General:
Caribou are classified as part of the deer family but are unique to the ungulates because it is the only species in which both male and females grow antlers. Four types of caribou are found in the Northwest Territories: Grant, Peary, Woodland and Barren-ground. Barren-ground caribou ( Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus ) have the largest population, totalling 848,000 animals, which is comprised of six herds: the Bluenose East, Bluenose West, Cape Bathurst, Bathurst, Beverely and Ahiak Herd. We hunt from the Bathurst Herd, which is also known as the Central Canadian Barren-ground Caribou as classified by Boone & Crockett Club.
Caribou predominantly forage on lichens although they will consume sedges and evergreens. They are excellent swimmers and can swim long distances if necessary. Their hooves act as paddles and help propel them while their hollow hairs help them stay afloat. Although they do not have the best eyesight, their extraordinary sense of smell compensates; caribou can smell their food source buried underneath mounds of snow. They are very curious animals. The average weight of a barren-ground caribou bull in the prime is 300 Lbs. (145 kg) cows can weigh 200 Lbs. (90 kg)
Migration:
Caribou are excellent navigators; their migration routes are well-established. Four of the six barren-ground caribou herds (the Bluenose Ease, Bluenose West, Bathurst & Beverly) migrate south to the taiga (northern region of the Boreal forest, when coniferous forests grow) during the winter and then gather in the late spring to migrate north to their traditional calving grounds. They migrate approximately 5 miles/hr (7 km) but if spooked can gallop fast enough to out run wolves. They can leisurely walk 15 – 40 miles (20 – 65 km) per day.
In August, the caribou have a dark brown coat, with white hair flowing from the neck to chest. Their massive antlers are covered with velvet that ranges in colour from chocolate brown to silver/grey. As the weather becomes colder, the bulls develop heavy white manes and a prominent white stripe along their flanks. Typically, during the first week of September (our third hunt) they also begin to shed their velvet. As the weeks pass, the velvet peels off, leaving the antlers with a polished appearance.
