Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 24/05) - Hundreds of hopeful hunters will converge on the Northwest Territories for caribou hunting season, says a senior wildlife officer with the department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Bruce Chocolate, an employee with Wolverine Sports Shop in Yellowknife, demonstrates a few of the necessities a hunter should bring along during caribou season.

"Last year, we outfitted 648 hunters and issued 1,163 tags in a very short time frame," Bourget said.

Each hunter can purchase two tags, and out of those tags, 912 were used, he added.

The season opened in the North Slave August 15 and will run until November 30 for non-residents.

The caribou herds are healthy, and the success rate for hunting very good, Bourget said.

Craig Thomas, general manager of Adventure Northwest Ltd., an outfitting company, said hunters book well in advance for the caribou season.

"We're already booking well into 2006," he noted.

Thomas said many hunters like to travel throughout Canada or the world to hunt various species.

"They want to get each animal," he said.

"The North is an interesting place. Caribou is one of the main species for hunting in the North."

NWT residents who wish to hunt without a guide must be a resident for two consecutive years, and can obtain up to five tags which are good anywhere in the territories.

For Aboriginals, or those with a historical connection to the land, there is a general hunting licence which does not limit the number of caribou which can be shot.

In the North Slave region, Bourget said there is a no-shooting corridor that extends along 1.5 km on either side of the Ingraham Trail, from Yellowknife city limits to Powder Point. The department of Environment and Natural Resources is monitoring the caribou herds and Bourget said they are interested in reports of unusual sightings.

"We would like people to report injured animals, extremely unhealthy animals or anything they see that sparks a bit of interest in their mind," he said.

"This will assist us in monitoring what is happening with the herds."

Warren Cummins, manager of Wolverine Sports Shop, said hunters should be prepared when they head out to the wilderness.

"You want to be able to carry the gear you need for the specific hunt you are doing without over-equipping yourself," Cummins said.

"My suggestion is that before going out on the land, make a list of what you need and what you'd like to take and try to find a balance between the two."

Hunter orange is not mandatory, but hunters are encouraged to wear bright clothing and to watch for others, Bourget said.

And while Bourget said casualties are rare among hunters, incidents do happen.

"It's a hunter's responsibility before he pulls a trigger to ensure there are no people or buildings near where he is shooting."

As well, a loaded firearm cannot be carried in a vehicle, and shooting from a vehicle is prohibited.

"Otherwise, ensure you are properly dressed, let people know where you are going and that you have survival equipment with you, including a knife to skin the animal," Bourget said.

An offence can be reported by telephoning 1-866-762-2437 (1-866-POACHER).