Wolf hunting season delayed in Unit 2: Prince of Wales, associated islands

The normal start of the season is September 1st. An Emergency Wildlife Special Action Request was received from Alaskans FOR Wildlife which requested delaying the opening of the wolf hunting season in Unit 2.

The new harvest management strategy adopted by the Federal Subsistence Board and the Alaska Board of Game relies on population estimates to set season lengths.  If the population estimate is below 100 wolves, no season will be announced. The pandemic has led to delays in processing the genetic samples used to produce the population estimate. Lack of a population estimate requires a cautious approach to wolf management given the high wolf harvest in 2019. While this closure will impact subsistence users, historically very few wolves are harvested during this time. Once the population estimate is available and if harvest is determined to be permissible under the plan, the season may reopen before October 31 through subsequent special action.

A map and description of the closed area are available from the Craig or Thorne Bay District offices. Information on Federal subsistence management special actions for the Tongass National Forest can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/tongass/news-events. For additional information, call District Ranger Scot Shuler at 907-826-1600.

Information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program can be found at https://www.doi.gov/subsistence