Alaska Wildlife Troopers issue citations during Sitka deer hunting enforcement

Alaska Wildlife Troopers are reminding hunters to play by the rules after a concentrated effort to enforce deer hunting regulations in Sitka.

During the October and November Sitka Blacktail Deer rut, Alaska Wildlife Troopers ramped up patrols on remote roads, waterways, and even used artificial wildlife to catch violators.

In total, troopers issued 26 citations and summons for a range of hunting violations, including hunting with artificial light, failing to obtain a big game tag, shooting from a motorized vehicle, not salvaging all the meat, and hunting without a license. Four rifles, two flashlights, and a handheld spotlight were seized.

Authorities warn that anyone caught hunting illegally at night could face fines, lose their rifles, and be barred from hunting for up to a year. Troo