Woodland Caribou | Online Record Book Preview

Rangifer tarandus caribou

The woodland caribou, as described here, is one of three regional caribou categories established for record-keeping by dividing the subspecies caribou into geographic groups based on antler size and shape. These categories were established by the Boone & Crockett Club and have come to be accepted by hunters everywhere. (The two other regional categories are the mountain caribou and the Quebec-Labrador caribou. All three are classified as woodland caribou [R. t. caribou] by scientists.)

DESCRIPTION A medium-sized caribou, with mature bulls weighing 350-450 pounds (158-204 kg). Has the smallest antlers of any caribou other than those from the arctic islands, but they can be very handsome. Antlers tend to be divergent, with many tines but without much length. Coloration is generally darker than the Quebec-Labradors, although the neck and mane are white.

BEHAVIOR Fairly resident within a given area, but may migrate from summer to winter pastures. Herds tend to be small.

HABITAT Tundra and some forested regions.

DISTRIBUTION Only in Canada. Occurs sparingly in central Saskatchewan and Manitoba. There is a major herd in northern and central Ontario (Ontario Herd), plus a few on islands in Lake Nipigon and on the Slate Islands in northern Lake Superior. Found on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, and in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. There is a major herd (Interior Herd) on Newfoundland Island, plus the much smaller Avalon Peninsula Herd.

REMARKS Best hunting is on Newfoundland Island. Hunting is on foot and can be strenuous. Caribou and moose can be combined in the same hunt with a high degree of success.

TAXONOMIC NOTES At one time, the caribou of Newfoundland Island were treated as a separate subspecies, terraenovae (Newfoundland caribou), but this is no longer considered valid.