Hunting in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is an important part of northern culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Whether you are a resident, non-resident, or Aboriginal harvester, there are specific rules, licences, and requirements that help ensure wildlife is harvested responsibly and sustainably.
In this section, you’ll find information about hunting in the Northwest Territories — including licences, fees, tags, regulations, and education requirements. You’ll also find details on who can hunt, youth and Aboriginal harvester rights, land claim considerations, and equipment standards.
Learn about how to hunt responsibly, what to do with your harvest, and how to report issues or concerns to your regional Environment and Climate Change office.
Calling NWT Artists: Create Artwork for the NWT Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guides
The Government of the Northwest Territories' Department of Environment and Climate Change is looking for Northwest Territories artists to create original artwork for future editions of the NWT Summary of Hunting & Trapping Regulations and Northwest Territories Sport Fishing Regulations Guide.
We are commissioning 10 original artworks, five for each guide with artwork representing each of the Northwest Territories' five administrative regions: Beaufort Delta, Sahtu, Dehcho, North Slave and South Slave.
What we're looking for
Artists are invited to propose artwork depicting hunting, trapping or fishing activities and species representative of one or more NWT regions.
Potential wildlife and fish include:
| S/N | Region | Potential animals to be depicted | Potential fish to be depicted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Beaufort Delta | Polar bear, muskox, wolf, fox, small game, barren-ground caribou, wolverine | Arctic char, bull trout, dolly varden, burbot, inconnu, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, white fish |
| 2. | Sahtú | Sheep, caribou, mountain goat, wolverine, black bear, grizzly bear, marten, small game |
Arctic Grayling, bull trout, burbot, inconnu, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, white fish River and lake fishing traditions Fishing on Great Bear Lake |
| 3. | Dehcho | Black bear, wolf, moose, wood bison, small game | River and lake fishing traditions |
| 4. | North Slave | Black bear, wolf, wolverine, moose, wood bison, small game, deer, muskox | Fishing on Great Slave Lake |
| 5. | South Slave | Black bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx, marten |
Artists will have creative freedom to interpret their selected theme through their own artistic style and perspective.
Artists should only incorporate cultural imagery if it is from a culture to which they belong.
Artwork should reflect NWT landscapes, wildlife or fish; depict respectful, legal and ethical harvesting practices; demonstrate appropriate safety practices; and highlight connections between people, wildlife, water and land.
Artwork requirements
ECC is seeking original physical artwork suitable for professional reproduction as publication cover or feature artwork.
Acceptable formats include painting, drawing, mixed media, fibre/textile-based art, printmaking and sculpture.
Artwork must be a minimum of 16" x 20" and no larger than 48" x 60".
All selected artwork will be professionally digitized for use in GNWT print and digital materials.
Compensation and ownership
The commission includes concept development, preliminary sketches, participation in review meetings, up to two rounds of revisions, production of the final artwork and transfer of copyright and ownership rights to the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Selected artists will receive an agreement setting out the complete terms of the commission, payment schedule and copyright transfer before work begins.
Who can apply
Applicants must currently live in the Northwest Territories and be able to complete the commissioned artwork by January 15, 2027.
Artists may express interest in more than one region or theme.
How to apply
Complete the online application form by October 16, 2026.
Applicants will be asked to:
- Identify the region(s) and theme(s) they are interested in.
- Describe their experience completing commissioned artwork.
- Describe their experience creating artwork involving NWT wildlife, landscapes, cultural themes or northern subject matter.
- Confirm their ability to meet the project timeline.
- Provide their proposed price per artwork.
- Upload three to five high-resolution photographs of original artwork demonstrating the medium they propose to use.
The Expression of Interest closes October 16, 2026.