This month's Public Lands Pint Night featured the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's Bull Moose Health Surveillance Study. The Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers helped facilitate biologist Marjorie Cox speaking at Kenai River Brewing Company in Soldotna, Grace Ridge Brewing Company in Homer, and Naptowne Brewing in Sterling on the evening of August 25th through the 27th. If you're planning to hunt moose in Game Management Unit 15 this fall, ADF&G is looking for your help collecting samples that will provide valuable information about the health and productivity of Alaska's moose populations. Marjorie and the department are asking hunters to submit the small lobe of the liver, the bottom six inches of the lower jaw, a handful (figuratively speaking) of fecal pellets, and the complete testes and scrotum from bull moose harvested in the GMU. Samples must be submitted within 24 hours of harvest for them to be useful. Cool the samples, but do not freeze them, as freezing can destroy blood and sperm cells that may be examined as part of the study.
Attendees spoke with Marjorie and learned more about her work and the mission of the Kenai Moose Research Center as she detailed her study and provided sample kits to hopeful moose hunters before the general season began on September first. The Alaska chapter was excited to welcome visiting BHA members from the Minnesota and Nevada chapters, who stopped by to see what another chapter was doing while vacationing on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s always great to see members from the national BHA community join us for an event in Alaska.
Whether you're a seasoned moose hunter, preparing for your first hunt, or simply interested in Alaska's wildlife, these events are a great opportunity to connect with fellow hunters, learn from wildlife professionals, and support science-based conservation. Thank you to everyone who attended these events, and best of luck to all those hitting the field this hunting season. Stay safe, and keep your powder dry!
If you want to know more about the Kenai Moose Research Center’s mission, you can see what they are up to HERE.
If you are hitting the Kenai Peninsula in search of a bull moose this hunting season, please consider helping with this study and contact Marjorie Cox for a sample kit.
Marjorie can be reached at:
marjorie.cox@alaska.gov
907-260-2953
main article image credit :ADF&G 2023 Daniel P. Thompson
14