KALGIN ISLAND REGISTRATION MOOSE HUNT RM572 Spring 2004
HOW MANY MOOSE ARE ON KALGIN ISLAND? The population is currently estimated at 100 - 150 moose consisting of about 20-40 calves, 40-60 cows and 40-50 bulls. (They counted total of 124 moose, and noticed a high number of 1&2 year olds.)
WHY DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE MOOSE POPULATION? Biologists believe this island (23 square miles) should support no more that 20-50 moose (about 1-2 moose/square mile) due to potential over-browsing.
HOW MANY MOOSE WERE KILLED LAST YEAR? (I have not got this info yet).
ARE MOOSE NATIVE ON THIS ISLAND? No. Moose were introduced to Kalgin Island in the late 1950's to provide additional hunting opportunities. By 1981, the population was over 140 moose due to a lack of predators.
HOW DO I GET TO KAGIN ISLAND? Kalgin Island, in Game Management Unit 16B, is in Cook Inlet approximately 15 miles west-southwest of Kenai, and 6 mile southeast of the mouth of Drift River. Access to the island is primarily by boat and plane. (Natron Air) Boat access can be very dangerous, depending on weather and ocean conditions. Maps (available from USGS) that cover the island are the Kenai B6 and C6 quads.
HOW DO I GET AROUND ON THE ISLAND? The island is primarily covered with thick spruce and birch stands interspersed with open wet meadows. Travel around to island is very difficult (foot or boat only), due to the many beetle-killed and wind-thrown trees, and thick patches of devil's club and alder. Good map-readers can successfully travel on the edges of open meadow habitats, crossing through timber stands when necessary to reach other meadows. Remember to take a tide book, as tides can also affect your travel.
HOW MANY PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED? Fish and Game estimates 100-300 people will request permits. As with all registration permit hunts, the number of permits is essentially unlimited.
WILL HUNTER CROWDING BE AN ISSUE? Posibly. BE CERTAIN OF YOUR TARGET. Tragically one hunter was killed on Kalgin Island in the early 1980's.
IS THERE PRIVATE PROPERTY ON THE ISLAND? There are many cabins, belonging primarily to commercial setnetters. In the past, some hunters have vandalized cabins on the island. This type of activity threatens to eliminate the opportunity to pursue moose on Kalgin Island. Refer to a land ownership map for private property boundaries. Please respect private property!
LEGAL ANIMAL? Any moose. However, if you have killed a moose anywhere in Alaska since July 1, your permit is NOT VALID.
ANY TROPHY MOOSE ON KALGIN? Seldom are any bulls taken that exceed 45 inch antlers. Consider this hunt a meat hunt.
HUNT DATES? August 20 - September 20.
MORE QUESTIONS? This hunt is managed from the Palmer ADF&G office. Please call Thomas McDonough at 746-6325. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game web site.
Visit the Alaska Fish and Game web site for latest information
