Found solely on the continental mainland of the Canadian Arctic, Barren Ground muskox (SCI Classification) are the world’s largest of all Muskox varieties both in body size and horns. This survivor of the last Ice Age is a unique animal, and hunting them will be the experience of a lifetime…rivaled only by possibly a polar bear hunt.
Their range includes the region from the Arctic coast of Queen Maud Gulf to the north, and from Cape Bathurst in the west to the Sherman Basin in the east. Our outfitter has been hunting this area since March of 1986, and entries from their hunters dominate the the Boone and Crockett and SCI record books.
Barren Ground muskox are much larger than the Greenland subspecies and our outfitter dominates the record books. Their hunting areas produce tremendous opportunities on high scoring bull muskox with many of the top entries in the B&C, P&Y and SCI record books.
Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island near Greenland is the “Muskox Hunting Capital of the World”, and is home to the introduced Greenland subspecies of muskox. SCI does recognize them as “Greenland” muskox and this region has over 200 entries in the record book. Southern Victoria Island has a population of 30,000 muskox, and it is common to see anywhere from 30 to 40 muskox daily. The Greenland subspecies of muskox that resides in Nunavut, are larger than those actually found in Greenland, and our clients consistently harvest very large, mature bulls.
Corey Goss with the No.2 entry has a score of 84 5/8 and both Doug Whitaker and Bob Underwood with a score of 82 3/8 are tied for the No. 3 spot. Virtually all of the bulls taken by bowhunters would qualify for the Pope & Young record book and indeed the SCI record book.
Hunting for Arctic wolf and wolverine as an incidental species can be added to your hunt package. If requested, it must be pre-arranged and prepaid; however, if you do not harvest a wolf or wolverine, you will be refunded the full amount less your license and tag fees. Arctic fox can also be added to your license along with Arctic hare and ptarmigan.
At Outdoors International, we understand the importance of meticulous planning and seamless logistics for a successful and stress-free hunt. Our fully vetted outfitters will do their best to help take care of every detail, allowing you to focus on your adventure.
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Mid-March to Mid-April
A spring muskox hunt is the best hunt for you if you want and Arctic adventure, and to experience the Inuit culture in the harshest environment on earth. The Inuit people assist our outfitters with their traditional hunting knowledge. You will hunt from a sled that is being pulled by a snow machine, which allows you to cover a lot of ground quickly in search of a trophy bull. You will typically see more animals on the spring hunts than you will in the fall.
*Be sure you dress properly on these spring Arctic hunts as the weather is extreme.
Mid-August to Early September
If braving an Arctic spring hunt isn’t for you, maybe a late summer hunt is more up your alley. This is the only area of Nunavut where the Greenland muskox can be hunted in August and September. Late summer hunts are great if you’re concerned about the weather conditions in March or November.
The rut will be in full swing, peaking in mid-August. The bulls will be butting heads in competition for breeding cows. It’s quite a spectacle to behold! This is a fun spot and stalk style that is perfect for bowhunters. Hunters tend to worry that the hides will not be prime this time of year, but muskox keep their dense fur even through the summer months.
Mid-October to Early November
The fall muskox hunts are much like the spring hunts, but the weather isn’t quite as extreme. Depending on the year, there will be snow, and most lakes are frozen…but, the fall hunts aren’t as bitter cold as the spring hunts.
You’ll be hunting via snow machines or ATV’s pulling an Inuit sled (Komatik), covering lots of ground. One great thing about fall hunts is you can combo them with a caribou.
In our new locations, you will have the option of staying in the local community hotel with Inuit Guides, taking you out on the land daily, or camping out on the land. Transportation is by snowmobile while hunters are towed behind in an Inuit style sled called a “qamutik.”
The Inuit are skilled hunters, and the goal of the guides training program looks to complement these traditional abilities by offering certification for the knowledge they already possess and help promote a lifestyle and work opportunities for additional local guides.
This outfitter’s partnerships within the Inuit communities of Nunavut are respectful of the people and their culture. All big game harvested by our clients come from each community’s allowable subsistence quotas established by the Nunavut government. Therefore, they are not considered an addition to the overall allowances. All game meat remains with the guide and his family or shared with other community members that cannot hunt on their own.
From sponsoring Traditional Inuit Cultural activities such as Throat Singing, Drum Dancing, Elder Sewing classes, Inuit Carving programs and annual Bowhead Whale Hunts to contemporary projects such as funding of books and other educational supplies for Daycare Centres, various Community Feasts, an all Inuit men’s Hockey Team, Youth Skating Programs, annual Fishing Derbies, and Christmas Food Banks just to name a few.
Please note that reservations are not considered finalized until agreed upon deposit is received. This ensures agreed upon dates and current pricing.
Quality outfitters are in high demand so let us know right away, as some trips do book years in advance.
