Yukon hopes longer hunting season will reduce bison herd size

The winter bison hunting season is open in southwest Yukon and wildlife managers are hoping hunters will put a healthy dent in the growing herd again this year.

Tom Jung, a biologist with Environment Yukon, says the season has been extended to a full five months to give hunters more opportunity.

Bison hunting is encouraged and promoted in Yukon because the Aishihik herd is larger than desired.

Jung says they're also encouraging hunters to target cows.

"It's a little different from moose or caribou but really for our goal of reducing the herd number a bit, it's imperative that people take cows when they have a chance."

Jung says he hopes hunters can at least match last year's harvest total of 181 before the season closes in March. 

Hunters are advised to stay off active trap lines and refer to maps and hunting tips on the Environment Yukon website.