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Integrated Wildlife Management Plan: Na'cho N'y'ak Dun Traditional
Territory
Action Agenda 1997-2000: Populations
Moose
Current Status:
In 1993, as part of the first integrated big game management plan, moose
were counted in the most heavily hunted region around Mayo. The results
showed a stable population with a density of 120-135/1000 square kilometers
which is near the Yukon average. Sex ratios at that time were 51 calves/100
cows, 18 yearlings/100 cows and 82 bulls/100 cows. Every spring since
1993, counts of the number of calves entering the adult population (as
yearlings) suggest that the moose population around the Mayo area is stable.
Apart from the 1988 and 1993 surveys, little is known about the status
of moose except by inference from the harvest information from non-First
nation hunters.
| Concern:
Some local areas are too heavily hunted.
Solution:
See Harvest
- Zones. |
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| Concern:
Standard survey methods are too expensive for regular population
monitoring.
Solution:
Use a variety of indicators
to monitor moose status. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Repeat the 1993 moose census in NNDTT
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1998/1999 |
YTG |
| Use indicators to monitor moose status
in zones |
1999/2000
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MDRRC |
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| Concern:
NNDTT moose management zones are not complete.
Solution:
Manage moose by zones for NNDTT. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Complete zoning NNDTT for moose management
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1997/1998 |
MDRRC |
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Caribou
Current Status:
One barren-ground caribou herd and seven woodland caribou herds inhabit
the NNDTT. Population estimates for the herds are: Porcupine 152000 (1994),
Hart River 1200 (1982), Bonnet Plume 5000 (1982), Moose Lake 200 (1991),
Tay River 3750 (1991), Ethel Lake 300 (1993), Tatchun 300, Redstone 5000
- 10000 (small portion of range in NNDTT). In NNDTT, caribou are managed
on an individual herd basis.
| Concern:
Some of the caribou in the vicinity of Clear Creek in the
Hart River may belong to a second herd.
Solution:
Complete identification of caribou herds in NNDTT. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Figure out if Clear Creek caribou
are a separate herd |
1998/1999 |
YTG |
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| Concern:
Status of Ethel Lake herd uncertain.
Solution:
Manage caribou by herds based on population and harvest. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Keep track of caribou harvests by
herd |
1997/1998
1998/1999
1999/2000
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MDRRC |
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Sheep
Current Status:
Sheep surveys in NNDTT have been conducted in 1978, 1982, 1986, and 1988.
The only recent information is 100 sheep counted in McArthur Game Sanctuary
in 1995. As directed by the first integrated Big Game management plan,
sheep densities should be recorded on a Mountain Block basis which conforms
to their home range, rather than by subzone. Sheep harvests are regulated
by age to ensure that only older rams are taken although there is some
concern about the effect this could have on populations where old rams
know about seldom used habitats. Sheep harvesting in McArthur Game Sanctuary
is closed for non-First Nations hunters. Opportunities for First Nation
hunting in the sanctuary will be resolved by agreement among YTG, Selkirk
First Nation and NND.
| Concern:
There are no known opportunities for locals to hunt sheep
at reasonable expense.
Solution:
Inform people about
opportunities for sheep hunts. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Look for opportunities to hunt sheep
at reasonable cost |
1997/1998
1998/1999
1999/2000
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MDRRC |
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| Concern:
Sheep management zones have not been completed for NNDTT.
Solution:
Manage sheep by zones
based on mountain block home ranges. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Complete zoning of sheep ranges in
NNDTT |
1997/1998 |
MDRRC |
| Keep track of sheep harvests by management
zone |
1998/1999
1999/2000
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MDRRC |
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Grizzly Bear
Current Status:
There is no direct population information about grizzlies in NNDTT. Estimates
of bear densities are based on what the habitat would likely support.
In general, harvest information is used to judge whether populations are
being overharvested or not. Similarly, an increase in nuisance reports
could indicate that a local population may be high. Management of grizzly
harvests by outfitting concessions is based on a points system for males
and females and an overall points limit per concession for a 3-5 year
period.
| Concern:
The effectiveness of the points system has not been evaluated
since it was introduced.
Solution:
Evaluate the points system
for managing outfitter concession levels. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Participate in YTG review and revision
of points system for managing outfitter concessions |
1997/1998 |
MDRRC |
| Use revised system for managing outfitter
harvests |
1998/1999 |
YTG |
| Maintain revised system for managing
outfitter harvests |
1999/2000 |
YTG |
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Butterflies
Current Status:
Two rare species of butterfly (Parnassuis eversmanni Thor, Boloria
sp.) inhabit Sourdough Hill near the community of Keno City in NNDTT.
Although Boloria has also been recorded in the Dempster Highway
region of the Richardson Mountains, Parnassuis eversmanni Thor
is believed to occur only on Sourdough Hill.
| Concern:
Recent increases in collection activity are threatening both
populations with extinction.
Solution:
Find ways to preserve
the butterfly populations on Sourdough Hill. |
| Actions: |
When: |
Who: |
| Prepare a butterfly management plan
for Sourdough Hill |
1997/1998 |
MDRRC |
| Implement butterfly management plan
for Sourdough Hill |
1998/1999 |
MDRRC |
| Maintain butterfly management plan
for Sourdough Hill |
1999/2000 |
MDRRC |
| Monitor effectiveness of butterfly
management plan for Sourdough Hill |
1998/1999
1999/2000
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MDRRC |
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