Northwest Alaska Caribou Bag Limits Reduced To Help Western Arctic Herd Numbers

To protect the dwindling caribou numbers of the Western Arctic Herd, the State of Alaska has implemented lower bag limit totals for subsistence hunters in the northwest corner of the state and areas among the North Slope.

Here’s more from the Anchorage Daily News and Arctic Sounder:

Subsistence hunters living in Northwest Alaska and parts of the North Slope are now only allowed to hunt up to 15 animals a year, only one of which can be a cow. This is a considerable change from five caribou a day, and it goes into effect on state-managed lands on July 1.

“A reduction in cow harvest is the single most important thing we can do to help the Western Arctic Caribou Herd,” said Alex Hansen, Kotzebue-based wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. He added that he applauded the efforts of the residents and hunters for taking the lead in the conservation effort.

Changes are coming for nonresident hunters as well. Starting in 2025, they will need to draw one of 300 permits to hunt in the Kotzebue area.