World Famous Hunts

Experience hunting in the remote vastness of the Northwest Territories, where free-roaming game far outnumbers the human population. The north offers a wide variety of trophy hunting species, such as Alphine sheep, goats, moose, bison, and every big game hunter's ultimate trophy - the polar bear. This is a wilderness of memorable hunts with guiding available through some of the world's most experienced outfitters.

Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Hunting, fishing and trapping in the NWT is regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. All residents, and non-residents require a licence to hunt, fish and trap in the NWT. Requirments for the licences can be found in the following summaries of the NWT Hunting, Sport Fishing, and Trapping Regulations. All hunters require a licence to hunt caribou, wood bison, polar bear, muskox, or any other animal not being hunted for food, unless they are beneficiaries of a land claim specifically exempting them from requiring a licence. The hunting rights of Aboriginal people in the NWT are based on traditional use and are different from those of other hunters. Hunting by many Aboriginal people is controlled by Land Claim Agreements. Hunting by others may also be affected by Land Claim Agreements.

Please visit the website for more information about hunting regulations.

Big Game Animal Species near Yellowknife

Moose — Moose are the largest members of the deer family with huge distinctive antlers. They can weigh up to 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds). They are solitary animals that scare easily and will dart into the forests. An estimated 20,000 moose live throughout the NWT within and beyond the treeline. They can be found in the Yellowknife area during the late winter months.

Grizzly Bear — Grizzlies are now confined to the northern regions of the NWT barrens and in the Mackenzie Mountains. Some 3,500 grizzly bears live in the NWT, with the largest concentration in the Mackenzie Mountains.

Wolf — Wolves are plentiful in the NWT making their living as the main animal predator of the caribou. They travel with the herds, working in packs to bring down calves or take advantage of injured or sick animals. Hunters will spot and track them by following the caribou herds in the spring.

Wood Bison — Wood bison are the larger cousins of plains bison, native to northern Canada. Male wood bison stand 1.8 m (6 feet) and can weigh up to 1000 kg (2200 lbs). They are to be found in or near the Bison Sactuaries on the Mackenzie Highway leading to Yellowknife, and are often spotted on the side of the highway where they can escape from the wolve and insects.

Small Game Hunting

You must have a hunting licence to hunt small game. Abundant small game, including waterfowl (ducks, grouse/ptarmigan, geese) and small mammals (rabbit) can be found in the Yellowknife area.

Outfitters

Non-residents and non-resident aliens require an outfitter to hunt big game. Outfitters provide licenced guides for the hunters they serve. Seasoned hunting experts are available to assist with your hunting plans and will arrange every detail, from licence, to transportation, to location, to lodging.