Alaska’s government is facing increasing backlash for reinstating a controversial program that allows hunters to shoot bears and wolves from helicopters. This practice, aimed at controlling wildlife populations and increasing moose and caribou numbers, has been met with outrage from environmental organizations and wildlife advocates who find it “inhumane and inane”. Some critics argue there is no scientific basis for the program and that it is motivated by commercial interests rather than ecological concerns.
Overview of the Program and its Objectives
Alaskan game officials are authorized to shoot bears and wolves from helicopters across 20,000 acres of state land under its “Intensive Management” (IM) program. The state is seeking to remove up to about 80% of the animals in the designated area. The primary target is to increase the survival rates of moose and caribou calves by reducing the predator populations.
Doubtful Effectiveness
Despite the program’s objective, even the Alaskan government’s own research suggests the program may be ineffective. In an October 2024 report, it was acknowledged that there was no concrete data to assess whether the program succeeded in increasing the survival of caribou calves.
Conflicting Scientific Views
Environmentalists and ecologists like Rick Steiner insist there is no scientific basis for the claim that this hunting practice will increase moose and caribou populations. Steiner and others argue that the practice disrupts the natural predator-prey and causes it to be out of balance in the wild.
Economic Motivations
Critics of the program maintain that the effort to increase moose and caribou populations is driven largely by economic interests. They argue that more abundant populations of these animals will be hunted for sport, producing revenue for the state. Leader of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), Tim Whitehouse, points out that “Tourist dollars from people wanting to see these predators far exceed any extra hunting money the state might make.”
The Inhumanity of Helicopter Hunting
Critics also condemn the inhumanity of helicopter hunting. They contend that a balance doesn’t need to be restored through airborne mass murder. Nichole Schmitt of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance puts it bluntly, “Paying state employees to shoot down innocent wildlife is nothing short of distasteful.”
The Ecological Importance of Predators
Predators represent a critical link in sustaining ecosystem health and stability. They help maintain ecosystem balance by controlling prey populations, preventing overgrazing, fostering biodiversity, and regulating the spread of disease. Their presence ensures an environment that is balanced and functioning.
Impacts on National Parks
Hunting practices have already impacted nearby national parks. In Denali National Park, visitors’ sightings of intact wolf packs have declined. The changes prompted scientists to halt a 20-year-old study of wolves in Yukon-Charley National Preserve because so few wolves still remain.
Lack of Transparency
Critics are also concerned about transparency. The state forbids independent observers from watching or photographing the hunt. More than half the brown bears killed in 2024 were adult females, which makes it more difficult for the population to recover.
Public Opposition
The proposal to allow aerial gunning in Unit 16 received overwhelming opposition, with more than 18,000 comments submitted in protest. Nevertheless, the proposal passed a unanimous vote, giving the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) the right to conduct aerial gunning on wolves and bears if public hunting and trapping do not meet the population reduction goals.
Current Policies
The program continues as usual under current policies. The Biden administration has upheld Trump-era rules, permitting the killing of bear cubs in their dens.
Actions Taken
Despite the bleak situation, many organizations and individuals are actively working to protect wildlife. This includes efforts such as creating nature preserves and acquiring land donations for conservation.
Citizens to Get Involved
The Alaska Wildlife Alliance encourages concerned citizens to contact the Board of Game members and ADFG managers to express their concerns. They further suggest requesting that the Department provide public notice if and when an aerial gunning program is announced.
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