With the resident Moose season about to begin, MWF is providing this update to our members on the latest information regarding the Bloodvein First Nation (BFN) check-stop.
Background:
In the fall of 2025, licensed hunters and anglers were prevented from passing through BFN’s check-stop, and the province passed regulations to exclude licensed hunters from designated ‘buffer zones’. After unsuccessfully raising the issue with both the provincial and federal government, BFN, and enforcement authorities, MWF applied to the Court of King’s Bench to protect the rights of licensed hunters to access public lands. The province agreed to station Conservation Officers to ensure public safety and so licensed hunters could pass through the check-stop.
2026 Update:
The moose hunting ‘buffer zones’ for licensed hunters that were created in GHA’s 17 and 17b in 2025 have been removed for the 2026 season. The Government of Manitoba has also announced that Conservation Officers will again be present in the area to ensure that licensed hunters will be allowed to pass through the check-stop to hunt on public lands.
Suggestions to Hunters:
- Always check the current hunting guide (https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/huntingguide.pdf) and ensure that you comply with the regulations.
- If you are travelling through the check stop to legally hunt, please respect the purpose of the check stop – to prevent the transport of drugs and alcohol into the area.
- If you are denied access:
- Do not engage – stay calm and respectful.
- Document the conversation, who was involved, how you were prevented from accessing the area.
- Report the incident to the Bloodvein RCMP at 204-395-2311, Minister of Justice and Attorney General (minjus@manitoba.ca), and MWF (info@mwf.mb.ca).
- Do not engage – stay calm and respectful.
