Hunting in Nunavut

Author: Mary M. Alward
Published on: Jan 1, 2004

Nunavut boasts some of the world’s most prized big-game trophies. Giant grizzlies, majestic polar bears and prehistoric muskox attract big-game hunters to the area. Wolves, caribou, wolverines and walrus can be hunted on the Arctic tundra.

The Nunavut Sport Hunting Guide, published by Nunavut Tourism, lists all hunting outfitters in the province. If booking one of these operators, check out the establishment’s background and years of experience. Find out if the outfitter carries liability insurance and be certain it is a licensed and bonded firm.

The world’s most sought after big-game trophy is the polar bear. Nunavut is a great place to hunt them but the hunts have to be conducted by traditional methods using dogsleds. You should also know that each of Nunavut’s communities has an annual quota on the bears.

At one time, according to the US Marine Mammals Protection Act, polar bears could not be imported into the United States. Recently, the Act was amended. Hunters can now take their trophies home, but only from approved polar bear populations in Canada. Hunters from the US would be wise to check with the office of Management Authority of the US Fish and Wildlife Service if they are planning a trip where they hope to be approved to import a polar bear trophy to the US. They should also ask for information on the importing of the bearskin and skull.

Nunavut has three species of caribou. Peary caribou are small and almost white. They are most often found on High Arctic islands, though they do inhabit northwest Victoria Island and the northern reaches of Prince of Whales and Somerset Islands as well as the Boothia Peninsula. Peary caribou are under an intense management program. Sports hunting of these animals has been banned and subsistence hunting is restricted voluntarily. The reindeer that roam the Belcher Islands belong to the Sanikiluaq People. They cannot be hunted by anyone except residents of the Belcher Islands.

Barren-ground caribou are large and number approximately 1.2 million. They can be found on Nunavut’s mainland and Baffin Island. These are the caribou that form the immense migrating herds. Hunts can be arranged in many communities and are conducted during fall migration.

Muskox are found in all areas of Nunavut with the exception of Baffin Island. The majority are found on Victoria Island where the population is estimated at 45,000. Muskoxen are also subjected to annual quotas.

Muskox hunting can be arranged from most communities in the Kilikmeot Region. King William Island, Victoria Island, Coronation and Queen Maud Gulfs and the Boothia Peninsula are open to muskox hunting. The largest trophies in the world have been taken from the Coronation and Queen Maud Gulf areas. In many regions, it is possible to hunt for both caribou and muskox. Wolves and wolverines are open to opportunist hunts.

Wolves are plentiful in Nunavut and are divided into two types. Wolves move with caribou herds on the mainland. Caribou are the mainstay of the wolf’s diet. In the High Arctic, wolves are more territorial and live on local species. The hides of wolves are prized among the Inuit. Pelts are used for the trim on traditional parkas. Some outfitters will organize a wolf hunt upon request while others allow wolf hunting opportunistically during grizzly and muskox hunts in the spring.

Wolverine pelts are prized throughout the province. These make superior parka and hood trim. The majority of wolverine are found near major caribou herds. Woverines are hunted mainly in the Kitikmeot Region.

Nunavut limited walrus hunting to aboriginal hunters and hunters who had aboriginal dependents until 1994. At that time a limited and experimental hunt was opened for non-residents. Quotas are very restricted in order to benefit communities with walrus populations. Non-residents are allowed to take only the tusks. The meat must stay within the community where the walrus was killed.

Walrus, ringed-seals and harp seals are the only marine mammals for which licenses are available.

If you wish to hunt or fish in Nunavut, you must hire a licensed outfitter. Hunting tags and licenses must be purchased before the hunt. The licenses may be obtained from the office of the Department of Sustainable Development.

Be aware that all big-game animals are subject to a trophy fee, which is paid to the government of the Northwest Territories. The trophy for fee must be paid before an export permit to be issued.

At this time, it is required that you have a Northwest Territories Export Permit before exporting any animal part from Nunavut. These permits are available in all communities from wildlife officers or government personnel. No permit is required to export fish or items made from wildlife. The exporting of marine mammals requires a Marine Mammal Transportation License.

Before embarking on a hunting expedition to Nunavut, be sure to research import regulations of your own country. For more information contact the Customs Office nearest you.