The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's ambitious plan to relocate deer to the Kenai Peninsula has faced a series of setbacks, raising questions about the program's effectiveness and the allocation of public funds. Despite the state's intention to provide hunting opportunities and food security, the initial attempt resulted in a staggering mortality rate, leaving critics questioning the initiative's value.
In a recent development, the department plans to relocate an additional 15-20 deer this fall, primarily does, to supplement the remaining animals. However, this decision comes amidst a mixed record of deer relocation efforts in Alaska, with some successful and others not. The prospect of establishing a huntable population in the southern Kenai Peninsula has been a topic of discussion since the 1970s, but the challenges faced in the past have been significant.
The first attempt, which brought 19 Sitka black-tailed deer from an island near Kodiak, ended with a grim outcome. At least 13 deer died, and the department is uncertain about the fate of one that slipped out of its GPS collar. Only five deer, including two does and three bucks, are known to still be alive. This low survival rate has sparked criticism from Cooper Freeman, Alaska director for the Center for Biological Diversity, who argues that the program is a waste of public money.
Freeman's concerns are further supported by internal department documents obtained through a Public Records Act request. These documents reveal a higher mortality rate than initially reported, with four deer dying during transportation due to prolonged sedation. The program's high cost, estimated at $2-3 million, and the limited number of deer that will be available for hunting in the future, have led to calls for a reevaluation of the initiative.
The relocation effort's challenges extend beyond mortality rates. The animals that survived the initial move faced various health issues, including bloating, overheating, severe stress, and poor oxygenation. Despite the department's efforts, there is no evidence of reproduction among the surviving deer, raising doubts about the program's long-term success.
Critics argue that the state's resources could be better utilized in other areas, such as basic wildlife management and predator control efforts to boost caribou and moose numbers. The program's focus on increasing hunting opportunities for small groups of users has been questioned, especially when compared to successful reintroduction efforts like the musk oxen and wood bison programs.
As the department prepares for the upcoming relocation, the question remains whether the Kenai Peninsula deer population will ever reach a robust level for hunting. The mixed history of deer relocation in Alaska and the current setbacks suggest that the path to establishing a sustainable population is fraught with challenges, leaving the program's future uncertain.
