Sponsor Statement for HCR 13

The State of Alaska would go a long way toward solving the subsistence dilemma by implementing programs to manage Alaska’s wildlife resources on a biological basis for abundance. The problem is a shortage of wildlife which will not be solved by determining who may have a preference regarding harvest. Our state constitution is very explicit on this issue in Article VIII, Section 3, "Wherever occurring in their natural state, fish, wildlife, and waters are reserved to the people for common use."

Our constitution also mandates that our fish and game resources be managed on the sustained yield principle. The problem is that the current administration has failed to implement an intensive management program that will ensure that there is an abundance of wildlife. Attempting to manage complex wildlife populations by only addressing human use will not work. Alaskans currently harvest less than 3% of the harvestable surplus, an amount so small, that it is statistically not significant to wildlife populations.

An abundance of fish and wildlife for all Alaskans is the only practical solution to the subsistence impasse. The present policies of the Board of Fish & Game only perpetuates the shortage by not implementing programs nor requesting funding for programs that will reduce the shortage and lead to an abundance of wildlife. Abundance of wildlife is what the people of Alaska, need, want, and demand.

Plentiful wildlife populations in Alaska are good for the state and all users; consumptive users, wildlife viewers, wildlife photographers, and tourists.