As of Wednesday afternoon, valley hunters have reported six moose taken since the hunt began Sunday.

“(I’m) happy that all are legal so far with three brow tines. None were reported as being harvested on opening day with the hot sunny weather that is a little unusual but hunters have three days to report,” Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Carl Koch told the CVN this week. “Two hunters saw radio-collared cows and reported that to me which I appreciate as it helps us collect data.” 

Hunter Charles Baltzell told the CVN he predicts a good year. “I think the rain will cool the temperatures down so they can go into rut,” Baltzell said. This season, he said he is most excited to paddle his canoe to his favorite site and set up a tree stand.

Koch said heavy rainfall that’s forecasted for the coming week may affect negatively hunting. “Animals might bed down for a while and visibility for goat hunters will become reduced in some areas.”

Koch and his colleague Kevin White were in town last week updating hunters on its collar study that helps biologists better understand population size, production, calving and nutrition. The data will be used to better manage the moose hunt. By this winter, White expects to collar 40 female moose.

So far, White learned that the nutritional condition of Chilkat Valley moose is low compared to other areas in Southeast, measured by ultrasound fat readings taken during tagging. White also learned that the range of female moose extends during calving season and recedes closer to the Chilkat River during the winter.

Looking forward, White will continue to monitor the collared population. The study is predicted to last three to five years due to a limited budget and resources, according to White. However, collars have a battery life of 15 years, leaving open the possibility of extended research.

During the annual pre-hunt meeting, Koch reviewed moose hunting regulations and harvest data.

Koch reviewed what antler characteristics define a legal bull, and how to read these characteristics accurately, “If you’re not 100 percent sure, don’t pull the trigger,” he said, “And if you do, know that you are gambling.”

Koch encouraged hunters to turn in moose shot illegally “People make mistakes,” he said. As in past years, the meat of illegally shot moose is donated to charity.

Last year, 25 moose were harvested and none were illegal. “I hope we create a trend,” said Koch. “That would be so awesome.”

All six moose were reported as harvested on Monday. Koch expects more moose have been hunted that have yet to be reported.

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