sitka. Reports can also be filed online at http://hunt.alaska.gov and are due by Nov. 3. Failure to comply will result in ineligibility for permits next year.
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