Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 27/02) - Hunters make up a small percentage of tourists to the Northwest Territories. But make no mistake, they bring in mighty big bucks.

Excluding airfare, the average hunter spends $13,500 per trip, while the average non-hunting tourist drops a measly $453.

Each year, hunters leave behind $8 million in the territory. So it's no wonder the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development interviewed 414 American and Canadian hunters to find out what makes this group tick and if they enjoyed their stay.

Eighty-four per cent of hunters gave their hunt high ratings, while only three percent were unsatisfied. And 96 per cent said they'd come back to the territory.

Most hunters travel north to hunt caribou in the Barrenlands, with Dall's sheep, muskox and polar bear next in line.

But polar bear hunters, more likely to be Americans with fatter wallets, spend the most money -- averaging a whopping $47,000 per trip.

Generally, Americans spent much more money than their Canadian counterparts -- and enjoyed their adventure more.

"It's not that Canadians weren't happy, it's just that Americans were more happy," said NWT Tourism's marketing director David Grindlay.

"Maybe it's something to do with the American psyche. It's an interesting piece of information."

But why do Americans spend more?

For starters, American hunters make more: 83 per cent earned more than $70,000 compared to 69 per cent of Canadian hunters.

But Barry Taylor, professional hunter and owner of Arctic Safaris, also believes it's a cultural thing -- although he's noticed Canadians are starting to spend more.

"Canadians just aren't used to spending a lot of money for their entertainment," said Taylor. "We've been a tight little farm economy. If you have $10, you hang on to it."

The report found most hunters want to hunt a specific species, and to experience the territory's pristine wilderness.

The survey gave hunters a chance to express positive and negative comments about their trip.

While 304 hunters expressed positive comments, more than 200 hunters also had concerns.

Five surveyed hunters said their guide was drunk. Four of 24 polar bear hunters said they were unsatisfied with their guides, two noting drunkenness was a problem.

About 30 barrenground caribou hunters commented on their guides' poor performance. Twenty hunters said their guides didn't know how to prepare meat. Meat spoiled on seven as a result.

No mandatory courses

According to Grindlay, there's no mandatory course for outfitters and guides -- although a course does exist.

Morgan Minty is manager of Adventure Northwest, a company that takes mostly American clients hunting for caribou and polar bear among other species.

He said it's up to each company to ensure guide quality.

"I don't hire guides unless they are qualified," he said. "They have to come work for me and prove them are decent guides before they go out alone."

Some hunters complained about airlines. Almost all these complaints were directed at Air Canada.

Hunters were upset about the company's inconsistent service fees.

Both Taylor and Minty said they have heard similar complaints from clients before.

"Airlines refuse to carry antlers," said Minty.

"Canadian North and First Air (carry antlers) but that only takes them to Edmonton."

But overall, the survey shows the NWT is keeping visiting hunters happy.

"I think it shows the outfitters in the NWT are doing a pretty darn good job delivering the product," said Grindlay.

"A lot of people believe tourism is a six-week window in early spring to fall that doesn't contribute to what's happening ... but it makes a significant impact on the economy."