|
Bull moose harvest quota established for Unit 5A, except Nunatak Bench The Yakutat District Ranger, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, has established the moose harvest quota for Unit 5A, except the Nunatak Bench, at 55 bulls. No more than 25 of those bulls are to be taken from the
area west of the Dangerous River. This quota is effective for the 2016 Federal Subsistence moose season, which is October 8 to November 15, 2016. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has established the same quota in Unit 5A for the State season,
effective October 15, extending through the end of the State season on November 15. The State and Federal quotas are not cumulative. The most recent survey (2015) by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game indicate a slightly improved but continued low bull:cow ratio, particularly on the western forelands. The Yakutat area received heavy snowfall during the 2011-2012
winter, which may have impacted the overall population. The mild winters of 2014 and 2015 are thought to have resulted in improved over-winter survival for ungulate populations region wide, and an increase in the number of calves seen during the 2015 survey
indicate healthy recruitment. The 2015 survey found the bull:cow ratio (16 bulls:100 cows) had improved from the 2013 survey (12 bulls:100 cows), but remains well below our management objective of 25 bulls:100 cows. Results of the 2015 survey also indicate
that moose numbers remain at moderate levels and will need more time to fully recover. The harvest quota has been established to improve the bull:cow ratio and increase productivity of the herd with the goal of higher future harvest quotas and increased long-term
subsistence harvest opportunities. Hunters are also reminded that they are required to report harvest within three days of taking a moose or risk a citation. Prompt reporting helps ensure that we do not exceed the quota and continue to rebuild this population and increase
the bull:cow ratio. For additional information, contact U.S. Forest Service Yakutat District Ranger Lee Benson or Wildlife Biologist Susan Oehlers at 907-784-3359.
-end- This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. To manage your subscription visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription.shtml |
