More importantly, dense conifer growth in clearcuts will, in time, shade out all understory production, leaving very poor habitat for deer a condition that persists 100 years or longer. In the long term, clearcut areas will experience a significant decline in deer numbers. The presence of a number of parasites and disease has been noted in Alaska deer, with the lungworm being the most significant. A high incidence of lungworm is frequently an indicator of high deer density, and lungworm infections probably contribute to deer mortality during hard winters. Lungworm is primarily a disease of animals of less than 2 years of age.
Bag limits vary from complete closures to six deer of either sex, depending on populations.
Early season hunting is concentrated in the alpine and subalpine areas. The largest portion of the harvest is taken in November during the rut when both sexes respond to a call resembling the bleat of a fawn. During late November and December, heavy snow sometimes concentrates deer at low elevations allowing high harvest levels when local weather conditions are favorable. All Rights Reserved .