Now's the time to get those permit applications completed

Outdoors in Alaska, by Howard Delo

The hunting seasons may be over, but it's already time to be thinking about next season's plans. The drawing permit hunts were split up a couple of years ago to better address vacation scheduling and hunt planning for winners.

As a result, spring Kodiak brown bear, nonresident spring brown/grizzly bear, all mountain goat, Koyukuk moose and all Dall sheep permit hunts are now handled in a winter drawing.

This winter permit drawing period is currently open and closes on Dec. 6. If you apply by mail, your application must be postmarked by that date.

The application method encouraged by Fish and Game is the Internet. You can reach the proper Web site by going to www.wildlife.alaska.gov/license_form/permit/pmthunt.cfm. That site gives you access to the hunt supplement describing the locations and numbers and the necessary forms.

While we're still a little short on snow depth for snowmachining, it's never too early to start thinking safety out on the trails. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association has declared Jan. 11-17, 2004 as International Snowmobile Safety Week.

According to the release, "Snowmobile clubs and associations are encouraged to sponsor safety-related events to draw special attention to safe snowmobile behavior during that week. Elected officials, community leaders, school teachers, safety trainers and more all work together in heightening the awareness for the need to have safe, responsible behavior while snowmobiling."

The ISMA encourages all snowmachiners to think about and follow these points. Snowmobiling and alcohol don't mix, don't drink and ride. Know before you go! Always check local ice conditions. When night riding, slow down! Expect the unexpected. Ride safe, stay on the trail. Respect private property. Know the risks and be prepared. And make every trip a round one. Cross with care. Don't become road kill. Snowmobiling is a fun family sport. Ride smart, ride right. Stay in control. One is the loneliest number. Never ride alone. Promote your right to ride. Get involved. Smart riders are safe riders. Take snowmobile safety training.

Assemblyperson Jody Simpson forwarded the following information. In May, 2000, the Alaska Legislature approved money for grants to develop and maintain snowmobile trails and trailheads, and for safety and education programs.

Grants are available for easement acquisition, equipment rental or purchase, and construction or maintenance of trails and trail related facilities. Matching funds are required for some grants.

If you would like to know more about applying for a snowmobile trail grant, please contact: Jim Renkert, Alaska State Parks, (907) 269-8699, or by fax at (907) 269-8907, or at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/grants/snowmotr.htm. The deadline for completed applications to be postmarked is Dec. 15.

Simpson also sent the following notice: "On Nov. 6, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and State Parks recorded the state's portion of the Iron Dog Trail. The eight-mile, 50-foot wide multi-use winter trail runs from the Big Lake area up toward Little Cow Lake near Red Shirt Lake and back down to intersect with the Crooked Lake Trail that was dedicated in 2001. We now have a legal loop system out to the Big Su."

You should be able to contact either the borough or the State Parks folks to get a map of the newly dedicated easement.

Now, if we just get enough snow to take advantage of these snowmachine opportunities, I will be happy, even if I do occasionally have to drag my machine out of a snowbank.

Howard Delo is a retired fisheries biologist who lives in Big Lake.