The Daily Alaska empire., 1938-05-16
Changes Listed
 For Hunting and
 Trapping, Alaska
Game Commission Outlines New Regulations Fur
 Southeast Protected

The Alaska Game Commission to- day announced the approval ot several changes in the regulations governing hunting and trapping in the Territory during the year be- ginning July l, 1888, and ending June 30, 1889. These changes were made by the commission at it's last annual meeting and were approved by the Secretary of Agriculture on April 26.
 Most important of the changes in the regulations is the closing of the marten season throughout the Territory and the closing of the trapping season on all furbearers in District l, which covers Southeast Alaska from Dixon Entrance to Cape Fairweather.
 Explaining the regulations further the commission statement said.
 .'Trappers in all parts of Alaska reported an extreme shortage e marten during the past winter ana recommended closing of the season to prevent the complete extermina- tion of this valuable fur animal. It is expected that similar action will be taken in all areas where marten are found in the United States and many places in Canads Because of the high price of tns f,,r and the ease with which 1t IS trapped, it is believed that marten have suffered more than any other animal during the past two open seasons.
 Southeast Fur Decrease
 ..The large increase in trappers and the small catch in furs TOT several years made it necessary to close the trapping season on all furbearing animals in Southeast All aska. Due to the mild climate ana nearness to the States, it is thought that more newcomers have started trapping in Southeast Alaska than in all of the remainder of the Territory combined. The Ala K Game Commission has for several wears been warning outsiders tnat they should not come to Alaska with the hope of making a living by trapping, as all trapping to be found here is needed for the livel- hood of local people. Despite these warnings, however. hundreds of new trappers have come to the Ierrl- tory each year. Because of lack oi funds, experience and equipment necessary to trap in the interior most of these newcomers have set- tied in Southeast Alaska. There mas heen a steady decrease in the num- her of furs taken in this district for several years. During the past two seasons the condition has be- come acute. Trappers from all parts of the district have reported very small catches and many old-timers have been unable to take enough fur to pay their trapping expenses. Many trappers recommended that the season be entirely closed. By ripid enforcement of the closed trapping season it is believed that fur animals will soon return to normal plenitude.
 "Other changes in the regula- tions provide for the closing of the open eason for mountain sheep and mountain goats on November 50, instead of December Sl, as in the past.
 No Change on Deer
 NO change was made in the regulations covering deer hunting. The season in Southeast Alaska will open as usual on August 20 and close on November l5. Buck deer only, with horns not less than three inches, may be taken, and the limit remains at per season. The carcasses of deer, moose, and mountain sheep, must not be nut Hated so that the sex cannot be determined.
 There will again be an open season on beaver in fur districts q. 5, 6, and T, with a limit Of 10 beaver to each trapper.
 ,.All marten skins legally taken or possessed in the Territory must be presented to the Alaska Game Commission for sealing on or before october 3l, l938 All unsealed mar ten skins become contraband and are subject to seizure after that date. This procedure is made neces- sary because of the closed season on marten throughout the Terri tory.
 aOther minor adjustments have been made in the new regulations, which are now being printed and will be available for distribution by the Alaska Game Commission within the near future"