Hunters planning to travel to Alaska this season should be aware of new COVID-19 requirements for nonresidents arriving in the state. Governor Mike Dunleavy has announced that effective August 11, nonresidents arriving in Alaska must have a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival.
Testing will remain available at the airport for nonresidents through August 10. After that date, only Alaska residents will be eligible for testing upon arrival. All travelers (resident and nonresident) must complete a Traveler Declaration Form. Additionally, they must also be tested within seven to 14 days after arriving in Alaska and must minimize contact with others until the results of the second test are available. Alternatively, they can quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
The majority of current COVID-19 tests are PCR (polymerise chain reaction) tests. PCR tests work by detecting the presence of the viral antigen, rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. Antigens are present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. This means that PCR tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus in the very early stages of infection.
As for this year’s seasons in Alaska, all hunting and fishing seasons will remain open unless changed by emergency order. To check on any changes, see the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. You can also downloaded a copy of the newly available Alaska Hunting Regulations.
Check the Inside Hunting section of the SCI website often for updates.
