Governor Dunleavy Signs Disabled Hunter Opportunities’ Bill

Last year, a proposed Anchorage moose hunt for disabled and limited-mobility hunters was rejected, but yesterday Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed four legislative bills, including one that will authorize big game hunting opportunities for hunters with a physical disability. Another of the bills regarding the permitting process to build rural trapping cabins.

Here’s the Governor’s office with more:

Today in Fairbanks Governor Mike Dunleavy signed four pieces of legislation that benefit Alaskan trappers, disabled hunters, university students, and the economic development of Nenana.

HB 272 authorizes the Alaska Board of Game to establish big game hunts for people with physical disabilities, similar to youth-only hunts enacted by the Legislature in 2001. To be eligible, participants must have a physical disability of at least 70 percent and must be accompanied by a licensed hunter capable of retrieving the game animal. The legislation will enable hunters with physical disabilities to meaningfully participate in a hunt.

“Hunting is a way of life in Alaska, and creating designated hunts for people with a physical disability will provide disabled hunters a better opportunity for a successful harvest,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.

HB 125 revises Alaska statutes pertaining to permits for building and using trapping cabins on state land. The bill reduces the fee for a new permit application to $100 and reduces the annual use fee to $25, and prohibits the Alaska Department of Natural Resources from charging additional land use fees in the future. The bill also provides conditions for renewing a permit for successive 10-year periods.

“It was an honor and a privilege to have collaborated with the Governor’s team and the Department of Natural Resources staff in reviewing and advancing this important legislation. This update modernizes the regulations and streamlines the permitting process for remote trapping activities in Alaska, which better meets the needs of families who depend on these activities,” said House Resources Chair Rep. Tom McKay.