UPDATE: April 2, 2020 - This ruling has now changed. Check out the latest information here.
The following is an urgent press release from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Screenshot of the closure on Alaska Department of Fish and Game's website.
Advisory announcement
For immediate release: April 1, 2020
(JUNEAU) — For the safety of Alaska’s communities, and especially individuals most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Doug Vincent-Lang has directed the Division of Wildlife Conservation to close all black and brown bear hunts statewide for both resident and nonresident hunters, effective now through May 31. This decision will be reevaluated as necessary. All subsistence bear hunts will remain open as a way for residents to have an opportunity to fill freezers and provide for families. The Department of Fish and Game will work with the Board of Game to identify future options for hunters who are planning to come to Alaska this spring, or for residents who have already made arrangements, but will be unable to hunt as planned. 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. Alaska’s wild resources are of vital importance to many throughout the state, and we will make sure opportunities to safely, responsibly and sustainably harvest these resources continue.
3 Comments
Charlene Petty
4/2/2020, 4:12:21 PM
This is another way to control the public. To keep us from spring bear hunting is just plain stupid. Going outside into the fresh air is good for us old duffers. We are filling our freezer and staying healthy.
Taylor Grothe
4/2/2020, 2:45:01 PM
I can see why one would cancel the season for nonresidents to reduce any Covid risk from traveling I get that. They just did the same thing here in Nebraska canceling spring turkey season for nonresidents only. But to cancel it for residents that already live there and can literally walk out the back door to hunt with no risk of exposure to other people? I assume they are not allowing any hiking, cc skiing, etc to be fair to others also trying to self isolate. Ridiculous
Paul Helms
4/2/2020, 2:22:17 PM
Is this real or the most elaborate April Fools Joke of all time?