Alaska Cancels Spring Bear Hunting Season Due to COVID-19 Concerns
On April 1, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Dough Vincent-Lang directed the Division of Wildlife Conservation to close all black and brown bear hunts statewide for both resident nonresident hunters, effective now through May 31. According to a press release issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the decision is related to measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will be reevaluated as necessary.
The Department is working with the Board of Game to identify future options for sportsmen who had planned to hunt in Alaska this spring, says the release. “Expect to hear more from the department in the near future and please be patient with the department as they identify ways to minimize the impacts of this decision,” reads the release. SCI members with booked hunts should remain in close contact with their outfitters and frequently visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website (http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wcnews.main).
