Alaska Session Recap: Pro-Sportsmen’s Bills Headed to Governor’s Desk

Why it Matters: On May 16, 2024, the 33^rd Alaska State Legislature adjourned Sine Die, with several sportsmen’s bills passing through the House and Senate. Those bills now await transmittal to Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Governor Mike Dunleavy for signature or veto. Throughout the session, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked alongside the Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus and the CSF-supported Caucus Advisory Council to make sure the sportsmen’s voice rang loud throughout the capitol.

Highlights:

• The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation engaged closely with the Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus and the Advisory Council to represent the sportsmen’s voice during Alaska’s 33^rd legislative session.
• If signed by Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) Member Governor Mike Dunleavy, HB 125 will allow licensed trappers with established trap lines to apply for cabin permits on state land.
• Two bills requested through Governor Dunleavy’s office were also approved.
  • HB 272 will create special big game hunts for persons with physical disabilities.
  • HB 295 will authorize the sale of hatchery salmon for the purpose of stocking lakes.

The second regular session of the 33^rd Legislature in Alaska ran from January 16, 2024, through May 16, 2024, with several pro-sportsmen’s bills passing through this session and heading to GSC Member Governor Dunleavy’s desk for consideration.

Supported by members of the Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus and our partners, House Bill 125 will allow for trapping cabin permits on state land in Alaska. Also referred to as safety structures, these trapping cabins, commonly less than 400 sq ft in size, provide a safe respite from winter conditions along established trapping lines in the harsh tundra of Alaska. Harkening to the old iconic images of trappers running their sled teams along trap lines through deep snow, trapping cabins have played a vital role in Alaska’s rustic image and trapping heritage.

The Board of Game within the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) had previously created special big game hunting seasons for individuals with physical disabilities. The managed hunt in Kincade, Alaska, would have provided a quality opportunity for individuals with at least a 70 percent disability. However, those seasons had to be closed after the Department of Law concluded that the Board of Game did not have the statutory authority needed to create the special hunts. HB 272 seeks to correct that lack of authority and adds a requirement for a companion hunter, with a valid license, who can assist in the retrieval of the game animal. HB 272 bill was passed by both the House and Senate and will be returned to the Governor for signature.

Also requested through GSC Member Governor Dunleavy’s office, HB 295 will allow ADFG to review salmon stocking proposals and issues permits after reviewing land ownership and possible impacts to wild fish populations. Upon approval, individuals or organizations will be allowed to purchase salmon from state hatcheries to stock lakes around Alaska.