A member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana took a bison heart to the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the hunting practices of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho.

James St. Goddard criticized Nez Perce hunters for killing a pregnant bison, a violation of Blackfeet traditions. He also said the hunters have been leaving bison hearts on the ground instead of putting them in trees.

“We’re almost different religions in the tribes,” St. Goddard told The Helena Independent Record. “But it’s a standard thing with the buffalo that you don’t do this at this time of year. So why are politics allowed to do this?”

St. Goddard tried to bring the heart to Gov. Steve Bullock (D), who wasn't in his office at the time, the paper said. He eventually met with Jason Smith, the director of the Office of Indian Affairs.

The Nez Perce Tribe retains hunting rights near Yellowstone National Park. The tribe is currently investigating the dumping of a bison on its reservation in Idaho.

Get the Story:
Blackfoot member protests at Capitol over pregnant bison hunt (The Helena Independent Record 3/5)

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