Yukon Hunting Regulations 2007-08

The 2007-08 Yukon Hunting Regulations Summaries are now available through Environment Yukon offices, liquor stores in communities outide of Whitehorse, the Yukon Fish and Game Association, and the Yukon OUtfitters Association. They are also available as a pdf:

• 2007-08 Hunting Regulations Summary (PDF 5.1 MB).

Important Changes for 2007-08

Sheep Hunting in the Richardson Mountains

The permit hunt for sheep in the Richardson Mountains (GMS 1-25 and 1-28) has been suspended while a management plan for the area is being developed.

Bison Hunt Expanded

Due to the increasing population of the Aishihik bison herd, several regulations changes have been made toward increasing the bison harvest.

• Bison hunting has been opened in all of Game Management Zones 3, 4 (except 4-03 and 4-51), 5, 7, 8 and 9.

• The hunting season for each permit has been extended by one month. Permits will be issued for December, January and February; OR December, January and March.

• The number of permits issued has been increased significantly.

• Hunters who take a cow bison will be eligible to apply for a bison permit in the next licence year, but will only be eligible to receive a permit if there are permits left over after the lottery.

Change to Caribou Season and Bag Limit in GMS 2-40

The Hart River caribou herd ranges in an area that overlaps with the Porcupine Caribou herd. In order to maintain a healthy population in the smaller Hart River herd, subzone 2-40 will now have a hunting season of August 1 – October 31 and bag limit of one male caribou.

Big Game Seals

Before you hunt, you must first obtain a big game seal for each animal you plan to hunt. (Big game seals are provided free of charge to First Nation citizens and Yukon residents 65 years of age or older.) Big game seals are not required for coyote, wolverine or wolves. However pelt sealing is required for wolf and wolverine that are harvested.

Big Game Seal Fees (gst extra)

You must carry your seals and...

You must carry your big game seals with you every time you hunt big game. When you kill a big game animal, you must immediately cancel the seal by cutting out the tabs which indicate the date, the sex of the animal, and the zone in which it was taken. You must then attach the seal to a recognizable part of the animal and leave it attached until you get the animal home, or until it has been inspected by a Conservation Officer.

Lost licences and seals

If your licence or seals are lost or destroyed, you must replace them before you hunt again. To replace them you must fill out an affidavit and pay a $2 fee for each licence or seal. Affidavits can be obtained at Environment Yukon offices or from Territorial Agents.

Loan or transfer of licences

It is unlawful to use another person’s licence, seal or permit or allow another person to use yours. An exception is provided for young hunters aged 12 and 13 who must use the seal of the accompanying adult if they hunt a big game animal.

Young Hunters

You must be at least 12 years old to be eligible for a big game hunting licence. There are no age restrictions for a small game hunting licence.

All hunters born after April 1, 1987 are required to have successfully completed a recognized hunter education program before they become eligible for a big game or small game hunting licence, unless they held a licence the previous year.

You will be able to meet this requirement by showing your certificate from a Yukon Hunter Education and Ethics Development (HEED) workshop, or a Hunter Education certificate from any jurisdiction in Canada or the United States. Yukon HEED workshops are held throughout the Yukon each year.

It is unlawful for a parent or guardian to allow a child under 16 years of age to hunt any species of wildlife unless the child is accompanied by a person 19 years of age or older who holds a valid licence for that species, or who is a licensed guide provided by a licensed Yukon outfitter.

Federal firearm laws for young hunters

To legally carry a firearm when you are under the age of 18, you must have a valid Firearm Possession Licence for minors, or be under the direct and immediate supervision of the adult who legally posesses the firearm.

You must be at least 12 years of age to be eligible for a Firearm Possession Licence for minors. Exceptions are made for aboriginal youth taking part in traditional hunts, and for subsistence hunters (aboriginal and non-aboriginal).

If you are 12 to 17 years of age you must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before you can obtain a Firearm Possession Licence for minors. Exceptions are made for aboriginal youths taking part in traditional hunts, and for subsistence hunters (aboriginal and non-aboriginal).