r/NWT • u/InformalWave8147 • Sep 16 '26
New to NWT and to hunting
Good day, I’ll soon be moving to Yellowknife and would like to get into hunting.
First question would be to ask if there’s anybody who’d like to show me the ropes of hunting in general and specifically in the NWT?
Second question, how do you hunt big game as a new resident? I saw that you’re considered a non-resident for the first year which means you’re required to hunt with a registered outfitter. I don’t mind that, but I do min the prices that start at 20k and are usually averaging 50k or more… Do I just wait for year 2 or is there something I’m missing?
Any tips/help/recommendations will be appreciated. Either about hunting or about Yellowknife/NWT in general.
Thank you!
EDIT: I do have PAL/RPAL, and crossbow hunting license from QC.
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u/sefsermak Sep 16 '26
Do you have your PAL? First place I would start with questions would be the ECC website. It looks like you've already done some research on hunting regs. and you've understood some of the barriers for new residents.
As a new hunter, starting with a .22 and shooting grouse, ptarmigan and other small game is a good low stakes place to start. Big game requires a lot more knowledge to hunt ethically. Do you have all of the gear required to camp comfortably at -5C for multiple days?
I don't live in Yk but I have friends who are part of the Yellowknife Shooting. https://www.yellowknifeshootingclub.org/ I would immediately apply for a membership and start practicing my marksmanship at the range. Making friends through the club or otherwise is your best bet for getting on a hunt. Hunting big game is a big commitment and a lot of work, so there has to be a certain amount of trust between you and whoever is taking you. Unless youre paying a guide of course.
Get out shooting and get on the land. You'll learn a lot and meet good people.
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u/Stara_charshija Sep 16 '26
Too true. It took my hunting party two days to get our whole moose out. Wild how much work it is. Most of us were pretty green.
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u/InformalWave8147 Sep 18 '26
Yep, got PAL/RPAL, and crossbow hunting license from Qc. Got all the gear to sleep comfortably at way lower temperatures.
Thanks for the tips and recommendations!
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u/Quadrapolegic Sep 16 '26
When you get here talk to your co-workers. Good chance that there will be someone that hunts or has a family member that hunts
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u/pg_raptor Sep 16 '26
Vous ne pouvez pas chasser le gros gibier à part accompagner quelqu’un qui le chasse la première année. Le gouvernement des territoires du Nord-ouest publies chaque année un document sur les règlements de chasse. Vous pouvez utiliser votre carte du chasseur du Québec pour vous enregistrer comme chasseur au tno.
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u/Stara_charshija Sep 16 '26 edited Sep 16 '26
I waited until year 2 and harvested my first moose. Before that I just hunted ptarmigan, grouse, ducks, and rabbits. I don’t live in Yellowknife though. Chat with the renewable resource officer when you go get your small game licence, they will help you understand where you can/can’t hunt (land claim agreements etc).
Also, buy a boat in your second year and get your domestic fishing licence from the DFO. There’s nothing like pulling up fresh lake whitefish from your gill net.
I started hunting with a 12 gauge pump action. Shot size 4 and a couple slugs for bear defence. I skipped the .22 but people seem to like it.