ADF&G proposes to cut white-fronted goose limits in GMU 18; comment deadline is August 5

Hunters in Game Management Unit 18 face a proposed reduction in white-fronted goose bag and possession limits under a notice issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the window to submit written comments closes Aug. 5.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended cutting the daily bag and possession limits from 10 per day and 30 in possession down to 6 per day and 18 in possession, citing what the council called "recent declines in the population index and increased harvest."

What the Proposed Cuts Would Mean

GMU 18 encompasses drainages flowing into the Bering Sea between Cape Romanzof and Cape Newenham, including Nunivak and Nelson islands, a primary breeding and staging area for Pacific greater white-fronted geese. The proposed changes concern state hunting bag limits under Title 5 of the Alaska Administrative Code, adopted under a delegation of authority from the Alaska Board of Game. The proposed limits would fall below the 2014 bag limit of eight per day, when ADF&G raised limits because populations allowed it. In 2014, the direction was liberalizing; the current proposal moves the other way.

How to Comment

Written comments must reach Jason Schamber, ADF&G Waterfowl Program Coordinator, by 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2026, by email at [email protected], by phone at (907) 267-2206, or by mail to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 525 W. 67th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99518. The agency notes that the language of the final regulation may differ from the proposal, and the department may also adopt other provisions dealing with the same subject or take no action. Persons with disabilities who need special accommodations to participate must contact the ADF&G Boards Support Section at (907) 465-4110 no later than Aug. 4, 2026. Those whose interests could be affected should comment during the time allowed.