The Alaska Board of Game recently limited trapping and hunting on and near wildlife crossings. This took place during its week-long meeting in Soldotna. One proposal, submitted by the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, asked that hunting and trapping be prohibited within a quarter mile of the Cooper Landing bypass projects over and underpasses.
The proposal argued that hunting in these areas negates the $10.5 million investment made by the Department of Transportation in the structures. The board added language to the proposal that restricts hunters from shooting into the quarter-mile buffer from right outside. The proposal was passed unanimously by the board.
Wildlife migration is essential to the health of wildlife. Creating a setback for hunting and trapping protects those corridors that have been established with millions of dollars. The approval of the proposal sets a precedent for future regulations regarding hunting and trapping around man-made structures that funnel animals into a choke point.
The Alaska Board of Game plays a crucial role in managing Alaska’s wildlife resources. It is responsible for setting hunting and trapping regulations and seasons, managing game populations, and developing management policies. Also, the board ensures that Alaska’s wildlife resources are conserved and managed sustainably for future generations.
In conclusion, the board’s acknowledgment of the importance of wildlife migration and the need to protect corridors around man-made structures that funnel animals into a choke point is commendable. Subsequently, this decision will help ensure that Alaska’s wildlife resources are conserved and managed sustainably for future generations.
You can read more about these overpasses by clicking here. Likewise, you can read more Alaska hunting news by clicking here.
