The frontiersman., 1956-01-05
SP0RTSMEN ASK FOR COW MOOSE SEASON; OPEN FOX SEASON

Open season on fox in the Ma tanuska Valley and a controlled cow moose season were proposed to Fish and Wildlife Service re presentatives at the annual game law hearing held in Palmer January 4.
 Present at the hearing were Holgar Larson, enforcement ag- ent; Bob Scott, game biologist, Roger Allen, sport fish biologist, Bob Burkholder, predatory con- trel agent, and military conserva- ton officers of the U. s. Army and Air Force. Also Alex MeRae of the Department of Fisheries.
 No changes in the moose hunt ing dates were proposed by area sportsmen. Last years dates were from August 20 September 20, first season; November 10 No= vember 30 second season.
 Scott told sports1nen that the moose population in the valley is just as high as last year, per haps higher. The ratio of bulls to COWS is down to about seven to each 100 cows, he reported. Because no similar conditions ex- ist in other sections of Alaska 1t is difficult to compare this ratio, he said. In making moose count . west of the Susitna Scott said they found the ratio to be from 75-30-100 to 100 at the same time of the year. By the time we got through the second season, there just weren't many bulls left in this section, he reported. The calf drop is down little, also, he ad= ded.
 In a count taken in the Fish hook triangle (about 13 square miles, concentration of about r 400 moose were found. Using the 7-100 ratio. this would mean about 28 bulls.
 Scott asked those at the meet ing how they feel about the moose in and around the urban areas during the winter. In An chorage we have heard two stor- ies-one that you people like them and feel that they are an attraction to your area. The other is just the opposite, that they are destructive and that you wish something would be done. We want to know just how you peo- pie feel about it.
 One farmer present at the meeting answered Scott by say ing that he feels the moose are a problem to the farmers. They destroy crops, break fences, al lowing neighbors stock and the farmers stock to wander on others properties-they destroy shrubs and ornamentals, many of which are expensive ... and there's nothing we can do about 1t. Old timers in the valley tell US that the moose are on an increase, have been the past few years. He pointed out that several years ago the moose population was con- trolled to an extent by year. round hunting by Indians and taking Of both cows and bulls. Wolves took their toll but today through predatory control the wolves are not so plentiful. The ' moose used to run away from me now they run toward me" he concluded.
 'The moose herd could stand a cow season if it is under regu- lated control, FWS officials said. Scott pointed out that if manage ment and feed does not reduce a herd then it is proper manage ment to killcows. He compared the situation to that of conner cial cattlemen who guarantee the increase of their herds by protect ing the cows. However, he point ed out, when the herd reaches the increase point where 1t needs cutting back, then they kill cows also.
 The Fish and Wildlife Service have proposed to Congress that a controlled COW season be per mited. Local sportsmen approved this idea and were assured that 1 if permission is granted by Con- gress, and if the Game Commis- sion approves, that the cow sea- son will be regulated under a stringent control measure pos sibly by permit hunting, or a de- signated hunting period during l which COWS may be taken.