Quick Answers
Yes, wolverines can be legally hunted in certain parts of Alaska during specified hunting seasons. However, wolverine populations are small and permits are limited. Wolverine hunting is carefully regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family. These tough predators inhabit remote boreal forests, tundra, and mountain ranges across Alaska and much of northern North America. Wolverines are opportunistic omnivores that feed on everything from small rodents and birds to carrion and berries. They are known for their strength, cunning, and fearlessness.
Wolverines occur at low densities across their range and have relatively low reproductive rates, making them vulnerable to overharvest. As a result, wolverine hunting is carefully managed in Alaska. This article will examine whether wolverines can legally be hunted in the state, look at historical and current hunting regulations, discuss conservation considerations, and outline what’s involved in harvesting one of these elusive mountain devils.
Can You Hunt Wolverines in Alaska?
The answer is yes, wolverines are legally hunted and trapped in some parts of Alaska during specific seasons set annually by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G). However, wolverine hunting opportunities are limited due to low permit numbers. This reflects the Alaska government’s efforts to allow sustainable harvests while protecting wolverine populations.
Across their global range, wolverines have low densities, making them difficult to survey. In Alaska specifically, research suggests there are fewer than 300 breeding females statewide. Given their rarity, ADF&G manages wolverines conservatively and adjusts permit numbers accordingly in different game management units.
Wolverine Hunting Seasons and Permits
The wolverine trapping season runs from November 10 through February 15 for most of interior and northern Alaska. The hunting season is concurrent with trapping in many regions. Specific season dates and bag limits vary by game management unit.
Areas open to wolverine hunting include Units 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26B, and 26C. Wolverine trapping opportunities are broader, with open seasons also occurring in Units 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 26A.
In all units with wolverine seasons, harvest is restricted through limited permit drawings. Permits are allocated based on quotas set by region, which typically range from 1-5 animals per unit. Permit costs vary, with resident fees around $45 and nonresident fees up to $650 in some areas.
To legally harvest a wolverine, hunters must have both the appropriate hunting license and a wolverine permit for their unit. Permits often sell out quickly after becoming available each year.
History of Wolverine Hunting in Alaska
Wolverines have been hunted and trapped across Alaska since the early 1900s or before by indigenous people, settlers, and fur trappers. Their durable pelts were prized for parka ruffs and trimming cold-weather gear. Unregulated take caused Alaska’s wolverine population to decline in the early 1900s.
In 1925, Alaska instituted a seasonal closed period from May 1 through October 14 to protect female wolverines raising young kits. This closure remains in effect today. Bag limits were also eventually implemented.
By the late 1990s, wildlife officials grew concerned by apparent population declines and instituted additional hunting closures in some regions. Permit and quota systems were developed to control harvest numbers.
In 2009, ADF&G released its first statewide wolverine management strategy. This instituted conservative hunting and trapping limits to allow human use while stabilizing populations. Management is adaptive based on new population data.
Hunting Wolverines vs. Trapping
Most wolverines taken in Alaska are trapped rather than hunted. This likely reflects their low densities and the difficulty of locating them in remote terrain. Setting traps along travel routes requires less direct effort than tracking.
However, wolverines can also be successfully hunted, especially with hounds. The permit system allows both trapping and hunting harvest within overall quotas. Some regions only allow trapping.
Hunting allows selective harvest of male wolverines while releasing females and juveniles. Traps catch any individual that encounters them. Trappers must report accidentally trapped females or dependent young to ADF&G.
Hunting
To hunt wolverines, stealth, tracking skills, patience, and persistence are required. They inhabit large home ranges and can be challenging to locate. However, identifying areas frequented by their prey like caribou or moose calving sites can increase odds.
Hunters often use hounds to improve success rates when wolverine hunting is permitted. Once treed, the wolverine is typically harvested with a well-placed rifle shot.
Seasonal timing is also key. Wolverines are most vulnerable in late fall and winter when snow covers their mountain habitat. Their conspicuous dark fur stands out against white snow. Hunting earlier in the year can be less successful as undergrowth provides cover.
Trapping
Trapping techniques for wolverines are similar to those for other fur bearers like marten or fisher. Trappers mainly use lethal body-grip traps set along travel routes and baited with meat or scent lures. Non-lethal foot snares can also be used in some areas.
Sets are placed to entice wolverines to pause and investigate potential food sources. Look for natural choke points along game trails, ravines, or narrow passes through the mountains. Baits and lures must not contain any part of a game animal like moose or caribou.
As opportunistic scavengers, wolverines are drawn to traps baited with beaver meat, fish, or commercial trapping lures. Think like a wolverine when selecting trap sites and baits in its remote backcountry habitat.
Wolverine Hunting Ethics and Conservation
When pursued ethically, regulated wolverine hunting and trapping can be sustainable. However, their limited numbers and scientific uncertainties about populations make conservative harvest prudent.
Unethical or exploitative wolverine hunting practices like chasing with snowmobiles or harvesting females with dependent young can negatively impact reproduction. Wolverines have one of the lowest reproductive rates of any mammal in North America.
Strict adherence to seasons, permit requirements, quotas, and ethical hunting practices is essential even while legal. Trappers should check lines frequently to minimize by-catch of non-target animals.
Cooperating with ADF&G by submitting harvest reports and biological samples aids research and future conservation. Never waste harvested wolverines by discarding the pelt.
Ultimately, sustaining wolverine populations will require maintaining connectivity between dispersed groups and safeguarding the remote, high-elevation habitats these rangy carnivores depend on.
The Wolverine Hunting Experience
For Alaska trappers and hunters, pursuing wolverines offers a challenging wilderness experience with the chance to harvest a scarce and coveted furbearer. Their habitats take you into wild backcountry accessed only by snowmachine, ski plane, or serious dog sledding.
A successful wolverine hunt brings hard-earned rewards. Quality pelts sell for hundreds of dollars at fur auctions. Their exceptional claws make unique jewelry or tools.
Hunting these elusive mountain devils tests your tracking and survival skills in harsh northern environments. Your preparation, persistence, and patience will determine success.
Your wolverine may be the only one harvested in the entire region that season. Respect this rare opportunity while upholding ethical standards and contributing to conservation through cooperation with wildlife authorities.
Preparing for a Wolverine Hunt
Here are some tips to prepare for a successful wolverine hunting trip to Alaska:
- Obtain proper licenses, tags, and permits well in advance and familiarize yourself with regulations.
- Be prepared to hunt in extreme cold and remote terrain via snow machine, skiing, or dog sled.
- If using hounds, choose those with endurance suited for long chases in deep snow.
- Scout areas prior to season by looking for tracks, dens, and other wolverine sign around caribou calving areas.
- Talk to local trappers for advice on high-probability habitat and baiting/trapping techniques that translate to hunting.
- Stock adequate survival gear and emergency equipment for hazardous winter conditions.
- Carry detailed maps and a compass or GPS despite any modern technology.
- Pack high-protein food, camping gear, and extra fuel. Be prepared to stay mobile and overnight in subzero temps.
- Travel with a partner or inform someone of your plans for safety.
Conclusion
Wolverines occur at low densities across Alaska’s vast wilderness but offer a unique big game hunting opportunity for dedicated hunters. While regulated trapping and hunting seasons exist, strict quotas limit harvests of this sensitive species.
Hunters who obtain scarce wolverine permits must be prepared to venture into extreme terrain and conditions for a chance at one of these elusive furbearers. Patience, ethics, and self-reliance are demanded.
With smart management guided by sound science, regulated take of wolverines can continue sustaining rural trappers’ livelihoods and providing prized trophies for backcountry adventurers while maintaining Alaska’s wolverine populations. The future of these hardy carnivores ultimately relies on preserving the wildlands and prey they depend on.
