Before skulls are cleaned and returned to harvesters, measurements are taken and two teeth are extracted. The growth rings inside the teeth are counted and determine how the bear was.
Since 2011, the harvested polar bears have ranged from 2 to 25 years old, with females averaging 6 years old, and males 11.
By submitting samples or reporting the ear tag and lip tattoo number of the harvested polar bears, hunters gathered important data for the population estimate survey.
The study showed there were approximately 2,015 in Davies Straight polar bears in 2017 and 2018, slightly less than in 2005-2007.
Harvest in Nunatsiavut has remained relatively consistent in the past twelve years with 805 of the harvest being males.
Past participants who would like to find out the age of their harvested bear can call the Wildlife Division at 896-7932.