(SitNews) Craig, Alaska - The Thorne Bay and Craig Districts Ranger, Matt Anderson, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, closed the Federal public lands of Unit 2 to the harvest of wolf from 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2016, through the remainder of the Federal seasons. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) also closed the state wolf hunting and trapping seasons in Unit 2 at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, through the remainder of the State seasons.

As of Friday, December 16, 2016 ten wolves have been harvested in Unit 2. Trappers remain active and have 14 days to report harvest, so this closure is necessary to ensure the harvest does not exceed the combined Federal/State harvest quota set at 11 wolves. ADF&G and the USFS continue to refine population estimation techniques used to establish Guideline Harvest Levels for Unit 2 wolves.

As a result of a recent Alaska Board of Game action, the allowable harvest of Unit 2 wolves was reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent of the unit’s most recent estimated wolf population. Conservative harvest levels and recent regulatory changes are intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Unit 2 wolf population.

Forest Service and ADF&G managers extended their appreciation to the local Tribes and subsistence users, for their cooperation and involvement in managing this harvest quota.

On the Web:

Maps of Unit 2 can be found on the ADF&G website
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntingmaps.gmuinfo

Maps of Federal lands within Unit 2 and additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program are available at Forest Service offices or online
http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/index.cfm

Reporting & Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
www.fs.fed.gov

 

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