Impacts écologiques et évolutifs de la chasse sur les ongulés nordiques - Ecological and evolutionary impacts of hunting on northern ungulates

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In northern Canada, sport hunting by non-residents generates substantial revenues for many communities. Most non-resident sport hunters seek 'trophy' animals, typically males in their prime, with large horns or antlers. Although the demographic impacts of this harvest are generally thought to be minimal, increasing concern is being raised over its evolutionary consequences. Because trophy hunting likely removes high-quality males that would normally have high reproductive success, it may be a selective pressure against large horns or antlers. By removing high-quality males before they can reproduce, trophy hunting may also decrease the genetic diversity of hunted populations. My research on Stone's sheep in northern BC and on migratory caribou in northern Québec/Labrador will assess the possible impacts of trophy hunting on the morphology and development of ungulates. My students and I will analyze data on yearly horn growth of Stone's rams harvested over the past 30 years and collect new data to determine the impacts of climate, vegetation productivity and hunter preference on age-specific horn development. We will compare the size of caribou antlers to hunter type (native harvesters VS nonresident trophy hunters), body condition, population density, climate and productivity. Our results will ensure that sport hunting by nonresidents in the North will remain ecologically and evolutionary sustainable while continuing to provide revenues for northern Canadians.