National Parks Ease Alaska Hunting: Tradition Meets Wildlife Rules
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Restore State-Harvest Rules in Preserves
The NPS proposes to rescind changes made in the 2015, 2017, and 2024 rules and restore the pre-2015 Alaska-specific regulations so State-authorized hunting, trapping, and other harvest methods again apply in Alaska national preserves. This change is explicitly intended to align preserve hunting opportunities with similar opportunities on State, private, and other Federal lands and to remove NPS preemption of State law in preserves.
Restore Public Notice and Closure Rules
The NPS proposes to restore the pre-2015 closure procedures and criteria in 43 CFR 36 and 36 CFR part 13, bringing back required public notice, timelines, and meaningful consultation with the State and affected public for restricting entry and access on Alaska park lands. The change reverses earlier rule edits that NPS says removed public participation and allowed more discretionary closures without the longstanding Alaska-specific processes.
Bear Baiting Prohibition Removed
The proposed rule would remove the prohibition on using bait to attract or take bears in Alaska national preserves, restoring application of State of Alaska regulations (e.g., 5 AAC 92.044 and 5 AAC 92.085) where authorized. NPS estimates the change could result in the harvest of no more than 10 bears per year (about 2 black bears and up to 8 brown bears) and says public safety risks would be minimal.
No New Fees or Costs Anticipated
The proposal states there are no new fees or costs expected from this rulemaking. The public comment period for the proposed rule closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 9, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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