When is Cow Harvest Appropriate?
Most caribou herds are somewhat cyclical in population size over time. Caribou hunting regulations and bag limits vary depending on the region and the condition of the herd at the time. The Alaska Board of Game sets caribou hunting regulations dependent on herd condition and population trend, the number of people who desire to hunt, and input from local stakeholders. Cow harvest may be permitted if a herd is growing, stable at moderate to high numbers, or the population is unsustainably high. However, cow harvest may be restricted if the herd is declining or is at low numbers. When cow harvest is allowed, the hunting season for cows may be limited compared with bulls to protect pregnant cows or cows with young calves. Be sure to read the hunting regulations for your area to know current bag limits and restrictions.
