34 BIG GAME SHOOTING IN ALASKA chap. 



more than their permit allowed, when in dire straits for 

 fresh meat. 



UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Regulations for the Protection of Game in Alaska 



U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 

 Washington, D.C, August 22, 1903. 



In the Act of June 7, 1902 (32 Stat. L., 327), Congress has provided a 

 comprehensive law for the protection of game in Alaska. Prior to the 

 enactment of this statute the only protection accorded game in the Territory 

 was a prohibition of the destruction and shipment of eggs of cranes, ducks, 

 brant, and geese, contained in the Act of June 6, 1900 {31 Stat. L., 332). 

 The Act of 1902, commonly known as the Alaska Game Law, defines game, 

 fixes open seasons, restricts the number which may be killed, declares certain 

 methods of hunting unlawful, prohibits the sale of hides, skins, or heads at 

 any time, and prohibits export of game animals or birds except for scientific 

 purposes, for propagation, or for trophies, under restrictions prescribed by 

 the Department of Agriculture. The law also authorises the Secretary of 

 Agriculture, when such action is necessary, to place further restrictions on 

 killing in certain regions. The importance of this provision is already 

 apparent. Owing to the fact that nearly all persons who go to Alaska to 

 kill big game visit a few easily accessible localities — notably Kodiak Island, 

 the Kenai Peninsula, and the vicinity of Cook Inlet — it has become 

 necessary to protect the game of these localities by special regulations in 

 order to prevent its speedy destruction. 



Purpose of the Law 



The object of the Act is to protect the game of the Territory so far as 

 possible, but without causing unnecessary hardship ; hence Indians, Eskimo, 

 miners, or explorers actually in need of food are permitted to kill game 

 for their immediate use. The exception in favour of natives, miners, and 

 explorers must be construed strictly. It must not be used merely as a 

 pretext to kill game out of season, for sport or for market, or to supply 

 canneries or settlements, and under no circumstances can the hides or heads 

 of animals thus killed be lawfully offered for sale. 



In addition to the animals commonly regarded as game, walrus and 

 large brown bears are protected, but existing laws relating to the fur-seal, sea- 

 otter, or other fur-bearing animals are not affected. The Act makes no 



