Southeast Portion of Afognak Closed for Registration Elk Hunt

Jay Barrett/KMXT

The Afognak Island Roosevelt Elk registration hunt is set to open tomorrow, but while most of the island will be open to hunters who have picked up a registration permit from fish and game, the department has issued an emergency order closing the Southeastern portion of the island.

That portion is south of a line from the head of Danger Bay to the head of Izhut Bay.

Hunters participating in the drawing hunts that began in late September have already taken the harvest quota from the Duck Mountain herd, and any additional take may jeopardize their future productivity. Wildlife Biologist John Crye in Kodiak said the Afognak population of elk is down a bit the last few years.

— (Elk 1 19 sec "Right now we have about 600 … during the drawing season.")

He said hunter participation is also down this season:

— (Elk 2 12 sec "Generally we have 300 … following the drawing hunts.")

One cow is available per hunter on Raspberry Island, while an elk of either gender can be taken in the East and Southwest Afognak portions, as well as the remainder of Game Management Unit Eight.

— (Elk 3 18 sec "We always have a… taken down by hidden basin.")

Fish and Game reminds hunters to check with land owners on Afognak Island, as many charge fees for access. Detailed maps of open and closed areas are available at the Fish and Game office in Kodiak.

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