Yellowknife (Jan 08/07) - NWT hunters and outfitters are bracing for the impact of a proposed U.S legislation, which might declare polar bears a threatened species.

While the bears are still plentiful in the NWT, the move might affect some local businesses such as hunting outfitters, who rely on American clients for revenue.

James Pokiak, left, and his son Jacob often escort American hunters on paid expeditions. If the U.S. passes a new law, however, those hunters might be barred from bringing home their pelts. - photo courtesy of Pokiak family

One controversial aspect is a proposed ban on polar bear products in the States.

Unless this section is repealed by the U.S. Congress, it might prevent NWT hunters from selling pelts to American clients, or prohibit American hunters from bringing trophies home after hunting in the NWT.

While the legislation is still tentative - and at least a year away from being passed, if it ever reaches beyond the review phase - some people are worried about its potential effects on the NWT hunting industry.

James Pokiak, who is owner of Pokiak Guides and Outfitting in Tuktoyaktuk, said about 80 per cent of his clients are American.

He said hunters appreciate the adventure of tracking bears in the Canadian North, but said they might not sign up as quickly if they must return empty-handed.

"I'll bet they'll still come to hunt," Pokiak said.

According to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, there are about 15,000 polar bears in Canada; which is about half the world's population.

These bears are not threatened by hunters who, according to the federation, kill fewer than 1,000 per year.

However, the bears are still considered vulnerable to pollution and eroding ice.

It is in this respect that Leigh Edgar, a conservation researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, thinks the U.S. might be on to something.

"Climate change is very real - the debate on that is over," she said.

"What remains to be seen now is what the fallout will be for Arctic species. It could be catastrophic."

And thus, she said, Canada might benefit from beefing up its own regulations.

For the time being, the Canadian Wildlife Federation mostly agrees with the Canadian government, which abides by a pact signed in 1973 between Canada, the United-States, Norway and the then U.S.S.R.

"At present, the polar bear is one of the best managed large Arctic mammals. " said one statement by the federation.

Despite the relatively small number of kills, polar bear expedition hunting is a million-dollar-a-year industry in the North.

An untanned pelt can sell for $500 to $3,000, and sports hunters have been known to spend up to $20,000 for a guided expedition to the hunting grounds.

According to Pokiak, business is good.

"I've got two American hunters coming up in March," he said.