Israel Payton Named ADFG’s Director Of Division Of Sport Fish

Vincent-Lang Names Payton as Director of Sport Fish

May 01, 2023 (Anchorage) – ADF&G Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang today announced that Israel Payton will join the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as Director of the Division of Sport Fish

“Israel understands the importance of the health and sustainability of our resources,” said Vincent-Lang. “He recognizes the importance of managing for a sustained yield, fighting to maintain states right to manage, and the importance of Alaskans being able to put fish on the dinner table. His service on the Board of Fisheries has increased his knowledge on fisheries across our state.”

Payton recently served for more than 7 years on the Alaska Board of Fisheries, spent nearly 10 years on the fish and game Advisory Committee, and grew up running his families fishwheel, and guiding others both in fishing and hunting.

As Director of Sport Fish, he will lead the top managers of the division to protect and improve the state’s sport fishery resources.

“I am thrilled to join ADF&G and support its important work to manage and conserve our fisheries resources,” Payton said. “I have always been impressed by department staff and their commitment to providing high quality information for management decisions. I am looking forward to working with staff, user groups, and stakeholders to implement policy and management programs that benefit all Alaskans and their sport fishing endeavors.”

Payton will start at the department on May. 8. He is an avid hunter, angler, outdoorsman, bush pilot, and lifelong Alaskan. He was born in a remote cabin near the Skwentna River.