Wolf Incentive Program – Updated 2022 Map

In 2018, the GWNT put in place the Wolf Harvest Incentive Area located in the North Slave region. This area intentionally overlaps the Kǫk’èetı̀ (Bathurst) and Sahtì (Bluenose-East) Ekwǫ̀ (barren-ground caribou) winter range where “increased incentives are offered for wolves harvested in this area.” -https://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/en/services/enhanced-north-slave-wolf-harvest-incentive-program

The intention of this project is to reduce the number of dìga (wolves) on the winter range to give the ɂekwo a chance to recover their numbers during a time when they are most vulnerable. The payment for any dìga harvested in this area was increased to $1,200 starting in the 2019-2020 harvest season, because it was determined that larger incentives would likely mean more dìga taken, and therefore a better opportunity for ɂekwo recovery.

If a harvester is an Indigenous person from the NWT and a General Hunting Licence holder, they are also eligible for an additional $400, if the pelt has been properly prepared to traditional or taxidermy standards, with an additional $350 if the pelt also meets the prime fur bonus requirements, as part of the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program. This means that a harvester could be entitled to as much as $1,950 per pelt if they meet all the criteria. See the graphic below for further details.

The map itself is updated every year and adjusted slightly depending on where the ɂekwo are. The latest map for the 2022-2023 season is now available as of today (back dated to February 1, 2022). If you are a harvester looking to harvest dìga on the Kǫk’èetı̀ and Sahtì Ekwǫ̀ winter ranges, this is the map you will need to refer to, to ensure you are harvesting within the zone, and therefore eligible for the program. Dìga may be harvested elsewhere, however, those pelts are not eligible for this program. Please see ENR’s website for further details.

It is important to note that this area also overlaps with the Mobile Core Bathurst Caribou Management Zone, so it is vital that no harvest of ɂekwo be done in any area covered by the mobile zone.