Manitoba/Nunavut Qamanirjuaq Caribou Herd- Largest in North America

Where is the largest caribou herd in North America? Alaska ? No, it is right in our area, the Seal River watershed.  The Qamanirjuaq (also spelled Kaminuriak) caribou herd is now recognized as North America’s healthiest caribou herd, estimated at over 250,000 animals. The numbers and quality are exceptional. This herd migrates down from their calving grounds near Kaminuriak Lake in Nunavut beginning in late August, with most eventually making the sub-boreal forest in northern Manitoba their wintering grounds.  The herd’s population  can spread out over a vast expanse of hundred miles or more.  The return North to the calving grounds begins the following spring.

Hunting pressure on the herd has been carefully controlled for decades and  it was finally opened to non-resident hunters in 1996. Only 400 licenses a year are available in both Nunavut and Manitoba combined for this herd.  These controls have resulted in a quality level so high, SCI actually had to raise the qualifying score for Central Barrenground caribou a few years from 345 to 360 after hunting on this herd was opened.

Hunting North offers two full-service camps situated on the Nunavut/Manitoba border.

For those who have experienced it, there are few hunts that can match the majesty of hunting caribou on the Tundra during the Fall colors. Give us a call or email to ganglers@ganglers.com