Background
In recent years, the federal government had escalated some criticisms of Alaska’s hunting regulations. Those criticisms would often be couched as if they were limited to the context of issues like “denning” of bears, which is a rare practice only engaged in by a few Native Alaskans.
However, the actual impacts of federal reach into Alaska’s hunting management were actually far more widespread. These disputes came to a head towards the end of the Obama Administration, when the Department of the Interior (DOI) banned several common hunting practices in National Preserves and Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Alaska Professional Hunters Association teamed up to challenge both the Refuge and Preserve Rules in the federal district court in Anchorage, Alaska, right at the end of the Obama Administration.
Additionally, the Refuge Rule was still eligible for repeal under the Congressional Review Act (which enables Congress to use expedited procedures to overturn a regulation), and we aggressively pursued that option as well.
Impact to Hunters
Left unchallenged, this meddling at the state level would be another step towards the federalization of wildlife management in Alaska and nationwide.
Result
Ultimately, the Refuge Rule was repealed by Congress. Our in-person lobbying efforts plus support from the Alaska Professional Hunters Association and also the Maine Trappers Association (see discussion of Maine and Canada lynx cases) were key to securing two important swing votes (from the Independent U.S. Senator in Maine and the moderate Republican U.S. Senator in Maine) to get the repeal of the Alaska National Refuges Rule passed by a vote of 52 to 47. Our litigation against the Alaska National Preserves Rule continues.
Help Us Fight for You
Your tax-deductible donation to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund directly supports our legal fights in courtrooms nationwide. The Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund was established to represent sportsmen in lawsuits that affect your ability to hunt, fish, trap and own firearms. Its funding ensures the sportsman’s voice is heard above the rhetoric of anti-hunting groups.
Join the fight for your hunting and fishing future by donating to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund today!
