Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday approved legislation which removes the statutory stipulation requiring Advisory Committees to approve antlerless moose hunts before the Board of Game can implement them.

"Passage of House Bill 114 will effectively reduce the time involved in implementing antlerless hunts, as well as save a minimum of ten thousand dollars annually," said Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow), sponsor of HB 114. "Since 1975, when the requirement went into effect, it has cost the Board of Game a great deal of time and some expense to pursue antlerless moose hunts."

Masek pointed out that antlerless moose hunts have rarely been opposed during the twenty-four years the requirement has been in effect. Statistics indicate that if the majority of the Advisory Committee wished to stop an antlerless hunt, the Board of Game has gone along with them 99 percent of the time.

"Originally this provision was instigated on behalf of people who felt, for a variety of reasons and despite biological evidence to the contrary, that cow moose hunts were somehow wrong," Masek said. "Since that time, the Department of Fish and Game has managed to educate Alaskans about the benefits of antlerless hunts in relation to overall population dynamics and quality of habitat. That is why these hunts are rarely opposed today," Masek said.

HB 114 was approved 29-7. It will be reconsidered by the House before moving to the Senate.