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Hunting on First Nations Land

Definitions | About First Nations Lands | Where do you need 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 the 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.

Written permission from the First Nation is required before hunting on all Category A SeHunting ttlement Lands. Undeveloped Category B Settlement Lands are open to public hunting.

Where do you need consent?
This map  (from the Department of Environment Hunting Regulations) 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 Environment Yukon offices or the local First Nation’s office. It’s a good idea to check these detailed maps when planning your hunt destination.

Your rights

• 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.
• 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
If you want to hunt on Category A Settlement Land you must obtain written proof of consent. You can contact the First Nation and ask for written permission to hunt on that land. Verbal permission from a friend who is a member of the First Nation IS NOT consent. You must obtain consent, in writing, from the First Nation Chief and Council or Administration. Licensed hunters must still comply with the general hunting laws while hunting on Category A Settlement Land.

For More Information:
Contact one of the First Nations listed above, your local Conservation Officer, or the Environment Yukon Land Claim Section at 867-667-3092; outside Whitehorse call
toll free 1-800-661-0408, extension 3092.

• Last Updated: 3/19/2008 |
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