The Victoria Island muskox population has been on the increase for years and has one of the largest concentrations in the Arctic. While the trip is scheduled for six days, the hunting time can be shorter due to the abundance of muskox. In addition to the great hunting, the friendly Inuit of Holman (population 400) will be happy to show you their village, where much of a traditional life is still followed. You can purchase soapstone carvings and their famous prints, and enjoy visiting your guide's family.
Holman Hunters and Trappers Committee operates this hunt. Adventure Northwest is the booking agent for this community — we do not operate the hunt and act only as your agent when dealing with the community. On occasion hunts do not work out exactly as the hunter thinks they should; this must be resolved with the community before the hunter leaves Holman.
Hunting Conditions
Fall hunts are harder and you will only see ten percent of the muskox you may see on a spring hunt. You will go inland by ATV or along the coast by boat to find your muskox — riding on the back of these four-wheelers can be brutal.
On a spring hunt you will be transported by snow machine, which provides great mobility so hunters can cover a lot of ground and look over a good number of muskox.
Hunters have the option of returning each night to stay in the community hotel or with their guides at an additional cost. If you wish to camp on the tundra with your guide for the duration of the hunt, this can be arranged; accommodation while camping is in a heated canvas wall tent.
Things All Hunters Must Be Aware Of
- Travel to and from Holman is the hunter's responsibility.
- All hunting licences and tags are purchased by the hunter on arrival in Holman.
- All food and lodging while in Holman is the hunter's responsibility and can cost up to $300 per day (Canadian), including days lost to weather before, after and during the hunt. If you tag out early you will be brought back to Holman and must pay for food and lodging until your flight departs.
- There is a very good chance the hunter will lose a couple of days to bad weather, equipment breakdowns, or both.
- A representative from the Hunters and Trappers Committee may meet you at the airport in Holman.
- You will need to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel ($10 per person) and return on your way home.
- Have Canadian currency on hand — very few places in Holman accept credit cards.
- Trophy fees for muskox are $150 per animal, paid in Canadian currency at the wildlife office in Holman.
- Meat may be taken home; this is the hunter's responsibility and you will need a leak-proof container to transport it.
- Adventure Northwest strongly encourages hunters to buy trip-cancellation insurance — if you don't know where to purchase it, we can help.