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Buffer zone proposed for Dempster
by Glenn Taylor
NNSL (Jan 23/98) - A 500-metre buffer zone for caribou hunting along the Dempster Highway has been proposed by the Porcupine Caribou Management Board, to address overhunting and public safety concerns.
"Some elders get upset when they see a half-ton with 10 caribou in the back," said Peter Clarkson, executive director of the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board, which governs hunting under the Gwich'in land claim.
"A lot of people think hunting on the Dempster gets away from traditional hunting practices," said Clarkson. "There's a feeling that it's disrespectful."
Several attempts by the Yukon government to limit hunting on its side of the Dempster have failed over the years, largely because hunters have ignored them, said Don Russell, a federal member of the board and manager of the Canadian Wildlife Services in Whitehorse.
The GNWT has never imposed buffer zones on its side of the Dempster.
But now, with land claims in place and general support among claim groups and communities, the board is confident the buffer proposal may be accepted at the political and community levels, said Russell.
The board hopes the buffer zone from kilometre 68 to the Peel River will help address hunter safety, littering and irresponsible hunting, issues since the road first opened in 1979.
The board also recommended that snowmobiles not be allowed access through the buffer zone between Nov. 1 and Apr. 30. Another proposal was to close all hunting off the highway for one week in October, to maintain the herd knowledge which may be lost due to herd leaders being shot.
To enforce the program, the board recommended that local Gwich'in be used to patrol the buffer zone to ensure compliance.
The board also suggested an education program for the public and hunters, to reduce incidences of abusive hunting practices.
Johnny Charlie, an elder and hunter from Fort McPherson, said he is glad to see the measures put forth. "These concerns have been coming from (Fort McPherson) for a long time."
Charlie said he hopes the measures will instill a sense of respect for the caribou among some hunters, especially the young, who more and more depend on the Dempster for their hunts.
The PCMB passed the motion in Mayo, Yukon late last year. The proposal must be approved by land claim groups and Renewable Resources ministers in both the Yukon and the NWT, before it is implemented. Renewable Resources Minister Stephen Kakfwi was not available for comment at press time. |