Tier II change first step in right direction

Frontiersman editorial board

During recent years as the number of permits has drastically shrunk from as many as 10,000 to just 2,000, we have witnessed a growing discontent among Mat-Su Valley residents regarding the Tier II Nelchina caribou hunt.

The Alaska Board of Game recently tackled the issue.

We're hopeful the board's recent decision to change some of the scoring methods will mean more meat on Valley tables, but we're also certain it won't put an end to the discontent.

Unfortunately, there are simply more people who like to hunt in this area than there are caribou available. Located within an easy drive of the state's most populated area, the Nelchina basin is bound to be hit hard by hunters. The result is either threatening a caribou population by over hunting or limiting the hunt by a permit system.

But there may be good news on the horizon for at least a few Valley hunters.

One of the most consistent complaints we have heard is that certain areas seem to be completely left of the list of permit recipients. The recent changes, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, should address some of that concern.

When Fish and Game ran a test run on the new scoring system, more permits popped up in Willow and other areas of Mat-Su.

This has been only one area of contention, however.

The other question, brought up by NRA representative and former Board of Game member Eddie Grasser, is one of the good guy losing out.

"For better or for worse, I'm not sure that people are being honest when they fill those forms out," Grasser said. "And if you ask the average guy that didn't get a permit, 100 percent of them are convinced that everybody else is lying."

The Board of Game has yet to fix this problem, and we know it is a difficult challenge. With just 2,000 permits divvied up among nearly 10,000 applicants, we know the state can't make everyone happy. But we should continue to strive to make the system as fair as possible.

While the Board of Game scratched the surface of the Tier II dilemma with its recent decision to change the scoring system, we feel strongly more work needs to be done to make sure these valuable permits are distributed fairly.

After all, for many Valley residents the Nelchina caribou herd is about much more than just weekend hunting trips -- it is about food for their families and a lifestyle they hold dear.