For those planning to hike or hunt on Hawai'i Island later this month, brace for temporary closures. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced that areas within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Palila Mitigation Lands, and Kaʻohe Game Management Area will be closed on August 27 and 28 for animal control activities. These closures are part of a concerted effort to manage the populations of feral goats, sheep, and their hybrids, which pose a threat to the habitat of the endangered palila bird.
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is taking the reins on this endeavor, utilizing both ground and aerial control methods to reduce the invasive animal populations. While hunters usually have year-round access with no bag limits on goats and sheep in these areas, they are being called upon to lend a hand and patience during this essential conservation phase. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources announcement, "Even with a robust hunting program, the size of sheep and goat populations threatens our endangered forest birds and requires periodic animal control to protect our native species."
Though the specified areas will be off-limits during the operation dates, DOFAW is not leaving resourceful hunters out to dry. Limited access for animal salvage purposes will be allowed, but solely through permit. Interested individuals should take note of the dates and times access is permitted: beginning at 7 a.m. on August 27, and 6 a.m. on August 28. These operations aren't just for the birds, they are an integral part of balancing Hawai'i's delicate ecosystem while allowing regulated hunting to continue.
For those seeking further information on the animal control operations, visit the DOFAW website or reach out directly to the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221. On that note, permits must be acquired by those looking to participate in salvage activities, so plan ahead if you intend to be a part of the post-control pickings. "Limited access for animal salvage purposes will be allowed by permit only on the following dates and times," the official Department of Land and Natural Resources notice states, underscoring the regulated nature of these activities.
