Federal lands on the Nushugak Peninsula will be open to more Alaska residents for caribou hunting this year.
The Federal Subsistence Board made the announcement Thursday.
Andy Aderman is a wildlife biologist at the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, and says the change should hopefully see more of the over-sized herd taken in the year ahead.
“The people in the local communities here who have hunted that herd in the past will continue to be able to hunt that herd. The season’s been extended to include October and November," Aderman said.
The population has grown to more than 1,700. But the federal closure could be reinstated if that number dips below 900 animals. Aderman says 750 would be the ideal number.
"If we could keep it at that number, we think we could sustain that for long, long time. But that's the trick; trying to keep it there. And things like weather and access are huge in what happens as far as how many caribou are killed."
The state will likely open its own hunting period on non-federal lands in the same area to try and maintain the herd size.
Federal permits are available in Dillingham at Choggiung, or the tribal council offices in Aleknagik and Manokotak. Hunters in Togiak, Twin Hills, Clark’s Point and Ekuk can request permits directly from the Refuge.
Aderman says he’s still looking for reports from last season’s hunt. Those can also be made by calling the Refuge at 842-8406.