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Baffin Island caribou harvest rises to 6,000 tags for 2026–27
Nunavut says the Baffin Island caribou total allowable harvest has increased immediately from 550 to 6,000 tags for the season ending June 30, 2027. Hunters still need an allocation from their local Hunters and Trappers Organization, and must report harvested animals.
What happened
The Government of Nunavut accepted a Nunavut Wildlife Management Board decision increasing the Baffin Island caribou total allowable harvest by 5,450 tags, from 550 to 6,000, effective for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 season. The government says the board considered current population information, available scientific information and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit at its June 24 meeting. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
Why it matters
This is a major immediate change for Baffin Island hunters and local wildlife-management bodies. The total harvest limit is more than ten times the previous level, but it is not an open harvest: the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board is responsible for allocating the total, and each HTO controls allocation of its community share to members. Harvesting without an allocation remains an offence under the Wildlife Act. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
What happens next
Hunters seeking to harvest Baffin Island caribou should contact their local HTO about available allocations. Beginning in 2027–28, the total allowable harvest is set to increase by 125 tags each season under the board direction announced by Nunavut. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
Important details
The previous limits capping female harvest at 20 per cent of the total and prohibiting harvest of females with calves have been removed. Harvest samples and proof of sex are no longer required or collected, but harvesters must report their harvest to their local wildlife office or HTO and are encouraged to promptly report suspected sick wildlife. The NWMB’s June 24 meeting registry includes the Government of Nunavut’s caribou harvest submission, abundance-survey report, survey results and consultation summary. Sourcenwmb.com↗
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