Bluenose-West Herd

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Barren-ground caribou that occupy the area of northern NWT and western Nunavut, are considered to part of the Bluenose caribou herd. Their population numbers remained relatively low during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the mid 1980’s, herd numbers began increasing steadily and in 1992, when the last survey was done on the Bluenose population as one herd, their population was estimated to be approximately 122,000 caribou.

Analyses of distribution information documented during surveys done between 1966 and 1993 using a computerized geographic information system (GIS) indicated that there were three distinct calving and two rutting areas within the Bluenose range.

The results of satellite tracking and genetic studies completed between 1996 and 2003 confirmed the hypothesis that there are three distinct herds that use different seasonal ranges (calving and especially rutting). These genetically distinct herds are the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West and Bluenose-East herds, and as of the year 2000, have been censused as distinct herds.

In 2005, a population survey of the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose West and Bluenose East barren-ground caribou herds showed populations had declined significantly since the 2000 estimates.

The Bluenose-West herd calving grounds are located in the western Melville Hills in Tuktut Nogait National Park, with high calving densities in the area west of the Hornaday River south to the Little Hornaday River. The post calving range of this herd includes the Melville Hills from the coastal areas near Paulatuk, east to Bluenose Lake, south to the Little Hornaday River, and in the areas east of the Hornaday River. The bulls summer in the same area, with some using coastal areas as far west as the Horton River. In late July or early August, the herd migrates westward into the area below treeline around Rendezvous Lake to the Anderson River. The rutting occurs in this area and as far west as the Kugaluk River and south to the Simpson and Horton lakes areas. The winter range of this herd includes the area from Eskimo Lakes and the Anderson River to the north and Colville and Great Bear lakes and Fort Good Hope to the south.


The Bluenose-West herd was first censused as a distinct herd in 2000. A photocensus was completed in early July 2000, however due to cool windy weather conditions, the herd did not aggregate very well. As a result the population estimate of 74,273 obtained for 2000 should be considered as a minimum. Data obtained during photocensus surveys completed on the “Bluenose” herd in 1987, 1998, and 2000 were re-analyzed to estimate population trends. Another photocensus is planned for 2005.

Another photocensus was completed during the summer of 2005. The results of this census show the Bluenose-West herd has declined to an estimate of 20,800 animals. A photocensus survey, completed in July, 2006, estimated the size of the Bluenose-West Herd at 18,000 animals.

Calving ground surveys were done to estimate productivity. In 2002 and 2003 cow calf ratios in late June were 55 and 53 calves per 100 cows, respectively. The cow calf ratios appear to have increased during recent years.
 

Year	Population Estimate (non calf)	Range (95% CI)
1987	106,887	102,233 - 111,542
1992	112,360	86,794 - 137,926
2000	76,376	62,029 - 90,723
2005	20,800	18,760 - 22,840
2006	18,050	17,523 - 18,578
2009	17,897	16,587 - 19,207

Harvest Levels

The majority of the Bluenose harvest is carried out by the residents of Kugluktuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Ft. Good Hope and Paulatuk. Residents of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Aklavik also harvest from the Bluenose herd when they cannot access the Porcupine herd.

In response to decreasing herd numbers, the co-management boards and Government of the Northwest Territories are working together to implement measures to conserve the herds. Currently the harvest of the Bluenose herds is restricted to subsistence harvesters for the Wildlife Management Areas S/BC/01 and S/BC/03 as of September 15, 2006.