This autumn, an ambitious wildlife reintroduction project is set to unfold in southern Alaska. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) aims to relocate Sitka black-tailed deer to the Kenai Peninsula as part of a broader effort to enhance food security through sustainable hunting practices. By introducing this species, authorities hope to assess their adaptability in new environments and diversify the region’s big-game offerings. Up to 25 adult male deer will be captured from Kodiak Archipelago and released south of Kachemak Bay, where they will be closely monitored via GPS collars. Success could pave the way for further translocations.

In response to growing concerns about food security across Alaska, the ADFG has turned its attention to expanding opportunities for wild game harvests. This initiative focuses on evaluating whether Sitka black-tailed deer can thrive in unfamiliar territories while contributing to ecological balance. Between September and October, experts plan to capture mature bucks without accompanying fawns from Kodiak Archipelago. These animals were chosen because their physical maturity increases chances of survival during relocation.

The precise release locations remain under investigation but are expected to encompass areas south of Kachemak Bay. Once freed into their new habitat, each deer will wear a GPS collar enabling researchers to track movements, health patterns, and adaptation rates over time. Such data collection is crucial for determining long-term viability of the introduced population.

Currently, there is no designated hunting season for deer on the Kenai Peninsula. Residents and visitors alike are urged to assist by reporting any sightings of these newly relocated creatures to local ADFG offices in Soldotna or Homer. Community involvement plays a vital role in ensuring accurate monitoring and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.

If successful, this pilot program may lead to additional deer transplants in subsequent years. By enhancing biodiversity and providing new avenues for sustenance, Alaska takes a significant step toward bolstering regional resilience against potential food shortages.