Recap of Alaska BHA’s Pint Night with Cameron Carroll, ADF&G Small Game Program Coordinator – A Great Time for Conservation and Community!
by Alec Boyd-Devine
On the evening of April 7th, Alaska BHA hosted a Pint Night at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Juneau, bringing together local backcountry enthusiasts and outdoor lovers for a night of fun, education, and community-building. It was a fantastic evening filled with engaging conversations, cold brews, and valuable insights into how we can all play a role in preserving Alaska’s diverse wildlife and public lands.
Volunteer Opportunities for Conservation in Southeast Alaska
The highlight of the night was a presentation by Cameron Carroll, the Small Game Program Coordinator from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Cameron shared an in-depth look into the state’s Small Game Program, which focuses on the management and research of species like the Sooty Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Rock Ptarmigan, Willow Ptarmigan, and Snowshoe Hare. These species play a crucial role in Alaska’s ecosystems, and their populations are actively monitored and managed through surveys and research.
One of the key takeaways from Cameron’s presentation was the importance of volunteers in the Small Game Program. Alaska BHA is working with ADF&G to recruit more volunteers to participate in Sooty Grouse surveys in Juneau and throughout Southeast Alaska. These surveys, taking place from April 15th to May 25th, involve moderately challenging hiking (4-8 miles) and require participants to listen for the distinct calls of male grouse—an essential part of the survey data collection.
How You Can Get Involved
As Cameron explained, volunteers are vital to the success of these surveys. The data collected helps inform important research, outreach, and even regulatory decisions made by the Board of Game. Anyone interested in participating can sign up for surveys and even receive training in the week following the event. Plus, volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to a longstanding program with a rich history of protecting Alaska’s native small game species.
There are also other ways for hunters to get involved with the Wing Donation Program!
Prizes and Fun!
In addition to the valuable conservation info shared, attendees were treated to some awesome prizes! We raffled off a bino harness and a bear spray holster from Mystery Ranch, plus a door prize for an extra bit of fun. These prizes kept the energy high and added a little extra excitement to the evening.
Reflections and Looking Forward
The Pint Night in Juneau was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible turnout and the enthusiastic participation from attendees. Cameron Carroll’s presentation sparked many thoughtful questions and discussions, and it was clear that there is a strong desire in the community to get involved in wildlife conservation efforts.
However, as Cameron emphasized, there is still a need for more volunteers, particularly in the Juneau area. With numerous opportunities to contribute to important conservation surveys, this is an exciting time to get involved and make a real difference.
We’re looking forward to more events like this one and hope to see even more folks at future Pint Nights across Alaska. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a big thanks to Cameron for his informative talk. Let’s continue to protect and preserve Alaska’s public lands, waters, and wildlife—together.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and make an impact!
Interested in joining the volunteer efforts?
Visit the Small Game Program website: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=smallgamehunting.getinvolved for more details on how you can help with the Sooty Grouse surveys or the wing donation program.
Your participation makes a difference!
Informed management ensures we have continured hunting opportunities.
About Alec Boyd-Devine