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Hunting on First Nations Land

• Download a map  showing Category A Settlement Lands

Definitions | About First Nations Lands | Proof of consent  | Your rights  |  Your responsibilities | Asking for Proof of Consent | For more information |

Definitions

Developed Settlement Land is any parcel of land designated as developed by mutual agreement of federal, territorial and First Nation governments. The presence or absence of building or other structures is not an indication of a parcel’s designation.

Undeveloped Settlement Land means any parcel of land that has not been designated as developed.

Fee Simple Land means the common type of private property that many people own along with their house.

Navigable Waterway means any waterbody that can be navigated with a boat, raft, canoe or kayak.

Waterfront Right-of-Way means the 30-metre-wide right-of-way existing around navigable waters within or beside settlement lands.

About First Nation Lands
Eleven Yukon First Nations hold legal title to a total of approximately 31,595 km² of land in Yukon.

About two-thirds of these lands are Category A Settlement Lands which include surface and sub-surface ownership.

The remaining third are Category B Settlement Lands and fee simple lands which include surface ownership only.

Licensed hunters must still comply with the general hunting laws while hunting on all Settlement Lands.

Proof of consent?
Written permission (consent) from the First Nation is required before hunting any big game or small game species on all Category A Settlement Lands. Permission (consent) from the First Nation is also required before hunting bison and elk on Category B Settlement Lands. Verbal permission from a friend who is a member of the First Nation IS NOT consent.

Your rights

• You have a right to cross Category A and Category B Settlement Lands to hunt on
  the far side.
• Except when hunting bison and elk, you have a right to hunt on undeveloped
  Category B Settlement Lands without proof of consent from the local First Nation,
  subject to the responsibilities described here and the general hunting laws.
• Where a waterfront right-of-way lies on Category A Settlement Lands you have a
  right to hunt waterfowl, but no other wildlife, in the right-of-way, subject to the
  responsibilities described here and the general hunting laws. This does not apply
  to the few cases where there is no waterfront right-of-way. These few locations
  are mapped in the annual Fishing Regulations Summary.
• When hunting by boat on a navigable waterway bordering on First Nation land,
  you have a right to hunt wildlife standing on gravel bars, other parts of the
  shoreline below the high water mark, or islands which are not part of First Nation
  land, subject to the responsibilities described here and the general hunting laws.

Please check the detailed maps at Environment Yukon offices to determine the exact boundary between First Nation land and the navigable waterbody where you plan to hunt.

Your responsibilities
When using undeveloped First Nation land you must NOT:

• damage the land or structures,
• commit acts of mischief, or
• interfere with the use and enjoyment of the land by the First Nation.

A person who does any of these things is considered to be a trespasser.

• When planning a hunting trip, you must find out whether or not your destination is on First Nation land. First check the maps in this booklet, then check the detailed maps available for viewing at Environment Yukon offices.
• When using First Nation land within the limits of public access rights you must comply with any laws set by the First Nation for the purpose of managing the land and resources. The best way to ensure compliance is to contact a First Nation before using their land.

Asking for Proof of Consent
This map  shows the larger blocks of Category A Settlement Lands. You must have consent, in writing, to hunt on these lands. Smaller blocks, and all other First Nation lands, are marked on detailed maps which can be viewed at the local First Nation’s office, or viewed on-line and downloaded from: www.environmentyukon.ca/maps/view/nav/2/15/.

Printed maps can also be purchased from Environment Yukon’s office at 10 Burns Road, Whitehorse for $10 + gst. It’s a good idea to check these maps when planning your hunt destination.

For More Information:
Contact one of the First Nations listed above, your local Enviornment Yukon Office, or the Environment Yukon Land Claim Section at 867-667-5995; outside Whitehorse call toll free 1-800-661-0408, extension 5995.

• Last Updated: 10/8/2010 |
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