The first collection took place early September of 2007 at Mackay Lake in the Northwest Territories in a collaborative effort between ENR biologists and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

The weather was excellent throughout the duration of the work and a total of 17 bulls, 17 cows and 12 calves were harvested and sampled. 

The first spring collection was conducted near Beaverlodge Lake North of Gameti between March 10 and 15, 2008 and hunters and biologists travelled from Gameti by snow machine.  Wall tents and at 2 cabins near the hunting location provided shelter and accommodation for all.

Hunters harvested 26 cows, 9 calves and a few yearlings.  All females were pregnant and overall conditions of the caribou were good.

Male caribou were not harvested during this trip as they were located in different part of the winter range. 

The 2008 fall collection was conducted just south of de Lac De Gras Winter road camp where the biologists and caribou hunters stayed.  The work took place between September 8-12, and a total of 13 bulls, 12 cows and 6 calves were harvested.

Because very few animals went through the hunting area and combined with bad weather, it was not possible to get the intended sample size.

Monitoring the health and condition of Bathurst caribou requires a lot of work and depends entirely on the dedication of our aboriginal hunters, elders and ENR biologists and veterinarians.