Description

The results of satellite tracking and genetic studies done between 1996 and 2003 showed three genetically distinct herds using different seasonal ranges (calving and rutting) in an area once thought of as one "Bluenose" caribou herd. Since 2000, these animals have been surveyed and managed as distinct herds.

Bluenose-East herd

The Bluenose-East herd was estimated at 104,000 animals in 2000. The herd has declined since then, except for a brief increase between 2006 and 2010 followed by another decline. Recently, this herd has shown signs of recovery.

• FACT SHEET: Bluenose-East Caribou

Outfitted and commercial harvest of Bluenose-East caribou has been suspended since 2006. There is a limited Indigenous harvest in Wek’èezhìı (bulls only).

As the primary harvesting community of the Bluenose-East herd in the Sahtú region, Délı̨nę has implemented a community-based caribou conservation plan, Belare Wıle Gots’ę́ Ɂekwę́ – Caribou for All Time, which supports a limited harvest of 150 caribou (mostly bulls) and allows for community self-regulation of caribou harvesting.

Bluenose-West herd

The Bluenose-West herd was estimated at about 112,000 animals in 1992 but declined to about 21,000 by 2005. Population estimates in 2021 and 2025 indicate the herd continues to be stable at a low level.

Resident, outfitted and commercial harvest of Bluenose-West caribou has been suspended since 2006.

Indigenous harvest of the herd is limited. A harvest quota (primarily bulls) is divided among three regions (Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and Sahtú). Colville Lake has implemented a community-based caribou conservation plan, the Dehlá Got’ı̨ne ʔədə Plan.

Cape Bathurst herd

The Cape Bathurst herd was estimated at about 19,000 animals in the early 1990s and declined to 2,400 animals by 2012. Recent survey results indicate the herd is recovering from the earlier declines, with an estimate of around 8,500 caribou in 2025.

All harvest of the Cape Bathurst herd has been suspended since 2007. The herd’s calving grounds on the Cape Bathurst Peninsula are protected through the Inuvialuit Community Conservation Plans and provisions in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. The area is also recognized as a conservation area under the NWT Wildlife Act between May 25 and June 15.

Population

For the latest population estimates for each herd, see Population Surveys.

Management

The Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management (ACCWM) guides the management of the Bluenose-West, Bluenose-East and Cape Bathurst caribou herds through the implementation of the Taking Care of Caribou Management Plan. The plan addresses the need to have a cooperative approach to managing for the herds, protecting the habitat in the herds’ range, and making decisions on the shared harvests in an open and fair manner. It was developed in consultation with the communities that harvest from the three herds.

The Bluenose Caribou Management Plan Community Report is a companion document to the Management Plan. It provides further community knowledge. A Technical Report provides further scientific knowledge. Gaps in knowledge and research suggestions are presented for consideration by the co-management boards responsible for managing for these herds.

The ACCWM meets annually to determine the status of each of the herds and develop herd-specific action plans.

Herd Status

The Taking Care of Caribou Management Plan defines four herd status levels. Each herd status triggers specific management actions, which are related to the natural population cycles as well as cumulative effects on the herds.

Each of the wildlife management boards/councils on the ACCWM collects input from their communities, including scientific knowledge and up to date community observations, and shares it with partners at the annual status meeting.

Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management

The ACCWM is made up of six co-management boards that share authority for the Bluenose-West, Bluenose-East and Cape Bathurst caribou herds:

• Wildlife Management Advisory Council (NWT)
• Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board
• Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gots’ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board)
• Wek’èezhìi Renewable Resources Board
• Kitikmeot Regional Wildlife Board
• Tuktut Nogait National Park Management Board

GNWT supports the ACCWM and uses these plans as primary guidance for monitoring and management of these herds.