Big game, big support: 5 MMF harvesting initiatives you should know about

September 2, 2025

_{5 MMF initiatives Red River Métis Harvesters should know this year}

Harvesting is a vital part of Red River Métis heritage. It's not just a cultural tradition but a way of life that has supported Métis families since the early days of the Red River Métis. The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) works hard to protect our Red River Métis right to harvest across the Homeland.

Big-game season runs from July 15 to January 15 every year. While harvesting covers various activities such as fishing, hunting, trapping, and gathering, the big-game season is especially important for many harvesters because it is a significant part of Red River Métis tradition. It provides food, strengthens community bonds, and affirms harvesting rights.

Here are 5 things MMF Citizens should know about harvesting:

1. Métis Harvesting Initiative - Métis Laws of the Harvest

_{Fishing is an important harvesting tradition and a favourite pastime of the Red River Métis; see the Métis Laws of the Harvest for fishing limits and general guidelines.}

The current Métis Laws of the Harvest, released in 2013, is the third revised edition guidebook. It was developed following a landmark agreement with Manitoba in September 2012, which affirmed the Red River Métis right to harvest and created the MMF's Métis Harvesting Initiative.

Rooted in traditional Red River Métis values of conservation, sustainability, and respect for the land, the Métis Laws of the Harvest offer guidance for responsible harvesting.

Inside the guidebook, you'll find a map of the Recognized Métis Harvesting Area (RMHA), along with key principles, laws, and practical guidelines for harvesting big game, migratory game birds, and fishing. There's also a helpful reference table outlining what you need to harvest - such as your Harvester card, Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) sticker, big-game tags, and, if you're underage, a parent or guardian.

2. MMF Harvester card, CTF sticker, and Big-game tags

_{Harvesting big game is always a big deal; don't forget to renew your Harvester Card each year by purchasing the current year's CTF sticker and requesting tags.}

When applying for Citizenship, you can also choose to apply for a Harvester card. Each year, Red River Métis Harvesters must renew their Harvester card by purchasing the current year's Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) sticker and requesting tags. Each year's new CTF sticker replaces the previous year's sticker on the back of your card. CTF stickers and tags become available starting April 1.

Renewing your CTF sticker has never been easier. Through the online CTF Application Portal, you can complete the mandatory MMF Online Harvester Survey and submit your CTF Tag Request Form. You will receive a same-day temporary confirmation, allowing you to start harvesting right after your purchase. Your official CTF sticker will be mailed to you later.

Having a valid Harvester card with a CTF sticker and tags ensures the MMF can support and protect you and your harvesting rights. Without them, you may be at risk of being charged.

3. Métis Land Harvesting Initiative

_{The Métis land of Minitonas is one of three designated Métis harvesting lands; Minitonas land (GHA 18A) is located in the Northwest Region.}

One of the initiatives the MMF has worked hard to create is the Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative, which gives Red River Métis Harvesters the opportunity to harvest on traditional Métis lands.

This initiative uses a lottery-style draw to select Harvesters who can access designated lands in the Northwest and Southwest Regions - specifically Minitonas, Swan River, and Turtle Mountain. By limiting access to one harvesting party at a time, the initiative promotes safety and ensures long-term conservation of these protected areas.

Each successfully drawn party must include at least three Red River Métis Harvesters, all of whom must hold a valid Harvester card with the current year's CTF sticker.

Applications for this season are now closed. However, please check the MMF website and social media for updates on the next draw.

4. Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative

_{As moose populations began to decline in the Duck and Porcupine Mountains, the MMF launched an initiative to protect moose populations while maintaining traditional harvesting areas.}

In 2011, the provincial government closed moose harvesting in the Duck Mountain and Porcupine Mountain (GHAs 13, 13A, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C) without acknowledging the harvesting rights of the Red River Métis. In response, the MMF created the Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative - an effort that balances moose conservation with protecting the harvesting rights of the Red River Métis.

Similar to the Métis Land Harvesting Initiative, this initiative operates as a lottery system. It offers harvesters the opportunity to harvest bull moose while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the moose population and their habitat.

Each successful applicant becomes the Captain of the Hunt and must assemble a harvesting party of four to six Red River Métis Harvesters. All party members are required to possess a valid Harvester card with the current year's CTF sticker. One Conservation Moose tag is issued to each Captain on behalf of their registered harvesting party.

Stay updated the upcoming draw dates by visiting the MMF website and following the MMF on Facebook and Instagram.

5. Red River Métis Fur Company

_{Established in 2021 by the MMF, the RRMFC works to revive the Red River Métis fur trade while promoting sustainability, conservation, and preservation of Red River Métis heritage.}

The Red River Métis Fur Company (RRMFC) plays a crucial role in supporting Red River Métis trappers and maintaining the traditional fur trade economy. Throughout the year, RRMFC carries out fur runs across the Homeland, purchasing furs directly from trappers.

Fur prices vary depending on species, grade, and preparation, but Red River Métis trappers can receive 25 per cent above standard market rates. This subsidy guarantees fair compensation for the time, skill, and care involved in harvesting, while also helping to preserve Red River Métis traditions.

To receive the best prices, bring your furs properly prepared and have your MMF Citizenship card ready.

Once the raw furs and hides are processed, they are handed over to Red River Métis artisans who craft traditional garments and artwork. These handcrafted pieces may then be sold back to the MMF and showcased in the Red River Métis Marketplace as authentic "Traditional Métis Made" items.

Visit the RRMFC website for fur run schedules, program details, and instructional videos on skinning, washing, and scraping furs.

Keeping the tradition alive

The MMF is strengthening traditional practices while focusing on conservation and land preservation. The initiatives in place protect the tradition and right to harvest for the Red River Métis, allowing harvesters to continue connecting with the land, provide for their families, and honour the generations that came before them. Take pride in your rights; protecting the Red River Métis way of life is always in season.

 

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