Whale hunting is essentially banned in the United States, but it remains a protected trade for a small group of indigenous Alaskans. After 2004, that protection extended to taxes: Whale hunters can write-off up to $10,000 on whale-related expenses, including boat repairs, equipment, harpoons, and crew food.
Though you would think this would inspire an uptick in indigenous Alaskans pursuing bowhead whales in freezing waters, whale hunting is still limited to a seasonal, sacred tradition in which only a few whales are killed.
