US: The state adopts a reduced subsistence hunting limit for Western Arctic caribou of 15 animals a year

State game managers reduced bag limits for subsistence and nonresident hunters this week to preserve the declining Western Arctic Caribou Herd. The Alaska Board of Game concluded its meeting in Kotzebue on Monday, making decisions on several management proposals. Subsistence hunters living in Northwest Alaska and parts of the North Slope are now only allowed to hunt up to 15 animals a year, only one of which can be a cow. This is a considerable change from five caribou a day, and it goes into effect on state-managed lands July 1. “A reduction in cow harvest is the single most important thing we can do to help the Western Arctic Caribou Herd,” said Alex Hansen, Kotzebue-based wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. He applauded the efforts of residents and hunters to take the lead in the conservation effort. The decision was met with mixed responses. “It’s a good thing,” said Vern Cleveland Sr. of Noorvik. “It’s a good thing for our caribou coming through ...