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Yukon bison hunters will have new opportunities with expanded seasons and locations where bison can be harvested, Environment Minister Elaine Taylor announced.
Changes were developed with affected Renewable Resources Councils and First Nations through the Yukon Wood Bison technical team. Changes to this year's bison harvest are part of an adaptive management approach that is consistent with the Wood Bison Management Plan.
Changes include an early hunting season along the Alaska Highway to the Slims River, the Aishihik Road, and the North Klondike Highway to Braeburn, where hunters will be able to harvest bison from September 1 to November 30. This opportunity was developed to stop the movement of bison to areas outside their traditional range, to address highway safety concerns, and to achieve bison management objectives.
The traditional season will be in effect from December 1 to March 31 for the remainder of the bison range GMZ 502, 503 and 508 to 551.
An exclusion zone outside the traditional bison ranges has also been established where bison can be harvested year-round, commencing September 1.
The bison hunting course that hunters were required to attend before they were issued a permit is now voluntary and people new to bison hunting are encouraged to take the course. Some 1,900 Yukon hunters have taken the course over the years.
Further details and maps outlining the highway corridor areas are available at Environment Yukon offices and on the Environment Yukon website at www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca.
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