Alaska Closes spring bear season, how long do we have?

[bushpilot]

Seen this morning that Alaska closed their spring bear season until further notice in response to COVID 19. Here in BC that hasn’t happened yet but at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/s...id-19-updates#, you can subscribe for changes. My suspicion is that it is only a matter of time until something similar happens here. Provincial parks are closed and all recreational campsites are closed until April 30.

I got out yesterday for opener, but with little green up, colder temps and snow things are going to be several weeks yet. Going to keep at it as long as the opportunity is there though.

[Ltbullken]

I don't understand why it would be closed. Hunting is the ultimate in social distancing. Maybe guides are in a different situation as they need to be quite close to their clients. Sorry GOS... Unless the government can undertake enforcement, then maybe it would be shut down then? They are an essential service so I don't see that happening.

[boxhitch]

WAG they want to reduce travel

According to mandate 12
All in-state travel between communities, whether resident, worker, or visitor, is prohibited unless travel is to support critical infrastructure, or for critical personal needs. Certain Small Alaskan communities may implement further travel restriction pursuant to “Alaska Small Community Emergency Travel Order - Attachment B.”
Personal travel is prohibited except as necessary to meet critical personal needs or work in critical infrastructure jobs. Critical personal needs include buying, selling, or delivering groceries and home goods; obtaining fuel for vehicles or residential needs; transporting family members for out-of-home care, essential health needs, or for purposes of child custody exchanges; receiving essential health care; providing essential health care to a family member; obtaining other important goods; and engaging in subsistence activities. Travelers are reminded to follow social distancing measures, including, to the extent reasonably feasible, keeping six feet away from others, avoiding crowded places, and limiting public gatherings to less than ten people. Read the “Mandate 11 and 12 FAQ’s” for more details.

[boxhitch]

How long do we have?
When is it necessary to close the highways that link communities in BC?

[boxhitch]

Many US states are closing all backcountry travel, stating they don't want to have enforcement or staff or first responders in action

https://www.kgw.com/article/sports/o...0-a80eb5a76038

[KodiakHntr]

WAG they want to reduce travel

According to mandate 12
All in-state travel between communities, whether resident, worker, or visitor, is prohibited unless travel is to support critical infrastructure, or for critical personal needs. Certain Small Alaskan communities may implement further travel restriction pursuant to “Alaska Small Community Emergency Travel Order - Attachment B.”
Personal travel is prohibited except as necessary to meet critical personal needs or work in critical infrastructure jobs. Critical personal needs include buying, selling, or delivering groceries and home goods; obtaining fuel for vehicles or residential needs; transporting family members for out-of-home care, essential health needs, or for purposes of child custody exchanges; receiving essential health care; providing essential health care to a family member; obtaining other important goods; and engaging in subsistence activities. Travelers are reminded to follow social distancing measures, including, to the extent reasonably feasible, keeping six feet away from others, avoiding crowded places, and limiting public gatherings to less than ten people. Read the “Mandate 11 and 12 FAQ’s” for more details.

Couple of Alaskans I talk to have been discussing that, and from their take on it and from what they have read, it is more that they are now allowed more latitude in subsistence hunting and fishing than ever before.

[butcher]

Many US states are closing all backcountry travel, stating they don't want to have enforcement or staff or first responders in action

https://www.kgw.com/article/sports/o...0-a80eb5a76038

Which is great, so who’s going to enforce these restrictions? Seems to me there’d have to be cops in the bush regardless.

[boxhitch]

Couple of Alaskans I talk to have been discussing that, and from their take on it and from what they have read, it is more that they are now allowed more latitude in subsistence hunting and fishing than ever before.

Of course someone is going to play that card but the personal travel ban is more far-reaching than just hunting or fishing

[Arctic Lake]

Let’s hope that doesn’t take place here ! How would you prove you need to hunt for food hmmm... you have lost your job due to Covid can’t afford meat . What is the law regarding subsistence hunting currently , and how do you prove you need it .
Arctic Lake

[adriaticum]

Bloody idiots