New Bill That Could Restrict Nonresident Hunting Ops States Its Case

FAIRBANKS — A bill that would require Alaska’s Board of Game to restrict nonresident hunting opportunities in times of shortage before restricting residents had a hearing in the Alaska state senate last week. https://t.co/L07nwl6Hol

— Fairbanks News-Miner (@newsminer) April 7, 2019

Our magazine was launched with the idea that Lower 48ers could go to Alaska to pursue the hunting or fishing trip of a lifetime. Well, an Alaska state senator’s bill that would decrease hunting opportunities to nonresidents hit the senate floor this week for discussion.

Here’s more from the Fairbanks News-Miner on the bill, created by North Pole  Sen. John Coghill (R) that the bill says would be beneficial for more Alaska residents to hunt:

Testimony against SB87 came from the leader of the Alaska Outdoor Council, which represents a large consortium of hunting and fishing organizations in Alaska.

Rod Arno, the council director, said delegates at the council’s annual meeting in Fairbanks last week voted in opposition to SB87.

Arno said the proposed law was unnecessary because Alaskans already have hunting opportunities in times of shortage not available to nonresidents through the resident-only subsistence system.

He also argued against further restrictions to nonresident hunters because they pay high license and tag fees that finance most of the state’s wildlife management budget.