Hunters inside city limits need to know regulations

Moose hunting season begins today for bow and arrow hunters in parts of Game Management Units 15a and 15b-west. Crossbows are prohibited.

Firearm hunting opens Aug. 20. Game Management Unit 15a is north of the Kenai River and the north shore of Skilak Lake, though there is no hunting allowed in the Skilak Loop Management Area. Unit 15b is south of 15a to the Kasilof River and the north shore of Tustumena Lake.

All hunters interested in participating in the bow season must have completed the International Bow-hunter Education Program, according to Ted Spraker of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

"They must have their IBEP card on them before they go hunting," Spraker said. "If they don't have that card in their pocket, it's just like driving without a license."

If stalking moose in either unit, hunters should be aware of restrictions inside the city limits of Kenai and Soldotna.

Inside Soldotna, no hunting with firearms is allowed, said City Clerk Pat Burdick. Bow hunting is allowed, according to Spraker.

In Kenai, there are no regulations, except common sense and courtesy, prohibiting bow hunting, according to Kenai Police Lt. Jeff Kohler.

"The biggest issue we hear about in regards to bow hunting is when it takes place on private property," he said. "But there are no regulations or prohibitions against bow hunting."

Kenai City Clerk Carol Freas added that bow hunting only may be done in wooded areas of the city, but not within 100 yards of a home, business or road.

Firearm hunting is allowed inside Kenai city limits north of the Kenai Spur Highway, from near Beaver Creak to Marathon Road, according to Freas.

Later in the year, when waterfowl hunting begins, hunters may use shotguns only on the Kenai River flats, but not within 100 yards of structures or roads.

For more information on regulations inside city limits, call Freas or Burdick. For more information on seasons and other restrictions, call Fish and Game at 262-9368, or go to the department's World Wide Web site at www.state.ak.us/adfg/.