Tag: mulchatna caribou herd

Two caribou in redish tundra and a few scattered sprice trees in the background

No one is sure why the Mulchatna caribou are disappearing in Southwest Alaska

Perhaps the animals trampled their food, but the herd was not at the peak numbers it once had decades ago. Perhaps there was heavy predation, like from wolves, but predators don’t usually cause a population to drop by half. Then there’s a theory of over-hunting, which could be a contributing factor.

Unprecedented summer heat sparks caribou, climate concerns for Bristol Bay Subsistence Council

At a Bristol Bay Regional Subsistence Advisory meeting, all members expressed concern for subsistence resources in the region following this year’s hot, dry summer.

Mulchatna caribou herd population drops by half, prompting hunting bag limit reduction

The reason behind the disappearance of high numbers of adult caribou remains a mystery, and with the Mulchatna herd declining so quickly, managers had no choice but to reduce the bag limit.

Federal board considers restricting Mulchatna caribou harvest

The Mulchatna herd was only half of the minimum population objective this year. Now a proposal to reduce federal subsistence harvest limits is on the table.

Alaska Fish and Game issues emergency order for RC503 Mulchatna caribou hunt

While the Mulchatna herds have a history of fluctuation, biologists have yet to identify the cause of this year’s decline.

Public comment period for Pebble’s draft EIS underway, but critics stress shortcomings

Aside from concerns that the 90-day review period isn’t enough time to examine the 1,400-page document, critics say the draft environmental impact statement’s shortcomings render it insufficient.

AVCP Requests Mulchatna Caribou Hunting Restrictions

A request by the Bethel-based Association of Village Council Presidents would see hunting of Mulchatna Caribou in Bristol Bay and the Kuskokwim closed to all but federally-qualified users living in those areas from now until July 1 of next year.