Harvester Harassment

Anishinaabedog of the 11 Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) Member Tribes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan have treaty-guaranteed rights to hunt, fish and gather in the territories ceded in 1837, 1842 and 1854.

It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with the exercise of their treaty rights. This type of conduct is punishable by fines, civil damages, criminal prosecution and other penalties.

Examples of illegal interference include stalking, obstructing access to lakes, shining lights in the eyes of spearers and boat operators to interfere with harvest or prevent safe operation of a boat, threatening violence and committing acts of violence.

GLIFWC has a form intended to create a record to keep track of these incidents and provide appropriate follow-up. Follow-up on certain incidents will involve coordination with outside agencies.

Individuals whose safety or well-being have been threatened should immediately report the incident to local law enforcement, then also to GLIFWC Conservation Enforcement: Mike Soulier 715-209-0093 (Western District Lieutenant) and Steven Amsler 715-562-0034 (Eastern District Lieutenant).