559 



were not allowed, probably only a few pilots would travel to the arctic to hunt 

 illegally, and they could be watched closely. 



An alternative to airplane hunting would be to develop ground hunting either 

 by dog team or snow machine. A few Eskimos at Point Hope and Wainwright are 

 capable of providing guided ground hunts now, and more would probably be able 

 to if there were more of a demand. Hunting could staxt in the late fall, after 

 pregnant females that were going to den along the coast had done so, and con- 

 tinue through winter and spring. Hunting pressure, degree of success, and the 

 total harvest would drop substantially, but most hunters that participated in a 

 ground himt would probably obtain much more satisfaction than they would from 

 an airplane hunt. Hnuters would be less selective, and there would probably be 

 a higher ratio of females in the harvest. The total number of females would 

 be less, however. A more balanced sex ratio in the harvest might be desirable 

 since a predominantly male harvest over a number of years might eventually 

 result in too few males to breed all receptive females during the breeding season. 

 From an economic standpoint, arctic coast villages might receive more benefit 

 from guided ground hunting where guide fees remain in tbe village than from 

 ain^lane himting. Substitution of ground hunting for airplane hunting would stop 

 most criticism regarding ethics, the possibility of overharvest, and need for Fed- 

 eral or international control. 



One more season of aircraft hunting after the present season rather than an 

 immediate closure is recommended in order that pilot-guides can phase out 

 their operations and the Deimrtment can phase out that part of its research 

 program based on hunter harvest. Elimination of aircraft hunting is a major 

 management change, and informal recommendations are hereby being made a 

 year in advance of when formal recommendations will be made. It is hoped 

 that this will allow the Board and the public time for thorough review and 

 comment. 



Another consideration is Senate Bill 71, recently introduced in the Alaska 

 legiLslature. This bill would stop all hunting of polar bears other than for 

 subsistence. The bill appears to have ^-ide support and might be passed if it 

 appears that the Department and the Board are not seriously considering the 

 airplane hunting problem. Passage of the bill would take management preroga- 

 tives normally vested with the Board of Fish and Game from the Board and 

 would prevent grovmd hunting for recreation, an activity which is judged to 

 be a desirable method of resource utilization. 



State of Alaska, 

 Office of the Governor, 



Juneau, May 8, 1970. 

 Polar Bear Conservation 



Dr. Donald L. McKernan, 



Special Assistant for Fisheries and Wildlife to the Secretary, 



Department of State, 



Washington, B.C. 



Dear Dr. McKernan : A biologist from the Alaska Department of Fish and 

 Game has represented Alaska at each of the working meetings of the Polar Bear 

 Group of Research Specialists. The State of Alaska is actively engaged in polar 

 bear research activities, and I believe that the results of this research will help 

 insure the i)erpetua)tion of this fine animal. 



The Alaska harvest of polar bears during the past five years has averaged 

 about 300 bears per year, and all indications are that this harv-^est is not 

 adversely affecting our bear populations. Department statistics show that such 

 indices as average hide size, percentage of males in the harvest, and the age 

 structure of the harvest are remaining constant, and overexploitation is appar- 

 ently not occurring. Consequently, because of this information, our game biolo- 

 gists feel that an annual harv-est of 300 bears is conservative and can be main- 

 tained without endangering ix>pulation levels. 



Recently, the Alaska Board of Fish and Game adopted a regulation which 

 establishes a limited permit tyi^e of i>olar bear season and, thereby, insures 

 that the harvest of 300 bears per year \\-'ill not be exceeded. 



As I am certain you are aware, polar bear bunting by the use of aircraft has 

 received much criticism. Many suggest that this means of hunting is not ^porting 

 enough, but our contention is that aircraft hunting is the only practical manner 

 of harvesting these animals. There is still much demand for these animals, and 



