This week on “Canada in the Rough”, we’re on a spot and stalk Muskox Hunt in the Northwest Territories!
The mighty Muskox… with its long, shaggy, & woolly hair, intimidating curled horns, and the abilities to survive extremely harsh winters, makes this prehistoric looking animal one of the most unique animals to hunt on the planet! And that’s exactly what Paul Beasley will be doing this week with his trusty bow.
Surrounded by the Beaufort Sea, Banks Island is home to the worlds largest Muskox population and the Northwest Territories most northerly community; Sachs Harbour, which has a population of just over 100 people. To get to this remote location you fly out of Inuvik, located 2 degrees above the Arctic Circle. Here you can stock up on all you’ll need for your week of hunting, and even learn about the area at the Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre. The centre is full of traditional items from the area and information on some of the animals that roam the Arctic; like the majestic Caribou and of course the powerful Muskox.
The native people of Sachs rely heavily on food from the land; from Lake Trout and Arctic Char, to snow geese and ducks; which call Banks Island home during he nesting season. But one of the most sought after species is the Muskox. The meat of the Muskox feeds the community while the wool and horns are turned into clothing and traditional tools and sculptures.
Stay tuned as this week, Paul Beasley will be on a very unique spot and stalk hunt, and witnesses one of wildlife’s most powerful demonstrations