Iqaluit hunters propose limited hunt of Baffin caribou

The Amarok Hunters and Trappers Organization in Iqaluit suggested Thursday that the Baffin Island caribou harvest should be limited to two or three per household rather than an all-out ban.

Geetaloo Kakee made the suggestion on day two of a three-day public hearing hosted by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in Iqaluit this week. The hearings will help determine the next stage in caribou management on the island following an emergency ban on caribou hunting imposed Jan. 1.

Representatives from most of the HTOs in other Baffin communities do not support the idea, saying a limited hunt could create a race to find caribou across the region.

Jaycobie Ikalukjuaq, chair of the HTO in Clyde River, says it could also create a dangerous situation with people who are not hunters trying to harvest their household quota. He's also not sure the limit would be respected.

Kakee says he knew Amarok's suggestion would receive some criticism, but the HTO wanted to offer an alternative to the moratorium.

Decision is for 'future generations'

Many attending the hearings, which began Wednesday, have voiced their frustrations. The all-out ban was the first caribou management measure imposed on Inuit in the region.

Environment Minister Johnny Mike defended the ban in the legislature yesterday, saying the animals are in crisis.

"As wildlife managers, sometimes we have to make difficult decisions about harvesting for today's generation of hunters," he said. "This decision is different: it is being done for future generations of hunters."

Ben Kovic, chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, says he's open to suggestions about how to deal with a population that hunters and scientists agree is dangerously low.

"We're asking the people who are here, do you have an idea how to do it better?" Kovic asks. "If you have a different idea… then we will look at it. We have open-minded options here."