Answers to your questions: archives for 2005

• Reindeer milk
• Hunting caribou near Radisson, Quebec
• Post updated satellite collaring location maps
• Beaded caribou coat
• Caribou tips for surviving winter
• The meaning of “Anaunethad”
• Questions from Denmark
• Volunteer opportunities?
• Whale Cove book helps inspire inuksuk gifts
• The Great Lakes woodland caribou range
• Herd-watching via canoe
• Altering habitats to manage wildlife
• Got caribou milk?
• Replacing a salted caribou hide
• A desire to help the North

Reindeer milk

Dec. 9, 2005

Q. How much does reindeer milk cost?

J. W.

A. I don't know the answer to that one -- here in North America, caribou are a wild animal. But in Scandinavia, where reindeer (the European name for caribou) are raised domestically, reindeer milk is a favourite drink of the Sami people, for whom reindeer herding is a key aspect of their culture. You could check out the website www.same.net, a site about the Sami, although very little of the information is in English, as is the case with a number of other websites about the Sami. Alternatively, you could try contacting researchers from one of the Scandinavian countries where Sami live, Sweden, Finland or Norway, from the database of researchers listed on rangifer.net. Or you could contact a Sami individual who maintains a website about their people. Here is one I came across. I also came across a reindeer farm in Beasejour, Manitoba that offers educational tours about the Sami. Perhaps they know more about reindeer milk.

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Hunting caribou near Radisson, Quebec

Dec. 8, 2005

Q. Is it true you can drive from USA to Radisson Quebec, purchase a caribou hunting license and hunt near Radisson without an outfitter? How many caribou per hunter - cost of license and season dates? Thank you.

W. W.
Fort Ann, New York

A. This is a different herd of caribou from ours, the George River Herd of northern Quebec. You'll need to contact the appropriate Quebec Government department to get the answers to your questions. That's the Quebec Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife (Resources naturelles et faunes de Quebec). You'll find more information at their website.

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Post updated satellite collaring location maps

Sept. 21, 2005

Q. I would like to suggest a feature to this site: a periodically (bi-weekly, monthly, etc.) updated map detailing satellite collared Qamanirjuaq caribou herd where anyone can access. Thanks.

E. A.
Arviat, Nunavut

A. Your suggestion is a good one, and I know that satellite collaring location data maps that are put online on a frequent basis are checked regularly by a lot of people (like the weekly maps of the Bathurst caribou herd. The Government of Nunavut's Department of Environment does the satellite collaring location data map of the Qamanirjuaq caribou that we have on our website at http://www.arctic-caribou.com/satellite.html. At the moment, the Department of Environment produces a map just once a year. If they start producing maps more regularly, though, we will add them to our website. Thanks again for your suggestion, and please come back and visit our website again. Comments from people living on the caribou ranges are much appreciated.

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Beaded caribou coat

Sept. 2, 2005

Q. My mother bought a child's coat in Uranium City, Saskatchewan about 38 years ago. It was made of Caribou and it's beadwork is outstanding with floral patterns and fringed arms and front. Someone told her to use ivory soap to wash it after getting back from the cleaners and finding it had been lent out to someone elses child and made dirtier. The little jacket lost most of it's softness and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to repair it? To bring back the softness or at least some of it.

A. G.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

A. I'm going to refer you to an expert who knows a great deal about northern clothing. Professor Jill Oakes of the Department of Environment and Geography with the University of Manitoba has written extensively about Inuit clothing, and I believe she is very familiar with northern clothing in general. Perhaps she could offer suggestions for restoring the hide's softness. According to the U. of Manitoba web site, Professor Oakes's contact info is: jill_oakes@umanitoba.ca.

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Caribou tips for surviving winter

Aug. 16, 2005

Q.I am a freelance writer, writing a column about winter survival adaptations, and the editors asked me to find out about the caribou's winter survival traits. I was hoping someone at BQCMB could help me.

D. W.
New York City, New York

A. Caribou remain warm in extremely cold temperatures thanks to their hair. Each caribou hair has a network of large, honeycomb-like cells that trap air, acting as an excellent insulator. This is why caribou fur has long been favoured by Inuit hunters as a source of clothing. Air is also trapped between the densely packed hairs. Other winter survival traits include the caribou's short ears and tail -- this allows them to tolerate extreme cold. The large rounded hooves of caribou are used to remove up to one metre of snow over lichens, their main source of food, and to travel on soft wet ground. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq barren-ground caribou herds migrate south in winter, south of the treeline, to more sheltered climes -- another trait favouring their survival. You may find answer to other questions in our FAQ section. But if you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us again. Good luck with your article!

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The meaning of “Anaunethad”

June 30, 2005

Q.I would like to know the origin of the "Anaunethad", a lake in Northwest Territory. I have visited the lake the past two summers on charters sponsored by North of Sixty charters and am very much impressed by the beauty of the country.

A. H.
Ocean City, Maryland

A. The Northwest Territories' territorial archives has a good online database of place names with a history of how names originated. Unfortunately, no historical information was listed for Anaunethad Lake. You may want to contact the Dene Cultural Institute to see if they know the history behind that lake's name.

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Questions from Denmark

May 27, 2005

Q. I'm at student at the university of Copenhagen, Denmark, institute of Biology. I am doing a computer model on the Canadian Caribou herds in the Beverly area for an exam project. I would be very interested in all kinds of data that the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board have collected on this/theese populations. Especially survival rates, birth-rates, snowfall-data, population pertubations/sizes, hunting levels and the carrying capacity of the lichen (how much grassing is neeeded before the population will start to starve/stagnate due to lack of lichen). If you have any flowdiagrams or models, it would be interesting to have a look at such ones as well. Kind regards,

T. S.
Copenhagen, Denmark

A. On our website are the contents of a CD called "Protecting Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou and Caribou Range". The CD, published several years ago (around 2000), features a comprehensive report and accompanying map atlas and documentation on the herds, and important habitat that should be protected. You may find some of the information you're looking for in there. Also, you may wish to contact two biologists who have responsibility for the Beverly herd, Deb Johnson and Tim Trottier (Tim, in fact, is the vice-chairman of the BQCMB). Deb works for the Government of the Northwest Territories while Tim works for the Government of Saskatchewan. Their departments may have additional details on the Beverly herd. Deb also spearheaded a reconnaissance survey of the Beverly herd in 2002.

Tim Trottier (represents Government of Saskatchewan)
Wildlife Ecologist, Shield Region
Saskatchewan Environment
P.O. Box 5000
La Ronge SK S0J 1L0
(306) 425- 4237 (office telephone)
(306) 425-2580 (fax)
e-mail: ttrottier@serm.gov.sk.ca

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Volunteer opportunities?

May 10, 2005

Q. Do you have any volunteer opportunities in Inuvik for my son, a college sophmore (US resident). He will be rafting the Firth river July 4-16th. He could be available either immediately before or after the rat trip (or both). He is an environmental studies and politics major. Do you know of any other volunteeer opportunities that might suit his background? Thank you!

B. J.
New Canaan, Connecticut

A. Unfortunately, we do not have any volunteer opportunities at the moment. Also, Inuvik is northwest of the caribou ranges of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds. However, since your son is in the environmental studies field, he may want to contact the NWT government biologist for the Inuvik area to see if he is aware of any volunteer opportunities. The person to contact is:

John Nagy, Senior Wildlife Researcher, MVD
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 777-7305
E-mail: JOHN_NAGY@gov.nt.ca

Your son may want to check out the website of NWT Environment and Natural Resources to get more background information about that part of the western Arctic. Much industrial development is taking place there, and environment assessment studies are part of virtually every project. You could also contact the town of Inuvik to see if they have volunteer opportunities.

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Whale Cove book helps inspire inuksuk gifts

May 10, 2005

Q.I am not sure if you can help me but I thought I would try just in case. I am a government of Ontario employee and I am responsible for our employee awards ceremony. Our symbol / award is a beautiful Inukshuk. This was chosen as it is a symbol from our heritage and has meaning. I came across a book in my son's school book fair called "The Lonely Inukshuk" by a group of children from the Inuglak School in Wale Cove, Nunavut. The pictures are amazing and the story of the children coming together to make this book is special. I was wondering if the school has more information on this project or a video or something that I could use in our ceremony or the Deputy's speech to educate our staff on our northern heritage, the inukshuk, or the children of Wale Cove who created this great book. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

E. F.
Toronto, Ontario

A. I would encourage you to call the school directly and ask to speak to the principal for information. I'm sure the students would be thrilled to learn of the interest in their book. Here is the Inuglak School phone and fax number. Phone: (867) 896-9300 Fax: (867) 896-9005 Whale Cove is on Central Standard Time, so one hour behind Toronto time.

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The Great Lakes woodland caribou range

May 2, 2005

Q.What is the historic range of the Woodland Caribou in the Great Lakes Region? How far south did they range and when and how were they pushed north? I am writing a Children's book about Lake Superior that includes a Woodland Caribou from Ontario that visits Michigan. I would like to include as much real information as possible in the story. I realize that you are more familiar with a different region, but I was hoping that you still might know the answer or know where I can go to find the answer. Thank you.

M. L.
Ontonagon, Michigan

A. Your best bet is to contact biologists with the Ontario government's Ministry of Natural Resources. They would likely be familiar with the herd you're referring to. A list of regional offices can be found here. You could choose the one closest to your area of study. Or you may want to try someone in their Media Centre who could put you through to a knowledgeable source.

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Herd-watching via canoe

March 22, 2005

Q. My apologies if I'm completely turned around here and have contacted you already, but I don't have a record of it. I'm interested in observing, with my 20 yr old daughter, the annual migration of one of the big herds of barren land caribou. (Next year at the earliest.) One option I'm currently exploring is a canoe trip into the region of the migration route of a herd like the Beverly. I'm interested in flatwater, no large lake canoeing. The big question, of course, is how to increase one's chances of getting the full effect of the herd as it migrates. I know results are not quaranteed. Your suggestions will be appreciated. Also, how do I get ahold of the land use management maps for the Beverly and other herds? Sincerely,

W. C.
Lincoln, Massachusetts

A. Canoe trips along the Thelon River, running through the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, is popular with tourists who wish to view Beverly caribou and other wildlife, such as muskoxen. Several outfitters specialize in these tours. I suggest you contact them to discuss best chances of seeing the herds.

Canoe Arctic Inc.
Great Canadian EcoVentures
Nahanni River Adventures

As for land use management maps for the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds, check out "Part 2: Map Atlas and Documentation," part of our online CD, "Protecting Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou and Caribou Range". The map atlas contains more than 75 colour maps showing distribution and range use patterns of Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou during each life cycle period. Is this what you had in mind? If not, let me know and I will try to point you towards more appropriate maps.

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Altering habitats to manage wildlife

March 9, 2005

Q.I am a 11th grader at vintage high school. The reason that I am writing you is for your opinion to the following wildlife question. I know that the use of habitat by animals depends on its availability to them. I also know that when managing wildlife we can alter their perception of habitat. The question is with regard to food habits and feeding and movement patterns. Can you list and describe some management practices which you have implemented for me? This is a homework question, but we are allowed to use the www and ask biologist for there opinion. we have to ask 3 biologist/wildlife people and then do a 3 page report on the professionals (you) answers and do we agree with it or not. thank you for your opinion

J. W.
Yountville, California

A. (The following response is from BQCMB secretary-treasurer and biologist Ross Thompson.) Thanks for your question about habitat management practices. I have worked on habitat projects for the Province of Manitoba involving white-tailed deer, moose, grouse and waterfowl since 1969. The whole key is to provide a proper mix of the 3 essential components in any habitat: Food, Cover and Water!

For the species above, high quality nutritious and abundant food is achieved through forest management practices is a prescriptive (designed) way. For example, small patchwork clear-cuts generally revert the forest to early pioneer stages where grasses, shrubs and forbs come in, thereby creating food that most wildlife species thrive on. Controlled burns work even better because with the natural fertilization that occurs with burning, the browse is more productive and nutritious. Moose like willows, dogwood and june berry best and so cutting and burning small areas adjacent to conifers like spruce, balsam, pine, creates a great mix of food and cover, much needed for escape, and in the cold winters here, areas where temperature is slightly warmer (under the trees). There is no question that ungulates like moose and deer will seek out the burn areas because of the quality food. Also it has been proven that both species have more young after using these areas, because the cows and does are in better shape!

On the prairies, much good work has been done by ditching to produce deeper and more permanent water for ducks, geese and shorebirds. In fact for dabbling ducks like mallards, pintails, teal, widgeon, gadwall, etc. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are called the breadbasket for the North American waterfowl populations. Prime nesting cover is planted adjacent to the wetlands for duck nesting and brood rearing. This is called dense nesting cover, comprised of a grass-legume mixture. Many large water bodies have been managed and protected to attract staging waterfowl as well. These are waterfowl like Canada and snow geese that stay by the hundreds of thousands near large water bodies in their spring and fall migrations. We plant barley nearby in areas called lure crops, so they will eat where we want them to and not on farmers' fields! There is no question that these large water body areas have CHANGED the migration patterns of ducks and geese locally and up and down the Mississippi and Central Flyways.

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Got caribou milk?

Jan. 25, 2005

Q. Is there a source for caribou milk, either dried, canned or fresh? Is it available for export to the US? Kindest Regards,

K.P.
Colorado, U.S.A.

A. To our knowledge, there isn't any source of caribou milk. Here in North America, caribou are a wild animal and unlikely to submit to being milked. But in Scandinavia, where reindeer (the European name for caribou) are raised domestically, reindeer milk has been a favoured drink of the Sami people, for whom reindeer herding is a key aspect of their culture. Check out the website www.same.net, a site about the Sami, to see if you can get leads on reindeer milk.

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Replacing a salted caribou hide

Jan. 24, 2005

Q. In 1991 I harvested a Artic Island Caribou. After shipping the hide was in poor condition, but was used anyway for the mount. The hide is now tearing and is not suitable for the mount. Can you assist me in locating a salted artic caribou hide to replace the damaged one I have? Thanks,

J.R.
Amarillo, Texas

A. Try contacting the biologists/wildlife managers who are members of the BQCMB to see if they are aware of local hunters and trappers organizations or other groups that harvest caribou for commercial reasons, which may have salted hides.

The people to contact are:

Tim Trottier
Wildlife Ecologist, Shield Region
Saskatchewan Environment
P.O. Box 5000
La Ronge SK S0J 1L0
(306) 425- 4237 (office telephone)
(306) 425-2580 (fax)
e-mail: ttrottier@serm.gov.sk.ca

Deborah Johnson
Regional Biologist
South Slave Region
Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
P.O. Box 390
Fort Smith NT X0E 0P0
(867) 872-6449 (office telephone)
(867) 872-4250 (fax)
e-mail: deborah_johnson@gov.nt.ca

Dan Shewchuk
Department of Environment
P.O. Box 120
Arviat NU X0C 0E0
(867) 857-2828 (office telephone)
(867) 857-2986 (fax)
e-mail: dshewchuk@gov.nu.ca

Daryll Hedman
Wildlife Manager
Manitoba Conservation
P.O. Box 28,
59 Elizabeth Dr.
Thompson MB R8N 1X4
(204) 677-6643 (office telephone)
(204) 677-6359 (fax)
e-mail: dhedman@gov.mb.ca

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A desire to help the North

Jan. 2, 2005

Q. i would like to know about all kinds of thing from employment in remote areas,land and/or house, like in uranium city or any other area where a person can help out in some way as to help the community in some fashion.i would like to know of uranium city first and the surrounding areas,so when it is convenient for whom this may concern to answer me asap i would appreciate the information for i am planning to make a move within this year or the next.if the area needs bush pilots how does one get the proper training and so on type of employment issue is also information i would like to be aware of. as i mentioned i would like to get as much information as possible.so thank you for the attention you will put in this response and have a great day!

J.M.L.
Strathroy, Ontario

A. You could contact the municipality of Uranium City to see what their needs are (phone: (306) 498-3441). This website about Uranium City, communitylink.kcdc.ca/profiles/uraniumcity.php, gives background info about the settlement and provides contact info for two local airlines/charter services. You could talk to them to see what their needs are for bush pilots and their recommendations for training. Have you contacted any flight schools yet to get information? You'll need to find out about provincial licencing requirements that may relate to where you get your flight training.

You may also want to subscribe to the publication Opportunity North. It focuses on northern Saskatchewan business, industry, training and employment. It's published five times a year by:

Aurora Communications Ltd.
Box 339,
Air Ronge, SK SOJ 3G0
Phone: (306) 425-3826
Fax: (306) 425-5536
Toll-free: 1-800-779-6793
E-mail: aurora@sasktel.net

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