Alaskan Hunting For Residents Only Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

On Tuesday, 14 April 2020, the Alaska Board of Game assembled to converse about the proposed changes to the 2020 bear hunting season. This comes after the Department of Fish and Game announced earlier in the month that the season would be restricted to Alaskan residents. Board chair, Ted Sparker, said, "The reason the board has agreed to address the spring bear hunting issue is to cover some of the lost hunting opportunities to and within our state that is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we understand that there will be a substantial economic loss to the department and other individuals, this is not an effort to mitigate those losses."

Bear hunting is a big deal in Alaska
The decision to restrict bear hunting to residents was welcomed by hunters across Alaska, as a previous decision declared that the entire spring bear hunting season in the State would be canceled. This was met with a public outcry: Alaska is known to boast some of the best brown and black bear hunting opportunities in the country. Alaska's vast wilderness is home to large numbers of bears that, thanks to a somewhat scattered human population and an abundance of food, continues to grow despite an opulent annual hunting season. Two of the most popular bear hunting spots in the state, Prince of Wales Island and Kodiak Island, will undoubtedly see a lot less action this year, as it has been estimated that only approximately 20 residents hunters will be able to participate in the 2020 Kodiak season.

Local hunters gearing up for a good season
Despite the restrictions imposed, resident hunters are gearing up for a good season. Having to abide by a series of issued health mandates - which include social distancing and intrastate travel mandates - is a small price to pay in exchange for the privilege to hunt. Across the state, hunters are checking their rifles and ensuring they have enough ammo to land the perfect shot. Other bear hunting gear, such as long range scopes that will allow for hunting at various ranges as well as scope covers, are popular current investments among eager bear hunters. While general hunting has not been identified as a critical personal need, hunters will be able to purchase or rent any additional equipment they may require.

All hope is not lost for out-of-state-hunters
There are two proposals under consideration in terms of readjusting the current hunting seasons. The first proposal would result in a spring brown bear hunting season taking place in Unit 9, which covers the Alaskan Peninsula, in May 2021. As this particular hunt typically takes place every two years, creating a new season in 2021 will allow hunters who would have participated this year, to have the same opportunity in 2021 instead. The second proposal will allow 2020 spring drawing permits to be transferred to another year. This will apply to hunting in a number of popular hunting regions in Alaska, including Unit 8, which covers Kodiak Island.


While the spring hunting season has been forced to undergo some adjustments, it has not been lost entirely. Even though only residents are currently permitted to hunt, provisions are bound to be made to ensure that all avid hunters will be able to enjoy a bout of bear hunting, even if it is postponed for the foreseeable future.