The Government of Yukon has issued an updated closure of Game Management Subzone 5-17, the Donjek Sheep Management Unit, to all licensed sheep harvests until October 31, 2027.
The original closure was in effect from August 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026, following a 2023 population survey that showed concerning declines in the area. A 2026 survey shows signs of improvement, but the population remains too low to support a sustainable licensed harvest.
Extending the closure provides continued protection and supports recovery of the vulnerable sheep population. The Government of Yukon will continue working with Yukon First Nations, Renewable Resources Councils and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board on long-term sheep conservation in the Donjek Sheep Management Unit.
The continuity of hunting opportunities in our territory depends on our commitment to conservation and responsible wildlife management. Extending the prohibition one more year will support the recovery of the sheep population in this area. Thank you to the ongoing work of all partners to support effective sheep conservation in the southwest Yukon.
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A 2023 population survey of the Donjek Sheep Management Unit showed a 63 per cent decline compared to a 2015 survey resulting in the original closure.
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The 2024 closure was informed by consultation with Kluane First Nation, White River First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Dän Keyi and Alsek Renewable Resources Councils, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, Parks Canada and the Kluane National Park Management Board.
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The Government of Yukon also welcomed feedback from impacted stakeholders before the 2024 closure, which included affected outfitters in the area, the Yukon Fish and Game Association, the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Yukon Outfitters Association, the Yukon Conservation Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada – Yukon Chapter.
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The Science-based guidelines for the management of thinhorn sheep in the Yukon recommend against harvest of sheep populations that are very small or believed to be in serious decline.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Weronika Murray
Communications, Environment
867-332-2805
[email protected]