2020 Canadian hunting forecast: Top spots for deer, moose, elk, bear and more

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

As the climate warms, winter in the Far North doesn’t pose the same problems for game animals as it once did. This past winter was relatively mild, with not much snow and few really cold days. That’s possibly the new normal, which may present game animals with new challenges, such as crusty snow from thawing and freezing events, increases in parasites and diseases, and summer heat stress.

BEARS

Bear-hunting prospects in the N.W.T. this year are excellent. There are open seasons for black bears, grizzly bears and polar bears, and all three species are doing well.

BISON

The N.W.T.’s total number of bison is down because of the elimination of the species south of Great Slave Lake to control the spread of disease. Outside of that area, however, herd sizes are slowly increasing and hunting is expected to be very good.

CARIBOU

Caribou hunters may be disappointed this season. Some of the mountain caribou herds of the western mountains and a few remote groups of barren ground caribou are doing well, but barren ground caribou numbers are declining throughout most of the territory. Some areas are now closed to all caribou hunting, so hunters need to check the current regulations.

MOOSE

In response to the decrease in caribou opportunities, hunting pressure on moose has increased. In some of the more easily accessed areas, numbers have declined, but not to a concerning level. Hunters who venture away from the roads should do well.

MUSKOX

Similar to moose, this species has seen an increase in hunter attention due to fewer caribou opportunities. The populations on the mainland are still doing well, but on the northern islands, increased incidents of parasites and disease have led to population declines.