Myth #1: The bulk of Alaska’s moose and caribou harvest is taken by wealthy out of state hunters. 

Fact: Non-resident hunters take only about 10% of the moose harvest and 6% of the caribou harvest; Alaskans harvest the remainder.


Myth #2: Hunting for food is just an excuse for Alaskans to needlessly slaughter wildlife.

Fact:  The vast majority of Alaska’s rural communities are off of the road system, and are heavily dependent on game for food.  Many residents of urban communities have historically subsisted on game meat, as well.


Myth #3:  Wealthy, non-resident hunters hire airplanes to fly around and kill Alaskan wolves for sport.

Fact:  It is against Alaskan law for non-residents to obtain a predator management permit.


Myth #4:  Alaskan predator management efforts are not science-based.

Fact:  All five of the state’s intensive management plans are based on the best available science provided by Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game biologists. The state and the board of game uses the National Academy of Sciences 1994 "Wolves, Bears, and their Prey in Alaska" as a guide to much of their bear & wolf management.


Myth #5: The state used $400,000 of taxpayer money to persuade taxpayers how they should vote on last summer’s anti-predator management ballot initiative.

Fact:  In 2007, the Alaska Legislature appropriated $400,000 to be used to develop educational materials to inform the public regarding Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game’s predator management programs.


Myth #6:  Predators kill only the old, sick, and the weak.

Fact:  Predators are opportunists. In many cases, certain predators prey almost exclusively on the healthy (yet vulnerable) young prey.


Myth #7:  Only wealthy outside hunting organizations want to increase moose & caribou numbers.

Fact: The board of game receives numerous testimonials and proposals from native and non-native, urban and rural Alaskans who depend heavily on Alaska's wild food for survival.