Judge rules on Tier 1 hunts in Unit 13

The state of Alaska has requested a temporary stay of the decision on Unit 13’s community harvest program and tier one hunts.

On July 9^th, Superior Courts’ Judge Bauman concluded that the community harvest program and tier one caribou hunts adopted by the Alaska Board of Game in 2009 should NOT move forward.

The Department of Fish and Game are trying to reach hunters to say that the Board of Game designated tier one registration hunt and community harvest permits for unit 13 are currently invalid due to the courts decision.  However, successful permit holders from last week should retain their notice.

Corey Rossi, director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation, says the decision will affect 800 to 1200 families.  Voided Tier one permits can only be used if the court grants the temporary stay, otherwise tier one hunts must be cancelled.

The Board of Game will meet soon to consider emergency action.