Defenders Calls on Governor to Halt Aerial Gunning Programs

(03/09/2007) - Anchorage, AK -- On Thursday the Board of Game asked the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for an assessment of the aerial gunning programs and in response the Department said the programs are not reaching their goals. As a result, the board has asked Governor Palin to approve funding for state biologists and state helicopters to implement the state’s aerial gunning program. Following is a statement from Tom Banks.

"Defenders of Wildlife opposes Alaska's aerial gunning programs because there is no scientific evidence that there is a biological emergency that dictates the need. We seriously question the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's wolf estimates because they are largely based on anecdotal information received from hunters and trappers rather than formal aerial surveys, which are the most effective way to assess the population.

"Defenders is concerned that the reason aerial gunners are not killing as many wolves as desired could be because the wolf populations are far lower than what is estimated. If this is the case then the state is in serious risk of reducing the population below targeted levels, which would further question the science and legality of the programs.

"We ask Governor Palin to halt the program until a complete survey of the number of wolves in the five predator control areas can be done to determine whether or not the current aerial gunning program is justified."

###

###

Contact(s):

Tom Banks, (907) 276-9453