Resolute Bay (Mar 29/04) - When it comes to the economy in Resolute Bay, a lot depends on tourists -- polar bear hunters, in particular.

Sport hunting is becoming more popular and attracting more tourists, said Martha Kalluk, owner of Nanook Outfitters Ltd. From March to May, her company is among those that cater primarily to southern hunters. She said it is not only the outfitters who benefit from tourism but the entire community.

"It brings in a lot of revenue," she said. "March and May are our busiest times of the year."

This year Nanook Outfitters will be guiding 20 hunters out on the land. Thus far most of them are from the U.S., she said, though they have had clients from as far away as Europe.

"Everyone has their own reasons for coming to Resolute Bay," she said. "Many come here for the experience."

While Kalluk will be busy for the next three months, her business isn't the only one that counts on the sport hunting season and appreciates the boom of the bear hunt.

"I would say that tourism is very important to the community," said Aziz Kheraj, manager of the Southcamp Inn. "All the money that comes here, stays in the community."

"The hunters who come here are pretty good at spending money in the community," said Lucas Amagoalik, manager of the Tudjaat Co-op hotel.

While the money is nice, Kalluk said one of the reasons she enjoys taking the hunters out is that it keeps Inuit traditions alive.

More local people are taking an interest in the sport hunts, which she said leads to other positive trends -- such as, raising dog teams.

"We only use dog teams when we go out hunting," she said. "More people are going back to the traditional ways."