Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
June 2020

Bears, Birds, Walrus and More
Alaska Outdoors – What You Can Do in 2020

Alaska’s wildlife viewing and outdoor opportunities are open this summer, with modifications to accommodate for Covid-19 concerns. Some opportunities are close to urban areas, easily accessible and popular with Alaskans. Others are more remote and offer opportunities to watch wild animals such as bears and walrus, without fences or crowds. Alaskans appreciate these areas, but they are often destinations for visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Alaska Department of ...   Alaska Outdoors 2020 Article Continued

Hunter Education and Shooting Ranges in 2020

Americans purchased firearms in record numbers this spring, and it shows in Alaska. Shooting ranges and hunter education programs are a great way to be a responsible gun owner, and Fish and Game can help.

“We’re seeing a lot of new folks come in, new gun owners who are learning,” said John Wyman, who manages the Fairbanks Indoor Shooting Range and Hunter Education Facility. “If someone is going to be a gun owner, they need to be safe, responsible and proficient. ...   Ranges & Hunter ed Article Continued

Spring Greens

April, May and June are a bonanza for picking edible greens in Southeast Alaska. Upland plants and leaf buds usually sprout sometime in April at sunny sea level spots, and a little later in the shade of the forest, and still later at higher elevations. Beach greens also come into season at the ocean side, as do kelp in the sea.

I’m mostly an upland picker but made my first kelp harvest this year as well. Over the years, I’ve developed an outfit for gathering greens (and later, ...   Spring Greens Article Continued

Don’t “Rescue” Young Animals
Leave wildlife Alone

Newborn moose calves, deer fawns, and tiny bear cubs are being seen in Alaska, the first of many calves, cubs, kits, and chicks Alaskans expect to appear between now and the end of June. Biologists are warning Alaskans who may encounter newborn wildlife to resist the urge to approach or “rescue” them.

Paul Converse in Douglas said the Southeast office receives calls about birds, young porcupines, and especially black-tailed deer fawns.

“There have been instances ...   Leave wildlife Alone Article Continued