Hunting Polar Bear in the Winter

Hunting Polar Bear in the Winter is a guide to hunting one of the most important game animals for Inuit. This book includes advice on preparing for the hunt, avoiding detection by the polar bear, skinning the animal, preserving the meat, and staying safe on the hunt. It also includes information about traditional Inuit hunting methods and reflections on ethical and environmentally friendly hunting.

Supplementary video resources showing actual hunting footage and interviews with hunters, elders, and wildlife officers are available online.

Bilingual English / Inuktitut tumble.
Hunting is one of the most important land skills in the Arctic, and continues to be an important source of income and food for many people and communities. The Hunter Education Series facilitates the transmission of knowledge regarding proper hunting techniques, safety, and animal behaviour. It will also help to preserve traditional Inuit hunting knowledge and the value of environmental stewardship.
The third in the Hunter Education series, this book provides concrete and practical information for hunting one of the North's most iconic animals.
CONTENTS

Introduction.............................................................................9

CHAPTER 1

PREPARING FOR THE HUNT.............................................. 15

Equipment ......................................................................... 16

Tools............................................................................ 16

Food, Clothing, and Other Basics ..........................18

Camping and Overnight Supplies ..........................18

Emergency Supplies................................................. 19

Your Rifle .........................................................................20

Choosing Your Rifle.................................................20

Preparing Your Rifle................................................. 21

Preparing Your Qamutiik............................................... 23

Preparing Your Snowmobile ......................................... 24

Checking the Weather.................................................... 26

Traditional Methods of Predicting Weather........ 28

Dressing Appropriately.................................................. 29

Preparing for Emergencies ........................................... 30

Considerations for Camping ......................................... 32

Equipment Checklist ......................................................34

Summary .......................................................................... 36

CHAPTER 2

UNDERSTANDING THE ANIMAL ....................................... 41

Background Information about Polar Bears ............... 41

Senses and Behaviours ........................................... 41

How to Locate Polar Bears ...........................................43

Determining Sex, Health, and Age...............................45

Sex..............................................................................45

Health and Age ........................................................ 47






Major Observable Differences between

Male and Female Polar Bears .......................................48

Summary .......................................................................... 52

CHAPTER 3

HUNTING TECHNIQUES ..................................................... 55

Approaching the Animal................................................ 55

Taking the Shot ...............................................................56

Aiming ...................................................................... 57

Firearm Safety .........................................................58

Other Considerations..............................................58

Traditional Inuit Skills and Knowledge........................60

Summary ......