Why Do We Have Hunting Laws?

During the 19th century, many game animals were hunted nearly into extinction. The thundering herds of buffalo that once roamed the plains were reduced to about 800 head. The beaver was almost wiped out. Once plentiful elk, deer, and pronghorn had been reduced to a fraction of their original number.

Game Conservation

State agencies such as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game use laws and regulations that can be understood and obeyed to manage wildlife and those who hunt.

Unregulated hunting leads to killing too many animals and possibly even the extinction of an entire species.

Wildlife laws are passed by the Alaska State Legislature. The Board of Game approves regulations that include open seasons, bag limits, and harvest methods. These laws and regulations are intended to protect and conserve Alaska’s wildlife resources and provide as many hunters as possible with the opportunity to hunt.

You should know how wildlife laws and regulations are made in Alaska—as well as how you can take part in that process. These laws allow game to flourish by:

• Establishing hunting seasons that limit harvesting and avoid nesting and mating seasons.
• Limiting hunting methods and equipment.
• Setting “bag” limits on the number of animals that can be taken.
• Establishing check stations and game tag requirements to enforce the laws.

Safety, Opportunity and Funding

In addition to ensuring the availability of game for future generations, hunting laws:

• Establish safety guidelines for hunting that protect both hunters and non-hunters.
• Offer equal opportunity for all hunters, whether they use modern firearms, muzzleloaders, or bows.
• Ensure adequate funding for wildlife programs by collecting license fees.

Alaska Fish and Wildlife Safeguard

Alaska’s Fish and Wildlife Safeguard Pays Cash for Information on Poachers

How can I help? If you see or hear of a fish or wildlife violation, report it. Call toll free 1-800-478-3377. You can also contribute to the reward fund that makes the program possible. Contributions are tax deductible.

Fair Chase

Hunting laws also define the rules of fair chase. The concept began in the Middle Ages when hunters increased the challenge of sport hunting by setting rules that limited how they took game.

More recently, fair chase rules were developed to stem public criticism of hunters. One of the earliest models was the “Fair Chase Principle” established in the late 1800s by the Boone and Crockett Club, which was founded by Theodore Roosevelt. Those who violated club rules were expelled.

The rules were later expanded, banning the use of vehicles, airplanes, and radios; electronic calling; or shooting in a fenced enclosure. Many states have made those rules into law.

A substantial amount of funding for wildlife management comes from the purchase of licenses, which annually raises millions of dollars.