Local hunters have been hit harder than usual by antler restrictions so far this year.
The season began on Sept. 15, and by the end of the first week seven of 35 moose reported harvested in the Wrangell, Petersburg and Kake areas were deemed noncompliant.
In 2014, hunters harvested 28 moose over the same period. Only three of these were ruled illegal, about the norm. The full season went on to be one of the best on record, with 106 moose harvested.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologist Rich Lowell reported the number of noncompliant moose taken so far is atypically high. A full season might expect to see between six and nine considered illegal, or about 10 percent of the overall harvest.
Proportionally, this season’s totals are double that, which may be a cause for concern. Lowell explained the brow tine restrictions are intended to protect the middle-aged segment of the bull population for breeding purposes. If the harvesting of said bulls continues at this rate, he suggested it may become necessary to close portions of the RM038 hunt area early.
The regulations specify a bull moose must have a spike or forked antler, a 50-inch-or-greater antler spread, three or more brow tines on one antler; or two or more brow tines on both antlers. Two of the first three moose taken on the Stikine River did not comply with local antler regulations.
Hunters have harvested 12 moose from The Stikine River area, more than any other district as of September 21. Mitkoff Island hunters harvested nine the first week, though four of these were deemed illegal. One of the five taken around Thomas Bay was also illegal.
Seven moose were harvested on Kupreanof Island, as were one apiece at Virginia Lake and Woewodski Island.
Hunters are reminded to 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. Failure to comply will result in ineligibility for permits next year.
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