Yukon Southern Lakes
Yukon
Detailed scouting intelligence for Yukon Southern Lakes, Yukon. Hunting data, seasonal tips, terrain info, and expert guidance for Canadian outdoor adventures.
Primary Game
Seasonal Tips
September: moose in the willow bottoms — call at dawn, glass the burns midday, and get a water crossing or a climb between you and the road. Spring: black bear on the first green slopes above the lakes. Fall: grouse everywhere in the pine country. Caribou are closed to licensed hunting — enjoy seeing them as the recovery's dividend, and report any illegal harvest.
About This Place
The Southern Lakes country around Carcross and Tagish — big blue water, dry pine benches, and mountains on every horizon — carries one of the North's great conservation stories, and honest hunters should know it: licensed caribou hunting here has been closed since 1993, when the Southern Lakes herds had fallen to about a thousand animals. Thirty years of recovery work led by six First Nations has rebuilt them several-fold — Carcross itself means "Caribou Crossing" — and the moratorium on licensed harvest continues while the relationship plan guides what comes next.
What the licensed hunter pursues instead is moose in the willow drainages and burns, black bear in spring on the green south slopes, and grouse through the pine flats — all under Yukon's licensing with the practical wrinkle that this is Whitehorse's backyard, so pressure concentrates near road access and rewards those who boat across a lake or climb a bench beyond the quads. Non-resident big game hunters require an outfitter or a qualifying resident host under Yukon rules. Respect the caribou closure absolutely: these herds were brought back by restraint.
How to Get There
From Dawson City, the drive is approximately 4-6 hours heading north into the bush. GPS: 60.7°N, 135.0°W. The last 20 km is logging road — 4WD recommended, especially after rain. ATVs are useful for accessing deeper hunting zones.
Parking & Access
Pull-off areas along the main access road. No formal parking lot. Register at the provincial check station within 24 hours of harvest. Lock your vehicle and don't leave valuables visible — these areas are remote.
Current Weather
Live conditions via Open-Meteo
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Best Time to Visit
Primary season: August - September. Early season (September) offers warm weather but bugs — bring repellent and patience. The rut period (late October to mid-November) is prime time for big game — bucks are active and responsive to calls. Late season hunts (November-December) can be brutally cold but offer the best trophy potential. Dawn and dusk are the most productive hours — plan to be in position 30 minutes before legal shooting time.
Terrain & Topography
Big-lake country of the southern Yukon: dry lodgepole benches, willow drainages, old burns, and open mountains above Carcross and Tagish — road-accessible edges giving way fast to boat-and-boot wilderness.
Regulations & Permits
A valid Yukon hunting licence and appropriate tags are required. Hunters must complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and hold a valid PAL. This area falls under Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) regulations — check the current Yukon Hunting Regulations for season dates, bag limits, and weapon restrictions. Draw/lottery tags may be required for certain species — apply early (spring deadline). Hunter orange/blaze orange is mandatory during firearms season. Report all harvests within the required timeframe.
Nearby Services
Nearest gas and supplies: Dawson City (4-6 hours). Stock up completely before heading in. Local butcher/processor within 30 minutes — call ahead during peak season. Local outfitters can provide guided hunts and gear rental. Bring all necessary gear and ammunition — no shops nearby.
Where to Stay
Rustic cabins for rent nearby — book well in advance for hunting season. Backcountry camping is permitted on Crown land with no reservations needed. Wall tents and semi-permanent camps are common in this area.
Cell Coverage & Safety
Cell coverage: Patchy service. Download offline maps and carry a backup communication device. Nearest hospital: Dawson City. Bear encounters are possible — carry bear spray and know how to use it. Always hunt with a partner when possible and file a detailed trip plan. Carry a first-aid kit and know the location of the nearest emergency services. Wear blaze orange — it saves lives.
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