Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
October 2025
What triggers the timing of the rut for deer?
Ask a Wildlife Biologist
What triggers the timing of the rut for deer?
From students in the “Outdoors Biology” class, Juneau-Douglas High School
Wildlife Biologist Steve Bethune has the answer. Steve is based in Sitka and is the area biologist for northern Southeast Alaska (Game Management Unit 4), including Baranof, Chichagof and Admiralty Islands, home to lots of deer and very popular with hunters.
Photoperiod. The length of daylight regulates hormonal activity. ... What triggers rut? Article Continued
Myth Busting Alaska’s Bats
Do bats even live here?
I didn't know we have bats in Alaska!
It's understandable that people are surprised to learn Alaska is home to bats, since many bats species are associated with tropical or warm climates. Bat researchers and biologists hear this - and other misconceptions about bats - and are here to share some insights.
We don’t have bats in Alaska
We do have bats in Alaska - seven different species. The little brown bat (yes, that’s its official name) is the ... Myth Busting Bats Article Continued
Goat Hunters can Help Artists and Weavers
Sealaska Heritage Institute, an Alaska Native nonprofit, is asking hunters for donations of mountain goat wool, hides & horns. Chilkat weavers will use goat wool and hair for a traditional Chilkat robe. Horns will be used to revitalize the ancient practice of horn spoon carving.
Joe Zuboff and Crystal Cudworth, based in Juneau with Sealaska Heritage Foundation (SHF), have a grant focused on mountain goat (janwu) and traditional art. Cudworth said two mentoring programs are at the heart ... Goat wool donations Article Continued
Hunters and Shooters Fund and Celebrate
Range Remodel in Juneau
Mike Janes grew up in Juneau and learned to shoot a hunting rifle at the Hank Harmon Public Range. A couple decades later, he brought his two sons to the free, open-year-round community range to develop their rifle skills. Now, in great anticipation of an upcoming moose hunt, he is teaching their younger sister to shoot.
This is a tradition for families in Juneau that hunt. The Hank Harmon range, built in 1960, is the only practical option for practicing with hunting rifles in Juneau. Over ... Hank Harmon Range Article Continued