Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) have inhabited the Canadian Arctic for thousands of years. A survivor of the last ice age, these magnificent animals are perfectly adapted to survive the winter conditions of Canada’s North
The Inuit refer to them as the “Umingmak”, meaning bearded one. They have been an integral part of the Inuit lifestyle for centuries as one animal that can provide a great amount of meat, a warm versatile hide and soft insulating fur.
The muskox have endured great fluctuation in their numbers over the last few hundred years, mainly due to predators, harsh winters and over harvesting by early explorers. However, today their population numbers are plentiful and thriving, allowing local residents to once again rely on these valuable creatures.
While I was in Cambridge Bay, which is located approximately 500 miles north of Yellowknife, I had the opportunity to visit a meat packing plant. About 2 weeks after I was there, on February 17th, the annual Muskox harvest was going to take place. The manager of the plant told me that the government has authorized up to 400 Muskox to be taken for harvest this year. They will all be taken to this plant for processing. During the harvest season, the plant has hired 14 hunters, 25 transporters (they transport the shot muskox from the site that they are shot to the plant) and 30 people to help with butchering, processing and packaging in the plant. I purhcased a muskox roast, which Jacquie and I are planning to eat next weekend.
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