The Government of Nunavut announced Aug. 13 that it accepted the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s Baffin Island caribou harvest-management decision, effective immediately. The total allowable harvest for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 is 6,000, up from 550. The Board lists the harvest-management modification as a recent decision, and its June meeting materials include the Government of Nunavut proposal and supporting survey and consultation records. Source↗ Source↗

This is a major increase in harvesting opportunity for Baffin Island communities. The previous limits on harvesting female caribou—including the cap of 20 per cent of the total harvest and the prohibition on harvesting females with calves—have been removed. Harvest samples and proof-of-sex submissions are no longer required, although harvest reporting remains required. Source↗

The Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board is responsible for allocating the total allowable harvest, while individual Hunters and Trappers Organizations can allocate their community share to members and regulate local harvesting. Hunters should contact their local HTO before harvesting. The Government of Nunavut says the Board directed further increases of 125 tags per season starting in 2027–28. Source↗

The change applies to the current July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 harvest season. A total allowable harvest is the territory-wide limit, not an automatic personal entitlement to harvest. Hunting without an allocation remains an offence under the Wildlife Act and may lead to enforcement action. Harvesters must report kills to their local wildlife office or HTO and are encouraged to immediately report suspected sick wildlife. The Government of Nunavut says the increase was based on current population information, available scientific information and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit presented to the Board with the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and HTOs. Source↗