In a deeply concerning move, the Alaska Board of Game has unanimously approved the reinstatement of the controversial Mulchatna bear control program, ignoring over 60,000 public comments opposing the cruel program.
The decision gives the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) the authority to carry out aerial gunning of bears, of any age or sex, across a vast 40,000-square-mile region. This includes land just 30 miles from Katmai National Park and 50 miles from McNeil River, two globally renowned bear-viewing destinations.
The new regulation, effective until 2028, allows unlimited aerial gunning of bears at any time, without any restriction to season or location, and lacks protections for sows with cubs.
The decision was made during a special Board of Game meeting on July 14 and 15. Concerned citizens took a stand, with former Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists, and a sitting state legislator dedicating their time to speak for Alaska’s bears. Nearly 100 official records were submitted, and over 60,000 people contributed written comments, many through petitions, calling for the program to be stopped.
When it became clear that the Board intended to move forward to reinstate the cruel program, Alaska Wildlife Alliance (AWA) attempted to work with the Board by proposing several reasonable amendments to limit the harm the program would cause.
ADFG officials asserted their aim to restrict aerial bear gunning to the calving grounds and insisted on retaining the entire 40,000-square-mile authorization. They argued that this was necessary due to potential shifts in caribou calving areas of up to 100 miles. However, the Board failed to incorporate these restrictions into the official regulations, effectively allowing for unchecked bear killings over the next three years.
This approval is especially concerning since the ADFG is facing a Contempt of Court hearing for approving aerial gunning this past March, which directly violated a court ruling that had previously deemed the original program unlawful. The hearing is set for 9:00 a.m. on July 25 in Room 302 of the Nesbett Courthouse in Anchorage. If you are in the area, your presence matters.
Take Action:
Contact Alaska decision-makers and demand accountability:
• Your state legislators HERE!
• Board of Game members HERE!
• ADFG Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang at [email protected]
• ADFG Wildlife Director Ryan Scott at [email protected]
• Governor Mike Dunleavy, who appoints the Board of Game HERE!
Let them know: Alaskans and the rest of the nation are watching. The bears of Mulchatna and Alaska’s wild heritage deserve better!
