Caribou
Caribou hunting in Manitoba is the big game hunting experience of a lifetime. Taking a trophy bull is an unforgettable challenge but with the herd numbers approaching half a million and our proximity to the migrating masses, there has to be a trophy bull with your name on it.
The caribou can be identified by its brown or grey and white fur. Both male and female caribou sport antlers, which is unique in the deer family. Bulls carry the large racks of amber-coloured antlers that every big game hunter dreams of. The caribou is a medium-sized member of the deer family, which includes four other species of deer native to Canada: Moose, Elk, Whitetail deer and Mule deer. All are ungulates, or cloven-hoofed cud-chewing animals. However, both males and females have antlers. Caribou are similar to and belong to the same species as the wild and domesticated reindeer of Eurasia.
The Caribou is well adapted to its environment. Its short, stocky body conserves heat, its long legs help it move through snow, and its long dense winter coat provides effective insulation, even during periods of low temperature and high wind. The muzzle and tail are short and well haired.
Large, concave hooves splay widely to support the animal in snow or muskeg, and function as efficient scoops when the caribou paws through snow to uncover lichens and other food plants. Caribou are excellent swimmers and their hooves function well as paddles. In winter, the hooves grow to a remarkable length, giving the animal firm footing on crusty snow. In summer, the hooves are worn away by travel over hard ground and rocks. The dewclaws, or small toes, are large, widely spaced, and set back on the foot, greatly increasing the weight-bearing area. Scent glands located at the base of the ankles are used when the caribou is in danger: the animal rears up on its hind legs and deposits a scent that alerts other Caribou to the menace.
The hunting season for Caribou ranges from late August to late November.
For information on resident & non-resident license prices and limits visit the Manitoba Conservation website.
