SENATE BILL NO. 144 "An Act relating to hunting permits and tag fees for musk oxen." 9:09:00 AM Senator Olson explained that SB 144 allows for clean up action. The specifics are presented by Senator Olson's staff. Mr. Benintendi explained SB 144. Thank you for hearing this bill. At its core, SB 144 would authorize a second permit hunt for resident and subsistence hunters, for the taking of musk oxen. It would double the chances of taking an animal, but would not change the current bag limit of one animal per year, bull or cow. Non-resident hunters would not qualify. If a hunter did not harvest a musk ox under their first permit, a second permit could be issued upon application, for another chance in a different hunt area or different Game Management Unit. Musk oxen are the only game animals in Alaska to which the one-permit restriction still applies. There are four Game Management Units where these animals are found in Alaska; Unit 18 on both Nunivak and Nelson Islands, Units 22 and 23 on Seward Peninsula and in the Northwest, and Unit 26 in the Northeast. The wild musk oxen population in Alaska is currently estimated to be about 4,400 animals, and annually, between 325 and 350 are available for harvest. Wildlife biologists and regulators within the Department of Fish and Game have determined that the health and size of the state's herd is well past the threshold for expanding opportunities for Alaskan hunters. They estimate that a minimal number of additional permits would be issued under this bill, and perhaps 25 more animals might be harvested annually. Under SB 144, the Board of Game would have the authority to reduce or eliminate subsistence tag and fee requirements. And, because SB 144 changes a year from "calendar year" to "regulatory year," the department would be able to issue permits for seasons which straddle a calendar year end, without the hunter having to apply twice for a single season. If passed this legislative session, these new provisions would be in place for seasons beginning in August of this year. SB 144 carries a ZERO fiscal note, and has the support of the department. Support from the hunting community in Northwest Alaska includes the Northern and Southern Norton Sound Advisory Committees, and the Seward Peninsula Musk Ox Cooperators' Group. We have discovered no opposition to this bill 9:12:12 AM Co-Chair Stedman mentioned one zero fiscal note from the Department of Fish and Game. Senator Olson explained that musk ox have been imported and transplanted in the state. They are treated differently than other big game animals. The bill allows the clearing of confusion that happens with hunters regarding the harvesting of musk ox. He mentioned a requirement to apply twice if the new year does not result in a successful hunt. SB 144 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further consideration.