Alaska Federal Lands Reopen to Bear Baiting November 12

The Department of the Interior will allow hunters on Alaska federal lands to lure bears with human food starting November 12.

The practice involves placing items like bacon, doughnuts, and meat scraps in steel drums or garbage cans to attract animals at close range for shooting. This method replaces a 2024 rule from the Biden administration that prohibited baiting. The new regulation was published in the Federal Register on Friday, October 23, 2026. It follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump early in his second term, titled Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential. That order directed the reissue of the rule, a move critics argue prioritizes political goals over scientific caution.

The rule takes effect in mid-November, specifically on November 12. It defers to state regulations that already permit baiting, though it does not list specific foods. Hunters generally select high-fat, high-sugar items as the most effective lures. They typically set the bait, watch from a blind, and shoot the bear at short range once it approaches. This technique is used primarily to secure trophy animals.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated in a press release that the rule responds to demands from Alaska residents. He called it a "commonsense framework" that gives Alaskans a stronger voice in decisions affecting their lands and traditions. The department views the change as a way to restore local influence over wildlife management on federal property.

Environmental groups have reacted with strong opposition. Drew Robertson, a senior regulatory specialist for Humane World for Animals, described the provision as "cruel and dangerous" to both wildlife and the public. His organization called the measure "indefensible and inexcusable." Nicholas Arrivo, a managing attorney at Animal Protection Law, noted that the lands are federal and that Congress created the program to keep decision-making power with the federal government. He argued that deferring to state rules is "anathema to federal land management goals." Arrivo questioned the legality of the rule, noting that the previous ban went through a more robust scientific process.

The rule is one of several recent changes permitting contested hunting methods in Alaska. These include shooting bears from helicopters, killing wolf pups in dens, and using artificial lights to draw bears out of their shelters. While about a dozen states allow similar baiting practices, opponents warn that the method makes bears more aggressive around people. This behavior endangers park visitors and raises questions about the spirit of sport hunting. Robertson argued that many hunters would not view baiting as a fair chase. No final decision has been made on pending lawsuits challenging the rule, but the change remains in effect as of the publication date.