Protesters urge governor to stop hunting of Denali wolves

FAIRBANKS — The start of wolf hunting season near Denali National Park has opponents calling on Gov. Bill Walker to protect the animals in light of the park’s declining wolf population.

Protesters gathered Wednesday in downtown Fairbanks, where they held signs and howled like wolves outside a state office building. The event calling for Walker to order an emergency closure on the hunting season was organized by Alaskans For Wildlife, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported.

The organization wants hunting banned along the Stampede Trail corridor, which cuts into the park northwest of Healy. Its members are seeking Walker’s help after The Alaska Board of Game shot down their multiple requests to prohibit wolf hunting near the park boundary.

In 2000, the state instituted a buffer zone to prevent wolf hunting close to the boundary, but the Alaska Board of Game repealed it in 2010. Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Sam Cotten has also dismissed the group’s demands for emergency wolf-hunting closures, with the exception of the spring 2015 season, which he closed two weeks early.

Despite limited action on the protection of the park’s wolves, Alaskans For Wildlife President Jim Kowalsky said he remains optimistic that Wednesday’s demonstration will make an impact.

“Hope springs eternal, even on the opening day of the season for hunting wolves on the Stampede Trail,” he said. “I’m afraid it’s becoming a scandal for the governor and I hope he understands that.”

A spokesman for the governor said Walker plans to meet with one of the protesters this week during his visit to Fairbanks and the Tanana Valley State Fair.

More in Neighbors

“Princess Sophia” stranded on Vanderbilt Reef, Oct. 24, 1918. (Alaska State Library Historical Collection, ASL-P87-1700)
Living and Growing: The storms of the Fall

Psalm 19 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the… Continue reading

Sheet pan tomato soup garnished and served. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Sheet pan tomato soup

Whenever I get my hair done at Salon Cedar, owner Brendan Sullivan… Continue reading

(Image by the New Jersey Division of Elections)
Gimme A Smile: Halloween/Election Day merger

We’ve got a couple of important holidays coming up: Halloween and Election… Continue reading

Brent Merten is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Juneau. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: The eye of the needle

One day, a rich young man approached Jesus, asking him what he… Continue reading

Jennifer Moses is a student rabbi at Congregation Sukkat Shalom. (Photo provided by Jennifer Moses)
Living and Growing: Joy after sorrow during celebration of Sukkot

As you read this column Jews around the world are preparing to… Continue reading

Cookie jars in the shape of a house and a mouse are among the more than 100 vintage jars being being sold as a benefit on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. (Photos by Bill Andrews)
Neighbors events, announcements and awards for the week of Oct. 20

More than 100 vintage cookie jars on sale during Oct. 26 benefit… Continue reading

Nine-hour pork roast ready for serving. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking for Pleasure: Nine-hour pork roast with crackling

For a few months now I have been craving an old-fashioned pork… Continue reading

Laura Rorem. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: The power of real hope

Highly compatible, Larry and my strength was in our ability to merge… Continue reading

(U.S. Forest Service photo)
Living and Growing: Common ground. Common kindness.

I write this piece from the perspective of one who believes in… Continue reading

Twin rainbows are seen from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Neighbors briefs

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center shifts to winter hours The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor… Continue reading

A clean home is a cozy home. (Photo by Peggy McKee Barnhill)
Gimme A Smile: Procrasti-cleaning anyone?

I just wiped off the tops of my washer and dryer, and… Continue reading