Yukon gov't cancels Finlayson caribou hunt, urges co-operation with First Nation
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Ross River Dena Council had warned hunters they'll need Dena permits, gov’t says territorial law still applies
Philippe Morin · CBC News · Posted: Jul 31, 2018 3:17 PM CT | Last Updated: 9 hours ago
The Yukon government has cancelled hunting permits for Finlayson caribou this year following concerns from the Ross River Dena Council. (Yukon Government)
The Yukon government has cancelled permits for hunting Finlayson caribou in southeast Yukon this year in response to objections from the Ross River Dena Council.
The government said in a release Tuesday that all other territorial hunting regulations remain in place.
The Dena Council had taken out a newspaper advertisement in June outlining its concerns.
"Due to our deep concern for caribou and moose in our homeland, we hereby require that any non-Kaska hunters wishing to hunt in our territory must obtain a permit from RRDC. This permit will be subject to our Dena laws," read the advertisement.
It also said the hunting season for moose and caribou, which will open Wednesday, would close on Sept. 15.
The Ross River Dena Council advertisement published in the local newspaper Yukon News, declared the First Nation's jurisdiction over hunting in its traditional territory. (Dave Croft/CBC)
The territorial regulations, however, say the season for hunting moose ends on Oct. 31. The caribou season closes on Oct. 31 in many areas, but there are also variations between zones.
A spokesperson for the environment department, Roxanne Stasyszyn, said the territorial law still applies.
Stasyszyn said anyone with questions about the Finlayson caribou harvest or other hunting rules should call Environment Yukon.
Check in with First Nation, government says
While the existing regulations stand, Stasyszyn said the government is "asking hunters to voluntarily comply with Ross River Dena Council's requests."
Stasyszyn said the First Nation is asking for people to check in before hunting big game. She has not heard that Ross River Dena Council are selling permits or requesting fees.
"To the best of my knowledge, they are asking for people to come in and talk to them and have a conversation before going out on the land," she said.
The traditional territory of the Ross River Dena Council includes much of eastern Yukon and two roads popular with hunters, the North and South Canol Highways.
30 hunters affected by cancellation
The cancellation of the Finlayson caribou hunt will affect 30 hunters who had won permits for this season.
The decision was announced after this year's lottery had already been held and winners chosen, but Stasyszyn said the permits were never issued.
"When the lottery was held, we become aware of Ross River's significant concerns and we were able to sit down at the table with Ross River only after the applications had already been accepted," she said.
All applicants are getting their $10 application fee back and the winning candidates will be given seniority for future lotteries, increasing their odds of winning.
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The Ross River Dena Council says it's concerned about the overhunting of moose on the North Canol road. (Robert Austin)
There's no word yet on whether cancelling the caribou hunt will be permanent.
"We have not changed policy. We have made a decision for this hunting season, and we will be informing hunters at a later date if that impacts Finlayson hunting in future years," Stasyszyn said.
"The conversations with Ross River Dena Council are continuing. We do appreciate that the decision for this year could lead to changes for next year but we can't' say that with confidence yet."
The Ross River Dena Council has not responded to CBC News' request on its reaction to the government statement and whether it will enforce its conditions.
I have said for many years.....that in the future only 1st Nations will be allowed to hunt....
In Sask extensive hunting pressure due to influx of Manitoba 1st Nations(because Manitoba closed alot of areas due to Moose population collapse) has led to reduced Moose populations right across the Northern Provincial Forest. The hardest hit area is around Hudson Bay due to its close proximity to Manitoba. There is also lots of problems with trespassing South of Provincial Forestry. Last year I reported a poached Elk and took C.O out to kill site. He said they are so busy right now dealing with reports of trespassing on farmland by 1st Nations they do not have time to patrol Forestry areas.
This year due to population concerns SERM has cut back Draw tags, Regular Moose and Archery Moose seasons across the Provincial Forests.
I have nothing against ANYONE(any race) hunting to feed their family or to enjoy the outdoors.
BUT I do disagree with unregulated slaughter, hunting while intoxicated ((booze or drugs) and hunting at night with use of artificial lights.
