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All but one resident spoke against the two measures, which would permit hunting in Swan Cove and on Swan Island. Most proposal opponents were concerned that approval of the measures would hurt the popular sightseeing industry, which draws roughly 1,200 visitors to Pack Creek. Many said that hunting Swan Cove and Swan Island bears that have become accustomed to people at Pack Creek is unethical.

"These bears are habituated to the presence of humans who behave unobtrusively and pose no threat. Such a change of policy would pose a danger to bears that are vulnerable," said Juneau resident Dixie Hood.

Others said opening hunting in these areas - which are popular for tourists unable to secure a permit for Pack Creek trips - hurts Alaska's image.

"We can't view these issues as a mere parochial Southeast Alaska issue," said Douglas resident Art Peterson. Alaska is a highly visible state, he said, and a decision to allow hunting in these areas would be negatively viewed around the world.

Other residents were similarly passionate about the issue.

Eighty-nine year Juneau resident and photographer Dean Williams said his father had been commissioned to scout the Pack Creek area in the early 1930s as a possible bear-viewing area. He said he took some of his first photos of brown bears there with a box camera. He opposed opening the areas to hunting bears.

The one supporter, whose name could not be obtained, believed the Swan Cove and Swan Island areas have historically been bear hunting destinations and should once again be designated that way. He did not think there was a conflict between hunters and bear viewers.

Board of Game member Ben Grussendorf said he agreed with the majority of speakers on the issue of whether to open these areas to bear hunting.

"You have to understand that the board doesn't always disagree with the recommendations of the department, but on this issue, I have to say I am inclined to agree with you," he said.

Residents also spoke on a variety of other issues. Among them were the following:

• Propositions 1 and 4: Heightening regulations for Juneau's trappers, particularly near trails, forcing them to mark traps for hikers to see. A handful of people opposed this measure.

• Proposition 16: Opening bear hunting near Angoon's city limits to cut down on numbers of pesky garbage-seeking bears. All who spoke on this topic opposed this plan, saying there should be a better way to address the problem. The measure was proposed by the Board of Game.

• Proposition 14: Prohibiting bear hunting on Admiralty Island in the drainages of Rudyerd Bay and Walker Cove for animal viewing. Dale Pihlman proposed this change, stating that tour operators, the community of Ketchikan and the state would benefit from the closure.

• Propositions 39 and 40: Extending the wolf hunting season and the number of wolves that can be taken in the Chilkat Valley because of an apparent imbalance between the moose and wolf populations.

• Proposition 45: Reissuing military personnel serving in combat zones the hunting permits they won during lotteries. This would allow them to use the permits when they return to the area.

The Board of Game meetings typically draw a vast array of comments, yet all must relate to the proposed topics.

It "is a chance for the public to make their feelings known," said Board of Game Chairman Ron Sommerville. Additionally, any member of the public or an agency is permitted to submit a proposal. The Board of Game is required to consider all proposals.

No decisions were made Thursday, but they will be taken into consideration by the board during the Nov. 10 to 15 meeting in Wrangell.

• Brittany Retherford can be reached at brittany.retherford@juneauempire.com