The N.W.T. government has cancelled this season’s bison hunt tags due to the anthrax outbreak in the Mackenzie herd this summer.

The N.W.T.'s Department of Environment and Natural Resources prepares the carcasses of bison dead from anthrax for incineration. (CBC)

There were 15 non-aboriginal hunters whose names were picked in the annual draw for bison tags, along with nine tags reserved for outfitters.

At least 440 animals were killed by the disease this year, about one third of the Mackenzie herd.

Department officials are also talking to aboriginal groups about reducing the number of animals their members take this year.