So, we have discussed the salmon situation now how do you feel about the reintroduction of the wood bison?
I heard that the first attempt was a success.

Some are now hanging out in the ag. project land where the state is now going to try and haze them away from this project that is filling I don’t know who’s pockets under the auspices of agriculture. That pic is roughly 7 miles from Nenana off the new millions of $$ road and power line. Wouldn’t want them cutting into the corn farmers profits by accidentally knocking down the 2’ stalks

This is the first attempt at wood bison. Been a long boondoggle so far. Maybe some day" Big Casino "(ADFG Wildlife Conservation) may recoup tax payer dollars through lotteries ( drawings)?

"A more efficient use of state resources would be to focus on existing fish and wildlife within the state rather than continuing ADF&G’s project to import an animal that has historically failed to thrive in Alaska. This is becoming more evident with the current state of the Innoko herd."

This Doyon perspective would reflect my opinion of the whole situation.

It might help if poaching stopped. I believe, (without digging in), that at least 2 bulls were killed by poachers early on after release. And actually, they might survive and multiply. They thrive in other areas, (in B.C.), supposedly similar to where they are now, (in Alaska).

I served on the Wood Bison Reintroduction Planning Team for a few years. I think bringing them back to their original natural habitats is a good thing. Eventually (not before I die!) we will be able to hunt them!

I will note that there are different attitudes about the reintroduction in different villages and areas. Downriver in the GASH area (Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk and Holy Cross) there is a ton of support and cooperation. In the central Interior, there is less than unanimous support for the Minto Flats/Kantishna Flats reintroduction. BUT..... the stated reason for this opposition is not because they don't want bison. It is because they see "success" at reintroduction as ultimately bringing more non-local hunters into the area.

Regardless of inevitable socio-political issues, from a sheer ecological standpoint, the project has been a great conservation success.

Pete

"Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists are monitoring the newly reintroduced wood bison. The management plan suggests that hunting may occur when there is a harvestable surplus of about 20 animals, with the overall population at about 250 animals at that time."

Only 150 more to go.

And there are more coming to Alaska as I type.

Just to be clear as you seem to be shopping for a reaction to your nugget of info. I’m not opposed to bison reintroduction. However poor planning causing a clash between two wasteful state funded projects is a joke. The Nenana Ag project is padding bank accounts in the name of “food security “ meanwhile wasting funding to bring back game species while several others diminish is again mismanagement. It’s odd that as the west coast has nearly wiped out several fisheries, and since recovered from bad practices, and we can not see that coming here, and plow headfirst down the same path.

I do hope my boys can fill their freezers with bison someday however.

Well, we must acknowledge the fact that the Department has had some excellent results with transplants. Consider Kodiak, here the introduction of Sitka Blacktails and Rocky Mountain goats has been a smashing success, and the benefits to both Alaskans and the Department itself, (think licenses and non-resident permits). Then there are the many elk and moose introductions that have also been successful and appreciated by many. And of course, the bison that are currently hunted and would be a dream hunt for most. And musk ox are once again seen and hunted in traditional areas that were void of musk ox for decades, until successfully re-introduced by the Department.
So while the recent introduction of Wood Bison might not be everybody's cup of tea, and there are many other issues the Department could allocate resources to, those funds and how they get spent is a very complex process, and with such a diverse set of wants and needs out there and the pie getting cut into so many pieces, it's unlikely everyone will be happy.
We could get into predator control....but that's another topic!

Then there was the sheep transplant on Kodiak. Speaking of sheep populations.

I can find zero information that the department ever transplanted sheep on Kodiak. They did do a study on its feasibility and declined to move forward.
Can you show me when that might have happened?

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/...esearch_pdfs/game_transplants_alaska.pdf

Page 96

So maybe in another 20 years, after years of spending money and effort there may be 20 bison to harvest each year for the lucky few. After several years ( about 9) of predator control here ,at little cost to the State and Federal governments, Alaskans and non-residents were able to harvest 200 to 300 more moose per year. Pretty sure we got more bang for the buck. And unlimited opportunity during the general fall season. Fed far more Alaskans than this ever will. I won't mention how lucrative a couple hundred non-resident moose tags per year were for ADF&G.

Cost/ Benefit Analysis

Hmmm. I have to be suspect of that report. Too many things don't add up. It claims that in 1964, they released on ewe. The next year they darted 20, but 6 died, and one had suspected brucellosis, so they transported 13 sheep to the island. They don't mention sex ratio, other than some of each. Then they claim that the sheep were administered tranquilizers, right after immobilizers wore off, and then they were loaded on a helicopter and transferred to an un-disclosed airstrip, where they were tethered to a tree!
Then the sheep were loaded on a goose and flown to Kodiak, where they were hobbled and loaded back up, flying them to Uganik Bay.
"And on the last day, the animals were captured in the morning and released that afternoon."
I mean, I'm sorry, but I have to call bovine feces. I understand that it might be possible, with incredible coordination of many experts, equipment, and perfect weather, with equally perfect scouting and zero mishaps, to dart and transport 1 sheep from Kenai to Kodiak in 1 day, but the report reads like it might have happened for the whole "transplant".
And it certainly isn't the original report, but rather a recollection-type summary of what other biologists report happening.
Who knows, though. They were razing and killing brown bears on Kodiak from single engine private planes back then, too. Some Gatling-style. And stocking all manner of fish in alpine lakes, as well. I like to think re-introductions are done with a bit more study and consideration these days.

Well, the Burris in that report may have been Bud Burris. Maybe if he is still kicking ( probably not) you could ask him about it and he could also tell you the story of how the prohibition on shooting sows with cubs mysteriously ended up in the regulation book back in the '59 time frame.

Bud Burris has passed away. A stalwart of responsible wildlife conservation in Alaska for many many years. pb

"Transplanting game animals is probably one of the most speculative forms of game management. A game transplant cannot be considered
a success unless it fulfills at least three requirements. Primarily it
must accomplish the objectives of the transplant by providing meat for the
subsistence hunter, furs for the commercial trapper, or recreation for the
sportsman. To accomplish the primary objective it is necessary to establish a population capable of supporting a significant annual sustained
yield. To fulfill the third requirement the resultant population must not
be established by sacrificing other valuable resources.
It takes five to ten years with most transplants to establish
a population capable of supporting a significant annual sustained yield.
The outcome of several of the transplants in Alaska is still uncertain
even after 10 to 12 years. The entire situation can change by the time
the transplant can support a harvest. Even though many transplants of
fur animals have thrived and could now support a substantial harvest,
the transplants cannot be considered a success because they no longer accomplish the original objectives. Current low fur values and an increased
standard of living·have made it impractical for persons to trap extensively;
therefore, the transplants are of little economic value to the State or the
individual.


'Transplants of edible game animals are not as risky as transplants
of fur animals. Trophy value, recreational hunting, and the demand for meat
are not likely to decrease. Obviously a big game transplant producing only
one trophy type animal each year cannot be considered a successful transplant.
A transplant of bison, which increased to five thousand and supported an
annual harvest of one thousand would just as obviously be considered a· success. When the expectations were for thousands and the population is only a
few hundred, with a potential sustained harvest of 25 to 75 per year, plus
some agricultural and property damage, can the transplant still be considered
a success? Because any interpretation of success is subjective unless it is
strictly interpreted in accordance with the stated objectives, and only
rarely are the objectives stated.
Precious few of the many transplants which have been conducted in
this State have contributed significantly to the resource wealth of the State.
The Department of Fish and Game bas planned transplants which should add
significantly to our resources if they are successful. The department hopes
to re-establish both Muskoxen and Sea Otter to their former ranges within
Alaska. "

Source:oliver burris

Only time will tell Dirt. The Minto release and the Yukon Flats release. Will be much more productive than the Lower Innoko release. That was all study decades ago. The Lower Innoko people wanted the Bison. It was the third choice area. So, we did realize what could happen and some of it did. "If i never tried sheep hunting. I would have never got a sheep". No i did not get a sheep on my first try.