Why It Matters: The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Game Management Advisory Commission (GMAC) plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that balance wildlife conservation with recreational hunting opportunities. As Hawaii grapples with ever-increasing ungulate populations and their impacts on native ecosystems, the Commission’s recent discussions highlight the need for data-driven, science-based strategies to enhance habitat health and hunter access. These efforts not only support biodiversity but also bolster local economies through sustainable hunting practices that fund conservation.
Highlights:
- GMAC Commissioners requested a follow-up presentation on a pilot project to measure carrying capacity for game mammals, aiming to inform management decisions in key hunting units.
- DLNR highlighted progress on efforts to expand hunting access in the Kanaio forest reserves, opening new areas to public hunters amid ongoing wildlife control efforts.
- During the meeting, concerns were raised over the axis deer bounty program, emphasizing the need to ensure hunter access remains a key component of this program.
The Game Management Advisory Commission, established under Section 183D-14.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), serves as a vital advisory body to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), which oversees policy for the DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Comprised of representatives from hunting communities across the islands, the Commission provides expert input on game mammal regulations, population management, and habitat restoration. Its advisory role ensures that hunter perspectives inform decisions on bag limits, seasons, and control measures, fostering collaboration between DOFAW and stakeholders to promote ethical hunting while protecting Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. By bridging recreational interests with conservation goals, GMAC helps address challenges like invasive species overpopulation without resorting to eradication, ensuring policies reflect the experiences of the local hunting community.
At its October 1, 2025, meeting, the GMAC received a key presentation on science-based population objectives for game mammals on public lands, a critical metric for sustainable management that estimates the maximum population an area can support without degrading habitat. The discussion highlighted how such data could guide harvest levels while preventing overgrazing by species like axis deer and feral goats, aligning hunting opportunities with ecological limits. In response to this presentation, Commissioners and DOFAW representatives discussed the potential for a pilot project and the need to identify key hunting units for this effort. DOFAW will collaborate with Commissioners ahead of the next GMAC meeting to identify hunting units and prepare a presentation on the project’s potential for further development. This proactive step builds on DOFAW’s ongoing work to expand access while managing ungulate populations, as seen in the recent advancements in the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve and Kamehameha Forest Reserve in Maui. In Kamehameha, a controlled ungulate hunt through October 31, 2024, has already utilized the efforts of hunters to reduce feral goat numbers, paving the way for broader access in 2025. Similarly, Kanaio’s rugged lava terrain, long protected for native species, is seeing targeted openings to controlled hunting, allowing DOFAW to manage ungulate species while utilizing hunter effort as an overall tool for habitat restoration efforts.
During closing comments, Commissioner brought attention to the overall axis deer management plan, highlighting the per-tail bounty, which was intended to incentivize removals tied to expanded hunter access. This highlighted the need for exploring enhancements to the access program, through partnerships with private landowners, to boost participation and ensure bounties translate into measurable population management and improved hunter access. This conversation reflects the Commission’s broader commitment to refining tools utilized by DOFAW to balance hunter opportunities, game management, and habitat conservation. As noted by the GMAC, activities like hunting and trapping generate the bulk of funding utilized for wildlife conservation through the American System of Conservation funding, making it essential to strike a balance between wildlife management and opportunity. By prioritizing hunter-driven solutions, GMAC is positioning Hawaii for resilient game management that benefits ecosystems, economies, and traditions alike The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will follow these meetings closely, provide updates, and work to ensure that the sportsmen’s voice it a part of the final product.
