ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN - Grade 10 students at Ulukhaktok's Helen Kalvak Elihakvik completed their archery unit in physical education class last month.

Kayla Kaodloak, left, Alex Akhiatak, centre, and Adrian Kagyut, right, all take aim during an archery unit at Ulukhaktok's Helen Kalvak Elihakvik school. - photo courtesy of Nikki McCarthy

They learned how to handle bows and arrows in preparation for the school's annual winter muskox hunt.

Students in grades 9 to 12 went upland toward Fish Lake on Nov. 24 looking for signs of the meaty beasts, from tracks to droppings, but had no opportunities to practise their archery skills.

"It was good but we didn't have any luck finding any muskox," said high school teacher Nikki McCarthy. "They didn't get to use them (the bows and arrows) this time. They'll have to wait until April now."

Though the hunt produced no bounty, McCarthy said it was a good experience for students.

"They still had a lot of fun and really enjoyed it."