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Goat Island is now open for hunting
Goat Island, also known as Aguiguan, is now open for goat hunting, according to Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz yesterday. Hunting season is from Nov. 3, 2014, to Jan. 4, 2015.
Those who are interested in hunting for goats on Aguiguan need to apply for a hunting license at the Division of Fish and Wildlife under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources on Tinian.
“We just recently opened it up. We only open Goat Island to hunters if DLNR-DFW recommends it to our office [Tinian Mayor’s Office] if there are enough goats or if it is overcrowded. The survey is done so they decided that it is open for hunting,” Dela Cruz said.
A hunting license for residents costs $5, while for nonresidents, it is $20.
The hunting bag limit is 10 goats and only males. Female goats can’t be taken, according to Dela Cruz.
He said two permits would be needed. One is for the hunting and the other is for entering Goat Island.
“Those individuals who have not submitted their report cards for the previous two hunting seasons will not be issued licenses,” he said.
“DFW officers on Tinian, Aguiguan and Saipan will be guarding against poachers and will be conducting inspection before departure and arrival of all vessels,” he added.
According to Saipan Tribune archives, goats on Aguiguan are remnants of a herd that was imported during the Japanese administration to provide milk and cheese for the Okinawan farmers who lived there.
“If you’re hunting we recommend you follow the rules and don’t use high-powered rifles,” Dela Cruz said.
Only two types of weapons can be used: a .22 caliber rifle or .22 Magnum.
“We just want to make sure the hunting season is successful and hunters who go there to stay safe and have valid identification and make sure that no one shoots anyone else,” Dela Cruz said.
For further information call 433-1400 or 433-1401.
