Outfitting

In the northern half of the Region, there are four outfitting concessions with camps and airstrips (142). Outfitting consists of guided hunting trips for Dall’s sheep, grizzly bear, wolf, caribou, and moose. Most trips occur via airplane and ground transporation – for example, off-road vehicle, horseback or on foot. The outfitting industry depends on healthy wildlife populations, which in turn require functioning ecosystems to thrive. To provide high-quality experiences, the industry also relies on large, undisturbed wilderness areas with minimal human activity and strong landscape connectivity.

The Plan recommends conserving most of the northern part of the Region through the Special Management Area (SMA) designation. The designation is intended to maintain the wilderness character of the area to support high-quality outfitting experiences. Outfitting is allowed in all land use designations in this Plan, subject to existing outfitting concession boundaries and legislation. Directions for all values and economic activities should be read alongside the Stewardship Directions for Outfitting, because of the interconnections between values and activities.

Key Planning Issues
  • The following factors can negatively affect outfitting:
    • Development of industrial activities, including new roads and associated infrastructure.
    • Improperly located resource exploration camps.
    • Excessive use of motorized off-road vehicles and aircraft.
    • Excessive numbers of wilderness tourists and recreational users.
  • Regulators have not adequately documented the location of outfitting camps and trails, making it difficult to account for outfitting values in project assessments and planning.
Stewardship Directions
  1. Run outfitting operations in a manner consistent with the principle of stewardship.
  2. Run outfitting activities in a manner consistent with the wildlife goals of the Plan.
  3. When you run outfitting activities, use transportation methods that minimize carbon emissions and effects on ecosystems and wildlife.
  4. Plan and prepare operations to respond to climate-related hazards.
  5. When you run outfitting operations, minimize impacts on the land.
  6. When you run outfitting operations, integrate Traditional Knowledge where possible.
Implementation Actions
  1. Work with outfitters to document land use patterns associated with outfitting, including locations of camps and trails, and make this information available to inform project assessment and future resource planning and to minimize negative impacts on the industry.
  2. Consider the feasibility of climate change monitoring by outfitting operations.
  3. Create opportunities to share land-based knowledge from outfitters.
  4. Promote and provide educational opportunities for climate-related hazard preparedness for outfitters.
Governance Recommendations

  • Review legislation and policy governing the outfitting industry to ensure they align with Plan goals and serve all outfitters, regulators, and land users including Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Citizens. If revisions are required, the trapping policy may provide an effective template.

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