Wisconsin tribes ask 7th Circuit to hear treaty hunting dispute

Thursday, May 8, 2014  

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is being asked to resolve a treaty hunting dispute in Wisconsin.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Band, the Lac du Flambeau Band, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and the Red Cliff Band want to hunt deer at night on ceded lands. They are trying to overturn a state ban, noting that the state allowed night hunting of wolves, a sacred animal.

Judge Barbara Crabb rejected the tribes' request, pointing to a 1991 ruling in the case. The tribes hope the 7th Circuit will allow them to revisit the issue due to changed circumstances.

Briefing is ongoing in the case. Oral arguments have not been scheduled, according to the docket sheet for Lac Courte Oreilles Band v. Wisconsin, No. 14-1051.

Get the Story:
Wisconsin asks federal court to reject Chippewa appeal, maintain ban on night deer hunting (AP 5/7)