Wolf Control program shot down by court.

[Dand]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 17, 2006                                              
No. 06-02                                                                                                                                  
Contact: Matt Robus, Director of Wildlife Conservation, at (907) 465-4191

Sarah Gilbertson, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, at (907) 465-6137          

State Suspends Predator Control Programs in Response to Court Ruling

(Anchorage) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has temporarily suspended the State of Alaska’s predator control programs in response to a Superior Court summary judgment ruling.  The programs were ongoing in five areas of the state.

“The ruling is a minor setback,” said Commissioner Campbell.  “The judge ruled in favor of the state on virtually all of the arguments made by the plaintiffs.  The programs have been invalidated based upon the judge’s finding that the Board of Game’s regulations are ‘internally inconsistent.’  The state can make its regulations consistent.”

“I stand firmly behind the state’s predator control programs, which are based upon sound science,” said Governor Frank H. Murkowski.  “I look forward to prompt and appropriate action from the Board of Game.”

The Board is planning to meet early next week to address the concerns raised by the court.  The date and time of the meeting will be made public when details become available.

“The department and Board are doing everything we can to ensure that this interruption to our predator control programs is as short as possible,” said Commissioner Campbell.

Sarah A. Gilbertson

Special Assistant to the Commissioner

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

333 Raspberry Road

Anchorage, Alaska 99518

Ph: (907) 267-2138

Cell: (907) 321-5212

Fax: (907) 267-2442

[Daveinthebush]

I think that F&G will take care of it.  The possibility of increased tourism from hunters if the moose population goes up is a big incentive.  Hopefully they will get their act together soon.

[akpls]

I think that F&G will take care of it......

And if they don't it sounds like Ralph Seekins will.

[Sourdough]

I'm hoping F&G gets it togeather.  But the teams are still not getting close to the target set by F&G.  Did not last year and are expected to fall short this year.  They need all the help they can get.  Go out in March and hunt wolves.  The Advisory commitee is also trying to get a more liberal bear season on Grizzlies and redefine the terms "Sow with cubs" and "Cub".