Gleason Uppahuak still loves the hunt

Hunting caribou is, by far, Gleason Uppahuak's favourite traditional activity.

Uppahuak, 40, of Arviat, said he grew up hunting and it's still his most favourite thing to do.

“It's always the same for me when it comes to how hunting makes me feel and that's excitement,” said Uppahuak. “I go out hunting in every direction from the hamlet except east.

“I usually go with my son, my cousin or a friend of mine. I do hunt alone every now and then too, though. It's always safety first, especially any time I go out alone.”

Uppahuak said he always makes sure he has all the supplies he needs whenever he goes out hunting.

He said he first went out with his father when he was just five years old and he's loved it ever since.

“I go out on a 50- or 60-mile radius in the summertime because of the rough terrain, but, by snowmobile, I'll often go out on a 100-mile radius.

“I don't really have that one or two favourite spots where I always go. Everywhere is my favourite spot.”

Uppahuak said he finds going out hunting to be refreshing and it always helps to rejuvenate him when he gets away from work and playing sports.

He said there's always plenty of time to think when he's out on the land.

“A successful hunt is always something I really enjoy. I still get as excited to go out hunting today as I ever did. I do all the skinning and butchering out there, too. I just really enjoy the whole experience. I was taught everything by my father (John), my uncle, Tony Uluadluak, and my brother-in-law, William Ollie.

“It takes me about 20 minutes to totally skin and butcher a caribou. The more hands-on experience I got, the faster I got.

“I also enjoy fishing for char and trout quite a bit. I fish using nets and rods and I do quite a bit of ice fishing. I usually decide where I'm going at the last minute, except for the seasonal stuff like Arctic char when they're about to go back to the lakes during, about, the second week of August.

“That's when we go to the mouth of the river here about 10 km north of Arviat. Anyone who doesn't know about it should check out the fish calendar. That really works.”