DNR Sec. Stepp issues statement on court ruling denying night hunting of deer by members of Chippewa Tribe
MADISON - In response to Federal Court Judge Crabb’s decision today reaffirming that night hunting of deer is not a treaty right of the Chippewa Tribes, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp has issued the following statement:
The department has received Judge Crabb’s final judgment. We will spend the next several days fully reviewing the decision.
Upon initial review, the department is pleased that Judge Crabb has clarified the law, reaffirming that night hunting of deer by members of the Chippewa Tribe is not a treaty right.
An issue of this magnitude justified a close review by the court. The department felt it necessary to defend state interests and in doing so, public safety has been protected.