This bill amends various sections of Alaska's wildlife management laws to enhance the intensive management of big game prey populations. Key changes include the introduction of new legal language under AS 16.05.784, which establishes a framework for the Board of Game to adopt intensive management programs in designated areas where big game populations are depleted or underperforming. The bill mandates that the Department of Fish and Game conduct comprehensive scientific assessments to evaluate the feasibility of proposed management techniques, which must be peer-reviewed by independent parties. Additionally, the Board of Game is required to set sustainable population and harvest goals and to reauthorize or terminate management programs every three years.

The bill also modifies existing regulations regarding same-day airborne hunting, allowing for predator control programs under specific conditions. It removes previous mandates that restricted the Board of Game's authority and introduces a new intensive management surcharge for hunting licenses to fund these programs. Furthermore, it repeals certain outdated provisions related to big game management. The overall aim of the bill is to ensure that big game populations are effectively managed to meet human consumptive use goals while maintaining ecological balance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0364A, AM HB 364, introduced 02/23/2026: 16.05.050, 16.05.784, 16.05.255, 16.05.343, 16.05.130, 16.05.340, 16.05.270, 16.05.251, 16.05.341, 16.05.783