KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE
Eighteen-year-old Nigel Allukpik loves nothing better than to have the opportunity to head out on the land, even in frigid temperatures.
Nigel Allukpik photographed guide and instructor Gerry Atatahak, left, explaining the fine points of setting a trap to Felix Anablak during a trapping camp Feb. 6 to 11 at Melville Creek. - photo courtesy of Nigel Allukpik |
The young man was making it clear weeks ahead of the trip that he was eager to take off and finally on Feb. 6, it was time to depart. Eight other Kugluktuk community members joined him, led by guides Stanley Klengenberg and Gerry Atatahak.
The purpose of the trip was learning to set traps. The group set out to Melville Creek, about 96 km (60 miles) south of Kugluktuk, and set up camp.
"I was pretty excited. We did good, we had lots of people."
A vivid memory that remains is "waking up in the cold morning."
"The tent camp ... was a cold, damp tent camp," he said.
Trappers slept two to a tent.
After waking up and getting the stove going, the group would eat.
"Then we'd go check the traps."
In all, 48 traps were set. Afterwards, at about two or three in the afternoon, it was time to check the fish nets, which had been set the night before.
"We had good fried fish," said Allukpik, who juggled with the task of frying a fish at home for lunch while speaking to Nunavut News/North.
It's possible to trap fox, wolverine, wolves and marten in the area. The group captured one red fox during the camp. Setting traps is simple, he said.
"You just have to pay attention to your guide. One guy, it was his first time setting a trap and he wasn't paying attention. It's not right not to pay attention. You make the time, you pay attention. Then you do your stuff," he said. The days went by fast.
"It was nothing but fun," he says, adding "despite the cold," which ranged from -30 C to -50 C.
Allukpik is now a certified trapper.
And the best part about the camp?
"Being out there-beautiful," he said.
