Yukon opens more mid-winter bison hunting zones

The Yukon government is opening more areas to bison hunting this winter in hopes of increasing the number of animals being taken.

The Aishihik wood bison herdin southwest Yukon is now at almost 1,500 animals. The government's target population is 1,000.

Nine sub-zones in the Whitehorse area will open to huntersfrom Jan.1to Feb. 14. The zones are along highways and areeasily accessible.

Tom Jung, a senior wildlife biologist, is also encouraging hunters to go after the cows to help lower the population. Most people are shooting the bulls.

"They want a nice big trophy;that's their goal, rather than meat," said Jung. "[It's the]largest land mammal in North America, and a big bull in the Yukon can be 2,100 or2,200pounds. Itmakes a dandy trophy if that's what you're after."

The mid-winter closure was meant to give local hunters, fur trappers and wildlife a break from bison hunters. It will still be in effect in about two-thirds of the core bison range.

Ryan Sealy, Yukon's trapper education co-ordinator, says hunters will be asked to avoid active traplines in the open areas.

"We encourage bison hunters to respect those trails by whenever they see a sign posted, that they think twice before going down the trail."

Bison meat has proven popular with many Yukoners. They've eaten more than 370 tonnes since 1998.