Bulletin: Federal Subsistence Board Rejects Wildlife Emergency Special Action Request WSA26-12 (Unit 13 Moose)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) rejected Emergency Wildlife Special Action Request WSA26-12, concerning moose hunting in Unit 13. Due to the urgent nature of the request, the Board conducted its vote via email, consistent with established policy. 

WSA26-12 requested closure of Bureau of Land Management lands in Unit 13 to moose hunting by non-federally qualified users for the 2026 season, consistent with the Board’s adoption of WP26-31 at their April regulatory meeting. The full request can be viewed at https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/wildlife-special-actions. The Board adopted WP26-31 at their April 2026 meeting; however, WSA26-12 was submitted too late in the season to effectively implement or enforce as the State hunt closes September 20. As hunters are already in the field, the Board noted adopting WSA26-12 could cause confusion and conflict but appreciates the proponent’s efforts to continue subsistence hunting opportunities. The Board’s April decision on WP26-31 will go into effect upon publication of the wildlife final rule in the Federal Register.

More information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program is on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska. 

Missing out on the latest federal subsistence issues? To receive email updates on Federal Subsistence Management Program activities, send a request to subsistence@ios.doi.gov. 

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