NPS Photo by Emily Mesner
Comments Due April 9, 2026
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting public comments on a proposed rule that would change how sport hunting and trapping are managed in national preserves across Alaska.
National preserves are unique parts of the National Park System where certain activities—such as hunting and fishing—are allowed while the lands are still managed to protect natural ecosystems and wildlife.
What the Proposed Rule Would Do
The proposal would revise existing regulations and largely align hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves with state wildlife regulations.
Supporters say this change would restore longstanding state management practices. Critics argue that it could allow certain hunting methods that the National Park Service previously restricted to protect wildlife populations and natural ecosystem dynamics.
Some of the concerns raised by conservation groups relate to hunting practices such as bear baiting and other predator-focused harvest methods, which federal rules previously limited in national preserves.
Why This Matters
About 22 million acres of national parklands in Alaska are managed as national preserves, where wildlife management decisions can have significant impacts on ecosystems, subsistence users, and public lands stewardship.
The National Park Service has historically emphasized managing wildlife populations in preserves to maintain natural behaviors, predator–prey relationships, and ecosystem balance.
Public input will help inform how these lands are managed and whether federal wildlife protections remain in place or shift toward state regulatory frameworks.
Submit Comments
The public comment period provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to weigh in on the proposed changes.
Comments are due April 9, 2026.
Read the proposed rule and submit a comment here:
https://www.regulations.gov/document/NPS-2026-0034-0001
If you’re unsure what to include in your comment, you can use the language below as a starting point and personalize it if you wish:
I support strong wildlife protections in Alaska’s national preserves. These lands were established to protect natural ecosystems while allowing for responsible use, and wildlife management should prioritize maintaining natural behaviors and healthy predator–prey relationships. Any changes to hunting and trapping regulations should be carefully evaluated to ensure they protect wildlife populations, ecological balance, and the long-term stewardship of Alaska’s public lands.