Wesley Dick, a member of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, has been cited for gathering cat-tails in the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.

Just like his ancestors, Dick has been gathering at the refuge for decades. No one was ever ticketed -- until now.

“It’s outrageous,” Dick, an artist known for his use of cat-tails, told The Reno Gazette-Journal.

Dick pointed out that he was ticketed near a sign that states how Paiutes have used the area to gather cat-tails. “It’s a nice history lesson, but I’m not history, I’m a living person,” he told the paper.

Mike Goodard, the refuge manager, said tribal members can apply for permits to gather. But Dick said he isn't going to pay the $800 fine.

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Paiute artist picking cattails gets $800 citation (The Reno Gazette-Journal 7/7)