Hi all, if you've ever thought about chasing black bears in SE Alaska best make it happen soon.  State is moving to a draw hunt in the SE hunting units.  The hunt is not what it used to be but there are plenty of good bears for tradgangers to chase.  Following is an excerpt from fish and game notice.

"Citing concerns about black bear numbers in some parts of Southeast Alaska, the Board of Game adopted a drawing permit hunt for nonresident black bear hunters who do not hunt with guides.

Resident hunters and nonresident hunters who employ a guide are not affected by the new regulation.

Department of Fish and Game staff provided data that showed a significant increase in black bear harvest over the past decade was attributed to nonresident hunters. In a few parts of Southeast, harvests, and sightings of black bears have declined, possibly indicating local declines in populations.

Although the drawing permit hunt applies to all of Southeast, except Units 4 and 5, the Board's action allows the Department to restrict harvest only in those areas where conservation concerns exist.

The drawing permit hunt will go into effect in 2012 – 2013 hunting season."

If I can be of any help setting you guys up let me know.  
Happy New Year!!

Thanks for the heads up.