The Government of Nunavut has accepted a decision of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) to increase the Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) of Baffin Island caribou effective immediately for the 2026-2027 harvest season.
For the harvest period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, there will be an increase from 550 to 6,000 tags for Baffin Island caribou. The increase reflects current population information, all available scientific information and Inuit qaujimajatuqangit presented to the NWMB at their regular meeting on June 24, 2026, in collaboration with the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board (QWB) and Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs). This increase provides expanded harvesting opportunities for Nunavummiut while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Baffin Island caribou population.
There will also be incremental increases of 125 tags each following season beginning with the 2027-2028 harvest season as directed by the NWMB. The previous non-quota limitations restricting the harvest of female caribou to no more than 20 per cent of the TAH and prohibiting the harvest of female caribou with calves, have also been removed.
Submission of harvest samples for Baffin Island caribou are no longer required or being collected, including proof of sex. However, harvesters are required to report their harvest to their local wildlife office or HTO. Additionally, harvesters are also encouraged to immediately notify their local wildlife office of any suspected cases of sick wildlife.
Harvesters are reminded that harvesting Baffin Island caribou without an allocation during the 2026–2027 harvest season remains an offence under the Wildlife Act and may result in enforcement action.
Under the Nunavut Agreement, allocations of the TAH are the responsibility of the QWB.
Individual HTOs have the authority to allocate their share of the TAH to its members and to regulate harvesting activities within their communities.
If any hunters want to harvest Baffin Island caribou, please contact your local HTO for more information on allocations.