The Alaska Board of Game met starting on Friday to deliberate over game management in the state. Alaska's wildlife is an economic resource, but it also serves a subsistence need for food in many communities. The board meets until March 18. It will take a close look at state laws governing animals from rodents to moose to determine the best management strategy. On Sunday, the board heard public testimony from people interested in wildlife issues. That includes testimony from northern alaska hunters asking to allow snow machines in wolf hunting.
Alaska falconers asked the board to take a closer look at regulations governing whether non-residents can take Alaska falcons. the public input process is long and varied, but according to the board chair it's a valuable part of governing Alaska's resources. "This is without a doubt the most public process you can imagine. Anyone can put in a proposal. Anyone can come in and testify, and it's just a very open very transparent process and that's one thing I'm very proud of very proud to be part of that team," Ted Spraker said. Nancy Hillstrand has testified before the board for 32 years. She spoke on sea fowl. She told the board it's important for all stake holders to understand the complicated mix of local national and international laws governing wildlife. The board currently convenes every two years. It's considering changing that to a three year cycle to reduce costs.