Outdoor Adventure in the Yukon: A Hunting and Fishing Guide

Bull Moose in the Forest 1

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

	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.

	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.

Fly Fishing in the Yukon 4

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.

	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.

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