Restoring Hunting Rights: How a DOI Proposal Could Benefit Alaska’s Hunters

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) has proposed restoring state-aligned hunting regulations in Alaska’s national preserves marks a significant shift toward reducing federal overreach and empowering local hunters.

This proposed rule would rescind restrictive changes implemented in 2015, 2017 and 2024, reverting to the framework established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980.

For hunters, this could mean streamlined regulations and enhanced opportunities in vast federal lands that comprise over 23 million acres of national preserves. By aligning federal rules with Alaska’s wildlife management laws, the proposal addresses long-standing frustrations among sportsmen and subsistence users.

ANILCA, passed in 1980, explicitly allowed hunting and trapping in national preserves while prioritizing subsistence uses for rural Alaskans and ensuring conservation. For decades, this meant federal regulations largely deferred to state laws, creating a cohesive system across Alaska’s diverse land ownership—state, federal, private and Native corporation holdings. However, starting in 2015 under the Obama administration, the National Park Service (NPS) introduced rules that preempted certain state-authorized practices, citing concerns over “predator control” and wildlife viewing. The 2017 rule added permit requirements for subsistence gathering of animal parts and plants, further complicating access.

In 2020, the first Trump administration rolled back these restrictions, but the Biden-era 2024 rule reinstated some, notably prohibiting bear baiting and redefining trapping to limit firearm use. This ping-pong of policies created uncertainty, forcing hunters to navigate conflicting rules and risking unintentional violations.

The new proposal would directly help hunters by rescinding these preemptions and restoring state authority. One of the most impactful changes is the reinstatement of bear baiting, a practice where hunters use bait stations to attract bears, regulated strictly by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). Under state law, bait stations must be registered, signed and placed at safe distances from roads and dwellings, ensuring ethical and controlled harvests. Previously banned in preserves, this method allows hunters to target specific animals more effectively, particularly in dense forests where spotting game is challenging. Hunters like those in remote communities report that baiting reduces wasted effort and supports selective culling of problem bears, enhancing public safety near trails and campsites.

Beyond bear baiting, the proposal would revive other state-permitted techniques that expand hunting options. For instance, taking wolves and coyotes during denning seasons—previously prohibited—aligns with Alaska’s predator-management strategies to bolster prey populations like moose and caribou, which are vital for both sport and subsistence hunters.

For subsistence hunters—many of whom are rural residents relying on wild game for food security—the benefits are profound. The proposal eliminates 2017 permit requirements for gathering plants, berries, mushrooms and animal parts for handicrafts, barter or trade. This restores traditional practices without bureaucratic hurdles, aligning with ANILCA’s subsistence priority.

All hunters would gain from this, as it would reduce overall regulatory fragmentation. No longer must they decipher patchwork rules across land boundaries; instead, they follow familiar state guidelines, minimizing compliance costs and legal risks.

These changes could also help local communities, as hunting in Alaska generates millions in revenue through licenses, guides and tourism, supporting jobs in remote areas.

By reducing federal restrictions, the proposal encourages more participation, boosting these sectors while promoting conservation through state-managed sustainable yields. Tribes and Alaska Native corporations, which are being consulted during this process, stand to benefit from restored access for cultural practices. As Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated, this “restores balance” by honoring ANILCA’s commitments and aligning with state law.

The public comment period is open until April 9. The public can submit comments on the proposed rule titled “Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves,” issued by the NPS under the U.S. Department of the Interior. This proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on March 10.