Bryan, the Department can use personal observations as part of the AC process, and it does. But, more is needed. I worry that the department is responding mainly to anecdotal observation and not robust scientific examination. In your Alaska Range Herd example, is it possible that caribou were vulnerable because of weather and nutritional stress?. Maybe the 14,000 number was too big for their range.  All the variables need to be considered.  I agree, "science" does not mean a "few flyovers," but ADF and G recent priorities have marginalized robust ecosystem-level science. You and I both know that the mantra, since 1994, has been "hunter opportunity."  Has that mantra actually led to perfunctory science in service to hunter opportunity.  Surely there is a better way to manage our common heritage.