Fortymile caribou hunt changes

Time is flying by! Here it is the middle of July and I have yet to go fishing! That’s a sad state of affairs. We are also fast approaching the fall hunting season and I haven’t yet made any specific plans there either.

As I mentioned in my column after our Matanuska-Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting this past early June with Fish and Game, our area big game populations are down in numbers. Fish and Game has been reducing the number of antlerless moose permits in the last few years, attempting to help grow the number of moose available for harvest. The same is true for caribou. In that column, I touched on the situation with the Nelchina caribou population. Earlier this week, Fish and Game released a news update on what is happening with the Fortymile caribou hunting situation.

Here’s what the department has to say: “Using the results from last summer’s photocensus, along with composition, reproductive and survival data collected over the past year, the Department developed a modeled estimate of the current size of the Fortymile caribou herd to set this year’s hunt quota. Models indicate the herd has continued to decline since last summer. The estimated mid-summer herd size is 28,000 – 34,000.”

Continuing, “To allow for hunting opportunity but minimize the risk of reducing the population more than desired, the annual harvest quota for the herd will remain at a reduced level this year. The annual quota for the 2024-2025 hunting seasons will be set at 565 bulls only (no cow harvest), with a pre-season allocation of 425 bulls for the fall hunt (for all zones) and 140 bulls for the winter hunt. Zone allocations for the fall hunt will be Zones 1 and 4 (the Steese Highway area): 195; Zone 2 (roadless area): 100; and Zone 3 (Taylor Highway area): 130.”

“These are reduced quotas from previous years and could result in delayed season openings and shorter seasons than in previous years. If quotas are met early, season closures could be announced by emergency order on short notice. The bag limit for resident and non-resident hunters hunting in the State of Alaska fall registration hunt (RC860) for Fortymile caribou will remain 1 bull in all Zones (1–4). The hunt is scheduled to open in all Zones (1–4) on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 12:01 am, as specified in the 2024-2025 Alaska Hunting Regulations. However, hunters should anticipate that the fall season will likely be delayed in one or more road accessible zones, to avoid overharvest, if large numbers of caribou are accessible near roads prior to the scheduled season opening. Delays will be announced at least 5-7 days prior to the scheduled opening date. Permits will be available July 16th online here and in person in Tok, Delta Junction, Eagle, Fairbanks, Central, Glennallen, Douglas, Anchorage, and Palmer.”

“Hunters are reminded to call the Fortymile Caribou Herd Hotline (907) 267-2310 for updates about delayed hunt openings and zone closures before departing for the field. The hotline will be updated regularly, with current zone harvest and other new information as it becomes available.”

“These seasons and bag limits only apply to state caribou hunts in these areas. Hunters with questions about federal subsistence regulations should call 800-478-1456.”

The news release continues with reporting requirements and other information. The release concludes with the statement that a successful photocensus done this summer will be finalized prior to the winter hunt opening. Both the winter season and bag limit will be re-evaluated once the results of this summer’s photocensus are finalized and harvest analysis of the fall hunting season is complete.

I’ve thought over the past several hunting seasons about trying to participate in this hunt, but never made the trip. It seemed like a lot of driving and, from what I’ve read, could be dangerous with all the shooting which often occurs from hunters along the highways, if animals are present. Unfortunately, most folks haven’t had a hunter education class and, in the excitement of the moment, tend to forget or ignore safe gun handling protocols.

Speaking of hunter education, hopefully, if your upcoming hunting plans require a hunter education certification, you have already taken the course and received your certification. It’s getting late to try for a certification for this upcoming season.

I helped teach a crossbow class earlier this week. So far, most of the students in crossbow classes I’ve taught have been experienced hunters and most are involved with the exemption clause allowing crossbows during archery season.