New Hunting Rules Protect Alaska Natives' Bird Traditions and Wildlife
Published Date: 3/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new rules for hunting migratory birds in Alaska to protect traditional ways of life for Alaska Native communities. These changes set clearer rules on when and where people can harvest certain birds, helping balance culture and conservation. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 8, 2026, to comment—no money changes, just smarter bird rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Harvest Area Clarified to Include GMU 12
The rule adds Game Management Unit (GMU) 12 to the listed harvest area for all eight eligible communities (Gulkana, Chitina, Tazlina, Copper Center, Gakona, Mentasta Lake, Chistochina, and Cantwell), clarifying that Cantwell residents are eligible to harvest in GMU 12 during the spring-summer season.
Spring–Summer Season Dates Updated
Season dates for the Ahtna Territory region (GMUs 11, 12, and 13) are set to April 2–June 14 and July 16–August 31; egg gathering May 1–June 14 only; closure June 15–July 15. The change is intended to take effect beginning with the 2026 subsistence season.
Region Renamed to Ahtna Territory
The rule renames the ‘‘Upper Copper River region’’ to the ‘‘Ahtna Territory region’’ in 50 CFR part 92 to better identify the eight eligible communities (Gulkana, Chitina, Tazlina, Copper Center, Gakona, Mentasta Lake, Chistochina, and Cantwell). The renaming is intended for implementation beginning with the 2026 subsistence season.
Increased Outreach on Nontoxic Shot
The Service will increase education, outreach, and enforcement efforts to ensure subsistence waterfowl hunting in Alaska is conducted using nontoxic shot, responding to documented availability of lead shot in some Alaska communities.
Coordination Travel Costs for Alaska Native Groups
Participation on regional management bodies requires travel and coordination expenses for Alaska Native organizations and local governments, with total coordination and travel expenses for all Alaska Native organizations estimated to be less than $300,000 per year; the Service may provide annual grant agreements to partner organizations and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game when funding permits.
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Key Dates
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