Nunavut accepts major increase in Baffin Island caribou harvest, from 550 to 6,000 tags
The Government of Nunavut has accepted the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s decision to raise the Baffin Island caribou total allowable harvest to 6,000 tags for the July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 season, up from 550. Female-harvest restrictions and mandatory sample submissions have also ended, but harvesters still need a local allocation and must report harvests. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
What happened
Nunavut announced Aug. 13 that it accepted an NWMB decision to modify Baffin Island caribou harvest management effective immediately. The 2026–27 total allowable harvest is 6,000 tags, replacing the previous 550-tag limit. The NWMB lists the Baffin Island caribou harvest-management modification among its recent decisions, and the underlying Baffin caribou submissions were tabled for the Board’s June 24 regular meeting. Sourcenwmb.com↗ Sourcenwmb.com↗
Why it matters
The decision substantially expands lawful harvesting opportunities across Baffin Island for this harvest year. It also changes field requirements: the former limit that restricted female caribou to 20 per cent of the total harvest, and the prohibition on harvesting females with calves, have been removed. Harvesters no longer need to submit harvest samples or proof of sex, but are required to report harvests to their local wildlife office or Hunters and Trappers Organization. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
What happens next
The Board has directed annual increases of 125 tags beginning in the 2027–28 season. The Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board is responsible for allocating the total allowable harvest, while individual Hunters and Trappers Organizations allocate their community shares and may regulate local harvesting. People seeking a tag or allocation should contact their local HTO; harvesting without an allocation remains an offence under the Wildlife Act. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
Important details
This is an approved and accepted harvest-management change, not a proposal. It applies to the 2026–27 harvest period, which began July 1 and ends June 30, 2027. The Government of Nunavut says the change reflects current population information, scientific information and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit presented with the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and HTOs. Sourcepremier.gov.nu.ca↗
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