Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative

Your Red River Métis Government recognizes the challenges of land availability for harvesting across Manitoba and has taken proactive steps in recent years by purchasing land - Métis Lands - in the province's Northwest and Southwest Regions to ensure these rights remain protected and accessible.

Locations:

• Minitonas Métis Land (GHA 18A, 160 acres)
• Swan River Métis Land (GHA 18A, 160 acres)
• Turtle Mountains Métis Land (GHA 29, 120 acres)

Letter to Citizens - Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative

Through the Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative, Red River Métis Harvesters will have the opportunity to harvest one big-game animal as part of a Harvesting Party on Métis Lands.

This opportunity consists of the following:

• Captain of the Hunt - This is the Red River Métis Harvester who will be the leader of the hunt on behalf of their Harvesting Party. The Captain of the Hunt must ensure all Harvesters in their Harvesting Party have a valid CTF Sticker and follow the Métis Laws of the Harvest - 3rd Revised Edition. The Captain of the Hunt must also ensure all property and harvesting rules are adhered to when visiting the Métis Lands and a report is made to the MMF immediately following a successful harvest.
• Harvesting Party - The Harvesting Party consists of a party of three Red River Métis Harvesters, all of whom must have a valid MMF Métis Harvester Card with a valid CTF Sticker. All Harvesters must be registered to a Harvesting Party and cannot become part of a second.
• Choice of Property & Harvest - Each successfully drawn Harvesting Party will have their choice of one of the three Métis Lands in Manitoba and the opportunity to harvest one big-game animal (e.g., one deer, one elk, or one bear); no other harvesting is permitted -no exceptions, zero tolerance.
• Property Access - Each successfully drawn Harvesting Party will have a 5-day period within a 7-day block to access the property to harvest. If a Harvesting Party decides to depart prior to Day 5, they will notify the MMF within 24 hours of departure. Access to the property, dependent on Harvesting Party preference (e.g., Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday start), will be as follows:
  • Day 1: Arrival of Harvesting Party and set-up of camp after 12 pm;
  • Day 2-4: Opportunity for harvesting; and
  • Day 5: Departure of Harvesting Party prior to 12 pm.
• Onsite Services - An onsite, designated campsite is available to the Harvesting Party on each property with an available firepit, firewood, and portable toilets; there are no electrical, water, or sewer services. Campfires must be held in the designated firepit. Camping must follow "no trace - minimum impact," leaving no garbage and respecting the land. Red River Métis Harvesters must not cut down trees on Métis Lands for firewood, camp poles, or any other purpose.

The initiative is open for the 2026-2027 harvesting season and is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! Download an application form or contact the MMF's Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management Department for information and/or assistance filling out the form. Completed applications must be submitted to biggamedraw@mmf.mb.ca by August 15, 2026 by 11:59pm.

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