The number of permits for 7 & 15 is 61. That's for DB; 301 (8), 303 (3), 305 (10), 307 (3), 309 (37).
The faulty model reference is to the model from the mat-su being used on the KP in spite of different population dynamics, different human interaction, different topography, different food sources, etc. Other than that, it's a perfect fit.
Getting F&G to loosen up permits and help moose in other ways (wolf reduction) is like pulling teeth, but nearly as tough as getting the refuge to do habitat improvements.
The BOG approved wolf reduction (aerial ungulate enhancement) in 15A and 15C to begin Mar. 1. 15A is to be conducted by the Dept. and 15C is to be conducted by permitted public. From what I have heard, the Dept has not yet moved toward 15A operations nor 15C permitting.
As an aside, I would request folks write to the Governor to require F&G to get this AUE started this winter.
To put that in perspective, the BOG instructed the department to formulate a plan for intensive management of moose and bring that to the BOG. It was sent back 3TIMES before the fourth was acceptable to the board.
The refuge has done a barbwire hair-DNA brown bear population study that the results of which so far has been closely held. A lot of people have been trying for a long time to get F&G to do a true brown bear population study on the KP. F&G does not believe it is necessary in spite of saying that knowing the true population would greatly alter their brown bear management. Even if this study had Dept. support, it estimated to cost about $2M.
Brown bears "can" be hard to find on the western KP for much the same reason that black bear baiting (spring) is important - dense foliage growth. In spite of the aggressive, full-blown charge belief, brownies would just as soon avoid humans.
