Bloodvein First Nation has slammed the gate on non-Indigenous hunters, saying enough is enough after years of overhunting and moose meat going to waste. About 125 miles north of Winnipeg along Lake Winnipeg, the community has put up no-trespassing signs and a checkpoint to turn away outsiders—even those with licences. According to an article at cbc.ca, Chief Lisa Young says it’s all about protecting food, tradition, and sustainability, especially after some hunters treated moose like trophy photo ops while leaving the good stuff behind.
The move comes as moose populations face pressure not just in Manitoba but across the northern U.S. where similar concerns over overhunting and habitat strain have sparked debates among hunters and wildlife officials. Now, Bloodvein is urging the province to hit pause on hunting licences in their territory. With elders noting that closures elsewhere are pushing more outsiders into their lands, the community is taking a stand to give moose—and their people—a fighting chance. Supported by neighboring First Nations and in talks with provincial officials, Bloodvein hopes this move will help restore balance so future generations can keep living off the land.
For hunting and fishing information on tribal land in Montana, click here.
Photo credit: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
