Mountain Goat Hunting Has Been Shut Down In Part Of GMU 5A

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

Portion of Unit 5A Closed to Mountain Goat Hunting

Douglas – Biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in Douglas announce a closure to a portion of the mountain goat hunting season under the state registration permit hunt RG170 in Unit 5A. The closed area begins on the west shore of Harlequin Lake and the western edge of the Yakutat Glacier; then west of Harlequin Lake and Yakutat Glacier to Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay; and south of Russell and Nunatak Fjords. Hunters are reminded that the Nunatak Bench area remains closed to mountain goat hunting.

Aerial surveys conducted during 2006-2011 in this area indicate a significant decline in goat numbers. The following are survey results by year: 2006 (122 goats), 2007 (66 goats), 2008 (57 goats), 2009 (48 goats), 2010 (12 goats), and 2011 (38 goats) observed between Harlequin Lake and the Hubbard Glacier. The department and the US Forest Service conducted a survey, September 2016 and observed 19 total goats (16 adults, 3 kids) and August 2019 observed 46 goats (39 adults and 7 kids) were observed using fixed-wing aircraft. The US Forest Service conducted a survey in 2023 counting 99 goats (79 adults, 20 kids) using an A-start helicopter, but those observations are not directly comparable to past fixed-wing surveys and may not indicate a change in the population trend. More data is needed to ensure the population has recovered and that harvest would be sustainable over time. Harvest of goats in this area could have negative effects on the health and hinder recovery of this population. Due to the vulnerability of goats in the area, it is necessary to close this season before it opens.

An Emergency Order (R1-4-24) has been issued that will close the mountain goat hunting season in this area on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 @ 11:59 pm.

All other mountain goat hunting regulations in Unit 5A, including the Brabazon Range east of Harlequin Lake and Yakutat Glacier, remain unchanged and are not affected by this Emergency Order.