Outside Hunters' Lust for the Best Hurts Quality of Our Game

Rod Arno's letter explaining how aerial hunting is allowing more nonresident trophy hunting was at best misleading and glossed over many unpleasant truths.

When aerial hunting returned under Gov. Frank Murkowski ,we were told it was to increase ungulate numbers for subsistence hunters. But the large majority of the program has been carried out near road systems, thus benefiting mainly urban hunters.

Now a surplus has been declared and we see how trophy hunting may be increased. The Board of Game, which sets hunting regulations, is composed almost entirely of Alaska Outdoor Council members. The AOC, in turn, receives significant funding from such Outside groups as Safari Club International, an organization of trophy hunters. The interconnectedness of this all becomes apparent.

The law does require meat be salvaged but as many villagers will tell you often the meat that comes from these extended-stay hunts isn't even dog food.

Finally, consider what Mr. Arno's trophy hunters want: the best. Each year wealthy Outsiders come to Alaska to kill the biggest moose, the biggest caribou or bear or sheep, etc. Each year the gene pool is decreased in quality by the loss of the best.

-- Art Greenwalt , board member

Alaska Wildlife Alliance

Fairbanks

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