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Moose in the Forest 1 |
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The Yukon
offers a remote and vast landscape to discover in Northern
Canada, inhabited by a diverse game population throughout the territory
including moose, caribou, mountain sheep and bears. Its numerous lakes and rivers
provide prime fishing for northern species such as Arctic grayling, northern
pike and the lesser known Arctic char.
Hunting and fishing are
ancient traditions for the First Nations groups of the Yukon, and continue to
be a central part of their culture. Others hunt and fish for the thrill of the
catch or simply to be closer to nature. Whatever the reason, hunting and fishing
opportunities are abundant in the Yukon, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all
over. The Yukon has a sparse human population of just over 30,000, with animals
out numbering people in the territory. Nature and wildlife literally dominate
the province, making them a part of the everyday. The variety and abundance
of large mammals includes trophy-quality species, prized for their size and
preserved as a symbol of a successful hunt.
GEOGRAPHY
Covering 483,450 sq km (186,700
sq mi), the Yukon is located in northwestern
Canada, and is bordered by the Beaufort Sea to the north, the province
of British Columbia
to the south, the state of Alaska
to the west and the Northwest
Territories to the east. Divided into eight regions, the Yukon terrain
is composed of mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, glaciers, plateaus and
river valleys. The St.
Elias Mountains are noted for Mount
Logan, the highest point in Canada at 5,959 m (19,500 ft), which is
climbed by adventure seekers that encounter extreme temperatures and weather
conditions. Three national parks, Kluane,
Ivvavik, Vuntut,
and a territorial park, Tombstone,
are located in this vast territory, covering nearly 40,000 sq km (15,440 sq
mi). The Yukon
River is the second largest river in Canada. Half of the river crosses
through Alaska, then the entire Yukon, ending with a small portion in British
Columbia. Other major rivers include the Alsek,
Liard
and Pelly.
The largest lakes in the territory include Kluane,
Teslin,
Bennett
and Laberge,
all found near the Yukon River's headwaters, and supporting populations of whitefish,
lake trout, northern pike and other species.
CLIMATE
In general, the Yukon experiences
a sub-arctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures
range from -20°C to -32°C (-4°F to -26°F) in January and average 14°C (57°F)
in July, although summer temperatures can reach the high thirties (30°C or 86°F).
Due to its low humidity, the Yukon has dry, cold winters with snow depths measuring
50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in).
REGULATIONS FOR
HUNTING AND FISHING IN THE YUKON
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Black
Bear in the Bush 2 |
Environment Yukon has implemented
a set of hunting and fishing guidelines that are strictly enforced, with consequences
for those committing violations including hefty fines, charges under the Wildlife
Act and even imprisonment. It is advisable that visitors contact this agency
to confirm regulations and requirements. A valid license is needed to hunt and
fish in the Yukon and must be signed and carried with the individual when hunting
and fishing. Licenses are available at any Environment
Yukon Office, select sporting goods stores and some convenience stores.
Special Requirements
Hunting
Non-residents must be guided by a registered Yukon outfitter when hunting big
game. Non-resident Canadians can also be guided by a Yukon resident who has
a Special Guiding License. Prior to leaving the Yukon, non-residents must pay
harvest fees. Big game seals are also required for each animal hunted. A bow,
muzzleloader or rifle can be used.
Fishing
Special licenses and permits are required to fish in national parks (Kluane,
Ivvavik and Vuntut National Parks) and for salmon fishing (with the exception
of kokanee- or salmon-stocked lakes.)
Outfitters
Many outfitters are found in the Yukon, who conduct hunting and fishing trips
as well as other outdoor excursions. Restrictions are in place that limit only
one outfitter to operate in a geographical area and hunting concession. The
geographic area refers to the territory that guides can take their clients.
High ethical standards are followed by all outfitters, which includes support
of wildlife management through donations to conservation projects, and sharing
information with game management organizations. Yukon outfitters maintain a
solid reputation and many offer years of experience that is passed on to travellers.
HUNTING
With its lush boreal forests
and pristine waterways, the Yukon is a prime hunting ground for big game such
as moose, caribou, mountain sheep and bears. Fall hunts usually run from August
to October with spring hunts starting in mid-April to mid-June.
Moose (Alces alces)
Moose are the largest member of the deer family, standing over 2 m (6.5 ft)
in height and having an antler span of 1.8 m (6 ft). They inhabit the entire
Yukon with a high concentration found in the territory's southern regions. Studies
estimate there are approximately 65,000 to 70,000 moose in the territory. Two
subspecies found include the Alaska Yukon moose or tundra moose (Alces alces
gigas), the largest moose subspecies in the world, and the smaller woodland
moose (Alces alces andersoni). The moose hunting season for most of the Yukon
extends from August 1 to October 31, with hunters (mostly residents) taking
in 500 to 800 animals per year, mainly during September, the prime rutting season.
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
The caribou is the most abundant large mammal found in the Yukon, with a population
of 100,000, comprised of three subspecies. Barren ground and woodland types
are found here, with the barren ground caribou being the most numerous. Their
herds migrate from tundra to treed areas. Woodland caribou form small groups
and move between boreal forest and open mountain habitats.
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Porcupine Caribou Herd 3 |
Moutain Sheep (Ovis dalli)
Mountain sheep populations are estimated at 22,000 in the Yukon and most are
found in the southwestern part of the territory in the St. Elias and Coast mountain
ranges. Two types of thinhorn sheep are found here, including the pure-white
Dall Sheep, also found in Alaska, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia;
and the darker stone sheep, found in the south central Yukon and Northern British
Columbia. A type of stone sheep called the Fannin is found in the community
of Faro,
and is a prized trophy hunt because of its mixed colours.
Bears (Ursus arctos and
ursus americanus)
A symbol of strength and wilderness, the grizzly bear inhabits the entire Yukon,
holding a population of 6,000 to 7,000. The smaller black bear is most numerous
in the southern and central parts of the territory, and has an estimated population
of 10,000.
FISHING
Fishing in the Yukon provides
anglers with opportunities to lure lesser-known northern species including the
inconnu and Arctic char. Anglers fly or hike to remote locations or simply find
waterways off the roadside. Fishing is common in the Southern Lakes region where
an abundant amount of lakes and rivers are found.
Arctic Char (Salvelinus
alpinus)
Two forms of Arctic char species include the anadromous (fish that live in the
sea but breed in fresh waters), and the non-anadromous form (those that live
in freshwater throughout their lives). Colours differ in both species. The freshwater
types range from dark blue to olive green or brown, and the sea species are
silvery with deep blue or greenish-blue markings. Both have violet-pink or red
spots on their dorsal surfaces. Arctic char is found naturally in northern drainages
of the Yukon and are stocked in accessible pothole lakes.
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Fishing in the Yukon 4 |
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Arctic Grayling (Thymallus
arcticus)
Arctic grayling are noted for their enlarged dorsal fin and slender bodies,
with most Yukon species averaging less than 50.8 cm (20 in) and under 9.5 kg
(2 lbs). Male graylings have iridescent rows of orange or emerald green spots
on their dorsal fin. This type of fish is found in pools and back eddies of
all major rivers in the Yukon and in shallow rivers and streams for spawning
in the early spring.
Kokanee (Oncorhynchus
nerka)
Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon and are trout-like in appearance, with
a silver-bluish colour. During spawning time the species takes on different
colours, with both males and females developing red on their backs and sides.
They are prized for their flavourful meat and are found mostly in deep waters
except for early June, where they inhabit the shallow waters of Kathleen
Lake, along the Haines
Highway.
Lake Trout (Salvelinus
namaycush)
Lake trout are quite rare, native only to northern areas of North America. They
vary in colour from black to grey or light green. The bigger fish are found
in larger lakes, with nine to 14 kg (20 to 30 lbs) catches not uncommon. The
best time to fish for lake trout is in early spring, as in the summer they move
to deeper, cooler waters.
Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Northern pike are dark green in appearance with lighter spots melting into a
white-coloured belly. The best fishing for northern pike occurs in the early
spring during spawning in shallow waters. During the summer, northern pike can
be found near the surface of the warm, weedy areas of lakes.
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Dall
Sheep Above Lake 5 |
FIRST NATIONS
Hunting and fishing continues
to be a vital tradition and way of life for First Nations groups. The Vuntut
Gwitchin, a First Nations group situated in the northern most community
of Old Crow,
rely on the porcupine caribou herd for food, shelter and medicines. Hunters
and anglers are encouraged to practice three First Nations principles: show
respect for the animals, take only what is needed and use everything that is
taken. These principles are grounded in respecting nature as a whole and realizing
the relationship and impact humans have on the environment.
Eleven Yukon First Nations
groups hold legal title to over 30,000 sq km (11,580 sq mi) of land in the territory.
There are certain rights and responsibilities that concern hunting on First
Nations lands, including obtaining consent. More information can be found by
contacting one of the First Nations groups, a conservation officer or Environment
Yukon.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- YG Photo; c/o Travel Yukon; Bull Moose in the Forest; YT,
Canada
- YG Photo; c/o Travel Yukon; Black Bear in the Bush; YT, Canada
- YG Photo; c/o Travel Yukon; Porcupine Caribou Herd; YT, Canada
- YG Photo; c/o Travel Yukon; Fly Fishing in the Yukon; Kluane
National Park, YT, Canada
- YG Photo; c/o Travel Yukon; Dall Sheep Above Lake; Kluane
National Park, YT, Canada
