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Governor reappointments to Big Game Commercial Services Board draw scrutiny over enforcement, guide concessions and hunt planners
Summary
The House Resources Committee heard reappointments to the Big Game Commercial Services Board and applicants outlined regulatory priorities including adjudication of enforcement cases, the guide concession program, transporter rules and hunt planners; several public questions and committee exchanges addressed past violations and enforcement timing
The House Resources Committee on March 17 heard three gubernatorial appointees for the Big Game Commercial Services Board and questioned them about enforcement, regulation backlogs and emerging marketplace issues for guide and transporter services.
Aaron Blomquist of Wasilla (reappointed to a four‑year term ending March 2029), Martin Bonnick (reappointed to a four‑year transporter seat) and Katie McCarthy (appointed to a two‑year term ending March 2027) each described volunteer service on the board and identified matters they expect to face during the next term.
Blomquist, who has served as board chair, said the board handles adjudication of civil penalties and licensing sanctions and that a small number of operators generate a disproportionate share of enforcement cases: "There always seems to be two or three that are ... big problems, and they take a long time to work through the process," he said, describing criminal investigations that can take years and an increased use of license sanctions to remove bad actors more quickly from the field.
Blomquist and Bonnick told the committee that the board is handling a large package of slow‑moving regulation projects and a forthcoming guide concession program intended to improve conservation and encourage reputable guides. Bonnick, who operates an air taxi out of Glenallen, said the board is considering distinct aircraft markings for guide and transporter aircraft and whether transporters should have geographic limitations or different licensing rules to avoid market concentration.
Both Bonnick and Blomquist raised the issue of "hunt planners"—commercial websites or operators that arrange hunts and hire transporters but are not currently covered explicitly by board authority. "I believe that would take some statute change," Bonnick said when asked whether the board can regulate hunt planners under existing law.
Committee members questioned appointees about past violations. Blomquist was asked about a longtime acquaintance who had been accused of illegal bear killings; Blomquist said he never had a business relationship with that person. McCarthy was asked about prior enforcement entries on her record involving fish processing paperwork and delayed sealing of a black bear hide; she said the processing violation was a paperwork matter that resulted in probation and was later cleared, and that the delayed sealing was corrected once discovered.
The committee set each appointment aside for later consideration.
Ending: The Board of Game and Board of Fisheries share similar allocative structures, but witnesses and appointees said much of Big Game Commercial Services Board work focuses on licensing, discipline, transport and regulatory modernization rather than allocation.
