The plan to close 60 million acres of land to “Non-Local” caribou and moose hunting has stalled. The Federal Subsistence Board met on June 16th to discuss the passing of this proposal. However, the Board decided to delay the decision until next year. While this is definitely a win for hunts this year, many believe that this is a ruse by the Board. Opponents of the ban believe that the Board is using the delay to gather excuses to use next year to pass the plan. Likewise, they believe the board will use the delay to let the consciousness of the issue to dissipate and then pass the plan next year quietly.
During the spring of 2021, a plan reached The Federal Subsistence Board in Alaska. The plan was meant to push for the closure of 60 million acres to “Non-Local” hunters. Now to be clear, “Non-local” doesn’t just mean non-residents. Even residents that don’t reside within a certain distance to the land will be unable to access and hunt on these 60 million acres. Essentially, you must be a “federally qualified subsistence user” to be able to hunt this land under the plan.
“While I am pleased that Alaskans and everyone else will be able to go hunting as they’ve planned this fall, deferring it just means we know for sure we’ll be dealing with this next year. Please know we at ADF&G are in the fight to protect the rights of everyone to hunt in Alaska and do our best to keep the FSB from acting outside their authority. The Commissioner has been very adamant about these efforts.” – Alaska Department of Fish and Game Deputy Commission
This potential closure sets a dangerous precedent. This plan effectively bans hunters from access to federally controlled (public lands). Likewise, 3 new Wildlife Proposals—WP22-07, WP22-08, and WP22-09 are already making their way through the Federal Subsistence Board. These plans only have public comment periods open until July 19th. You can find more about how to leave public comments by clicking here. Two of the three proposals are looking to close federal land to “Non-Local” Sitka blacktail hunters in southeast Alaska. All of these plans threaten public access for hunters across the state of Alaska and even nationwide. If they will restrict access there, they can surely restrict access elsewhere.
What are your thoughts on the FSB trying to close 60 million acres of land to the public? Do you plan on fighting back against the plan? Let us know in the comments!
