DOE SEASON CLOSURE
NORTHEAST CHICHAGOF CONTROLLED USE AREA (NECCUA) OF CHICHAGOF ISLAND
The department will close the Northeast Chichagof Controlled Use Area of Chichagof Island in Game Management Unit 4 to taking of female deer (does) to allow for the recovery of the deer population. An emergency order (#01-02-10) has been issued to close the doe season in this area at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. The closure will remain in effect for the remainder of the State season through December 31, 2010. The Hoonah and Sitka District Rangers will issue a similar closure in the NECCUA, effective September 15, and extending through the Federal subsistence season that runs until January 31, 2011.
Record snowfall during the winter of 2006-07 persisted into late spring, resulting in substantial winter kill of deer. Similar winter weather occurred again in 2007-09, delaying any significant recovery. Continued field surveys in NECCUA this season still indicate a significant reduction in the deer population from previous years. Additional doe harvest, at this time, would jeopardize the future recovery of the population.
Deer surveys in 2010 (mortality, condition assessments, sightings, pellets, tracks and browsing evidence on preferred plants) and radio collaring work confirm a significant reduction in the deer population from years prior to the 2006 storm. Remaining deer are currently scattered at higher elevations but will soon be forced lower by snow. This may allow an increased vulnerability to hunting. Restricting the taking of does will help the population recover at a faster rate.
Those portions of Unit 4 not affected by this emergency order, and not previously closed by emergency order, will remain open. Please consult the 2010-11 Alaska Hunting Regulations for descriptions of hunt areas, boundaries, and season dates.
Hunters with questions about deer hunting in Game Management Unit 4 can contact the Sitka Area Office at 747-5449.
