Night hunting remains a problem in southwestern Manitoba.

Several municipalities are urging the province to take action to have the practice halted and as quickly as possible. “It's a question of safety because there are some real concerns out there” said RM of Sifton councilor Scott Phillips.

Sifton along with the the municipalities of Grassland, Whitehead and Souris-Glenwood met at the AMM convention in Winnipeg with Sustainability Minister Cathy Cox to voice their concerns and to look for solutions. “Within the last week a couple of head of cattle were shot, at night, near Virden by people who likely thought the cattle were wildlife.”

Phillips says night hunting is illegal except for status hunters. Since the worries first came to light the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has threatened a court challenge if treaty members are charged for hunting on private land. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs claims first nations rights supersede the rights of property owners.

“A young guy died earlier this year after being shot while night hunting and if that practice wasn't allowed he would probably be alive today.”

The municipalities plan to meet with provincial officials in early January to further discuss the issue. “I think safety has to trump a person's right to hunt at night.”