Alaska announces closure of bear hunts statewide

• News Home
• More from News of the North

Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 7:35pm

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Whatsapp

The springtime bear hunts have been cancelled thanks to COVID-19

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The spring bear hunts in Alaska have been tentatively cancelled by state officials.

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.

More from News of the North

• Multiple deaths reported on vessel

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - On May 31, at about 2:23 p.m., a 34-year-old female reported to JPD that she found her friend, 51-year-old Curtis Edwin Anderson, deceased on the vessel Dusky Rock.

• Reward available for information about shooting of Steller sea lions in Cordova

  Cordova, Alaska (KINY) - NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to a civil penalty or criminal conviction in the May 2023 shooting of seven Steller sea lions.

• Juneau Dance Theatre shares information on summer programs

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Juneau Dance Theatre's annual Fine Arts Camp is back, Jun. 5-30. But that's not all they have planned for this summer.

• Prep Baseball: Service smokes Chugiak 14-0 in most lopsided state semifinal since 2014; Partch pitches South past Colony 5-1

  Sitka, Alaska (Alaska Sports Report) - It was a day to remember for the Niclai brothers in Sitka.

• Tragedy that left 5 dead or missing puts spotlight on safety in Alaska charter fishing industry

  Juneau, Alaska (AP) - Morgan Robidou posed next to the bright aluminum hull of his prized new vessel, a 30-foot (9-meter) fishing boat that he could use to take friends, family, or tourists out after salmon or halibut in the bountiful waters of southeast Alaska.

• As three seasons of bridge work loom, Denali managers and tourist industry adjust

  Anchorage, Alaska (Alaska Beacon) - New timeline to remove clay at perilous Pretty Rocks site pushes completion date for bridge and full park road access to 2026.

• Juneau Gold Rush Days will celebrate its 31st year

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Juneau Gold Rush Days participants came onto Capital Chat to promote the upcoming event.

• Murkowski reinforces need to support child care availability, affordability, and workforce

  Washington, D.C. (KINY) - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski took part in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing to discuss the need to support working families and child care workers.

• Coast Guard aircrew medevacs cruise ship passenger near Sitka, Alaska

  Kodiak, Alaska (KINY) - A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a cruise ship passenger in Cape Ommaney, Alaska, Wednesday evening.

• Alaska’s rate of drownings, highest in nation, changed little in 6 years, state report says

  Juneau, Alaska (Alaska Beacon) - Alaska’s extreme conditions, including cold waters, heighten drowning risks. Human errors added to those conditions can produce tragedies.

• Apply for Senior Citizen Hardship Sales Tax Rebate by June 30

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The deadline to apply for the 2023 Senior Citizen Hardship Sales Tax Rebate is right around the corner. Applications and all required supporting documentation must be received or postmarked by Jun. 30.

• Alaska Fashion Week announces 2023 ticket sales and designer roster

  Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Alaska Fashion Week has announced the designer roster for its 2023 event, featuring a diverse array of talented designers from around the state and nation.