04/19/1993 08:00 AM House RES

  SB 46:  AUTHORIZE MOOSE FARMING                                              
                                                                               
  Number 454                                                                   
                                                                               
  SENATOR MIKE MILLER, PRIME SPONSOR OF SB 46, told the                        
  committee that similar legislation had been introduced in                    
  the 1992 legislative session.  The bill would provide for                    
  the development of moose farming in Alaska, is intended to                   
  expand economic development opportunities, and would also                    
  include caribou.  The bill transfers regulatory powers to                    
  the ADF&G, the Department of Natural Resources, and the                      
  Department of Environmental Conservation.                                    
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE CARNEY asked why caribou had been added, but                  
  not reindeer.                                                                
                                                                               
  Number 498                                                                   
                                                                               
  SENATOR MILLER said this was in keeping with federal                         
  regulations which govern reindeer.                                           
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if the concept included hunting                   
  as is done with bison in the Interior, or would it strictly                  
  call for farming in corralled areas.                                         
                                                                               
  Number 505                                                                   
                                                                               
  SENATOR MILLER replied that a variety of ways were provided                  
  for under the provisions of SB 46.  These included farming                   
  the animals for slaughter, and that idea could be expanded                   
  to the Native corporations farming moose to meet village                     
  needs.  He said that regulations would ensure everything was                 
  done properly.                                                               
                                                                               
  Number 522                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if that would create a more                       
  difficult oversight to prevent poaching.                                     
                                                                               
  Number 527                                                                   
                                                                               
  SENATOR MILLER stressed that regulations regarding sale of                   
  moose meat would create a reporting system which would                       
  reduce that risk.                                                            
                                                                               
  Number 535                                                                   
                                                                               
  BILL WARD, WARD FARMS OF SOLDOTNA, told the committee that                   
  he had a background in game farming, having raised elk on                    
  the Kenai peninsula since 1990.  He noted that he currently                  
  raises 57 head of elk.  He described the background of the                   
  statute authorizing elk farming.  He commented that SB 46                    
  provides for good game management by regulating the                          
  industry.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 650                                                                   
                                                                               
  MR. WARD noted that objections to game farming based on the                  
  threat of disease in the animals were unfounded.  He said                    
  that the oversight of the state veterinarian would prevent                   
  that.  Regarding the threat of escapement, he said                           
  regulations provide for adequate fencing.  He also noted                     
  that threats of poaching have not materialized.  He objected                 
  to the tactics of those who oppose the farming of wild game                  
  species.                                                                     
                                                                               
  TAPE 93-49, SIDE A                                                           
  Number 000                                                                   
                                                                               
  MR. WARD concluded his remarks by stating that he did not                    
  believe moose farming would be unsustainable, but said that                  
  caribou would be supportable and was a valid potential                       
  industry.                                                                    
                                                                               
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