Posted: February 9, 2000
Contact: Representative John Harris, at (907) 465-4859.

There is great potential for farming elk in Alaska, and more ranchers would get involved in this endeavor if regulation of elk farming can be transferred to the division of agriculture from ADF&G.

Currently, ADF&G regulates elk as a game animal, and the department's adaptation of game management regimes to domesticated, privately-owned elk creates unnecessary burdens and roadblocks for elk farmers.

HB 204 seeks to remedy this problem by transferring the oversight responsibilities for domestic elk breeding and farming from ADF&G to the division of agriculture. This will lower the risk of health problems and animal escape concerns, as well as enhance the opportunities for commercial success.

This change makes sense in that elk are currently allowed to be raised and bred as domestic stock for commercial purposes under fish and game statutes. The division of agriculture has the authority and mission to administer domestic animal programs, while ADF&G's authority is limited to public wildlife management. In fact, the responsibilities for ADF&G to license and approve fencing plans for elk farms lack regulatory authority. Licensing is administered under provisions intended for game mammals, while fencing standards are not administered under any existing regulation. The division of agriculture, on the other hand, has authority in both of these areas, and would continue to refer changes in such policies to ADF&G for its review and comment.

Alaska's climate and location are ideal for the propagation of elk, which produce a lean, mild meat for which there is a growing demand on world markets. The statutory changes proposed in HB 204 would help to enable the elk farming business to grow to its potential in Alaska.

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